Men's Shirt Refashion - Skirt

I saw this on someone's blog (I can't remember who's...sorry), and thought it was a really cute idea. So here is my version of a men's shirt turned into a toddler skirt.

The finished skirt
(probably ended up being more like a 3T/4T skirt)

Start with a men's dress shirt (this was size L)
Cut right below the arms, and even out the bottom. Remove the pocket and any buttons that might get in the way of sewing. The middle piece will be the skirt. I did not cut the sides to make it smaller...just used the elastic to sinch it up small enough. I also cut another inch off the bottom before heming it up.
For the top waistband, fold over once and then again leaving a space big enough for the elastic to fit in. Sew it closed. Remember to leave an opening for the elastic to go through.

I put a 21 inch piece of 3/4inch elastic through the waistband.

Pull both ends of the elastic and sew together. Then sew the open hole closed.

Do the same thing (minus the opening/elastic) for the bottom hem.

The Front

The Back.

Pants...

I made my first pair of pants today. I said I would post the "Good and Bad." I think these fall into the not-so-good category. They didn't sew up as nice as I'd like, they are a tad shorter than I was planning, and the front area isn't flattering at all. But I did make them, and that's what counts right? I used a very simple tutorial from Diaper Swappers. I didn't make these out of a shirt like the tutorial, so I had to sew the sides up. Not a big deal.

Ruffled Poka Dot Dress...

I made this ruffle bottom polka dot dress. I really love elastic thread now...I've actually gone a little crazy with it. More projects with elastic thread to come...
(sorry for the poor pictures. It was late and Daylynn was not cooperating)

Shirred Dress...

Thanks to Laura, we were able to figure out the elastic thread. I can now say I am a fan of it like the rest of the world! Turns out the problem was the bobbin tension. If you are having trouble with it like I was, you might want to check that. Below is the dress I made. Again I got the idea from Made and love it!!!

A-Line Dress for Daylynn!

I did it! I made my first dress out of a pattern. The idea came from Creative Chicks, and the pattern is Simplicity 4927.

I learned a few things about a pattern.

1. Read the directions all the way through...FIRST!
2. Look at the pieces and read them carefully before cutting
(I made that mistake a couple of times).
3. Know basic sewing terminology.
4. Have a really handy mom who can fix what you mess up,
and figure out what you can't!

I really love it, and can't wait for Daylynn to wear it on Sunday!

Another Twirl Skirt...

Yesterday I made another twirl skirt, and I love it! Here is the first attempt...not so pretty. Definitely use the thicker elastic like the directions say to use. It makes it have a better shape. And I also love having the two different fabrics. It adds a lot. Here is the tutorial that I followed from Two Little Banshees.

Close up of her cute little bum bum.

One happy twirler!

*Next project: This a-line dress from Creative Chicks
using the cream, gray and mustard fabrics below.
It will be my first time following a pattern (simplicity 4927).
Any advice???

Tissue Paper Tie Dyeing...Attempt

This morning I babysat my friend's kids. We decided to do a little tie dyeing! I found this cute idea on Dollar Store Crafts that came from Make and Takes and really wanted to try it out. So we cut our tissue paper, and laid it out on our canvas. I used a shirt, and they used white muslin. We intended to turn theirs into cinch bags when we finished, but it didn't work as well as we had hoped. We'll have to try again. Below are all three of our work. Hannah's had some trouble transferring. I noticed after that there is a shiny side and dull side of the tissue paper. That may have had something to do with it.

Hannah cutting her scraps out

Her cute design. The purple never transferred.

The finished Product.

Reha cut and crumpled her tissue paper.

Sprayed, and waiting for transfer

Finished Product!

My attempt...the petals shifted when I sprayed it.

Finished Product...
not very pretty (good thing it was just a trial run!)

Skirt...

I've never been one to make clothes, but lately that is all I've wanted to do. I found a tutorial for this skirt at Two Little Banshees. Her skirt has two different fabrics (which I like), but I didn't have a coordinating fabric.

P.S. this really is an easy project, and I mean it!

Shirt Dress. Part II...

Here is my second attempt. It turned out much better. If you look closely you will see that I put the pocket on the bottom of the dress. It holds crayons really well!

Shirt Dress...

Here is a dress I made out of Aaron's work shirt. This started out as one of the ugliest shirts! Aaron gave it to me to practice on, and I was bummed. It ended up turning out super cute! I just wish I took a before picture of it. Next time. Just walking to the park today, we received several compliments on it! The idea was from the website Made. She has a great tutorial you can follow. My friend Lyric and I tackled this dress...it took us all day (between one sewing machine, one pair of scissors and 5 kids).
It was a fun project, and I plan to make a couple more.
The Front

The back
(it is a little twisted, but you can get idea).

Kids Apron

I bought this adorable fabric at the Fabric District in L.A. I decided to make Daylynn a reversable apron with it. I am in love with the way it turned out! I used a basic apron pattern, but added the pocket, ruffles and pom poms to the bottom.

I especially love this little model!