Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Recycled T-Shirt DIY

So, my mom sent me this cool Johnny Cash t-shirt, and I knew I had to do something with it. I was kind of afraid to cut into it. I mean, it's a cool shirt, but it also stands for the fact that my mom just gets me. You know? I'm almost 24 years old, I've been living away from home for 6 years, and I still get care packages. Only, MY MOM'S care packages include a $20 bill and a bitching t-shirt. Yes.

So, I was afraid to cut it up... but I knew that if I didn't, it would end up on the floor of my closet or in the trunk of my car, and I'd only really wear it to bed or the gym. So I took a deep breath and decided to try upcycling it into a cute blouse.

I think I nailed it. I have a few finishing touches and resizing things to do, but luckily I am visiting my parents on the weekend and can use my mom's sewing machine. But for now, I think, yeah, nailed it. Step by step instructions and pictures below.



This is the shirt, before I started. 


Step 1: Cut off sleeves.



Step 2: I made two cuts, about 2 inches from the edge of the sleeve, to make straps.


Step 3: I tried to be as accurate as possible, without using a ruler (oops). I made a 
mark right in the center of the chest, where I wanted my new neckline to be.


Step 4: I opted for a sweetheart neckline. I cut out the whole neck area, to make a 
lower, sweetheart neckline. 


Step 5: Flip the shirt over, and cut out the back. Here's where you can get really creative. 
I stuck with a plane, square back. 


Step 6: I decided to add a little bit of ruching on the bust. Right where the sweetheart points, 
I took a little thread and stitched about an inch and a half of basic ruching. I might add more later. 


Finished!



Here's my finished product. I love it! I have to finish the edges of the neckline, so it doesn't roll up like that. I also want to take it in under the armpits, so I don't feel like I have to wear a cami underneath. Overall, I'm proud of my work!