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It’s a t-shirt…it’s a dress…

it’s a t-shirt dress!

I saw an adult a-line version of this in a catalog and decided to make some for the kids.  Are they back in style?  This was pretty easy and inexpensive.  You could add a matching appliqué to the top.  And I think it would be extra cute in plaid.  This will work for adults or kids.

Here are the basic instructions:

Supplies:

  • tee
  • 1/2 yard fabric (for kids)
  • thread
  • scissors
  • measuring tape

Step #1: Wash and dry tee and fabric.

Step #2: Try the tee on to see where you want it to hit.  Mark that spot and cut neatly across the bottom.

Step #3: Measure the width of the hem of your t-shirt.  Double that and cut your fabric to that width in two pieces.  You can decide the length according to your needs.  (I used about 10″ for my three year-old and 12″ for my five year-old).

Step #4: Turn under bottom of one piece of fabric 1/2″ and press.  Fold 1/2″ again and sew hem.  Repeat for the other piece of fabric.

Step #5: Right sides together, pin the two pieces of fabric together and sew one of the side seams (1/2″ seam allowance).

Step #6: Sew a basting stitch along the top for gathering, leaving bobbin thread long.

Step #7: Right sides together, sew the other side seam, starting at the bottom and leaving about 1/2″ at the top so that you can still adjust the gathers.

Step #8: Turn tee inside out and insert skirt section into the inside of the skirt upside down, with right side of skirt facing right side of tee (see photo below).

Step #9: Pin seams of skirt to seams of tee.  Pins should be on the inside of the skirt.  Then pin around, adjusting the gathers evenly as you pin.

Step #10: Sew in place along the basting stitch.

Step #11: Sew overcasting stitch along all seams.

If you make this project, be sure to post a photo to the Flickr Make it Monday page.

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Reversible Skirt

So here’s a pattern that I am thinking of putting in the pattern shop (which only exists in my head at the moment).  A reversible skirt.  If your little one spills on her skirt, flip it inside out and there’s a clean skirt!  You also could make this with two sets of different fabrics, making in fact two completely different skirts.  I like the idea of reversible things because if you’re going to go to the trouble to make something, isn’t it nice to make two at one time?

This vintage-inspired fabric in my favorite color combination is from Moda (Urban Chiks 1974, available at Sew, Mama, Sew!).

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Etsy Finds Friday

Happy Squirrel Rubber Stamp, $4 from nikoart.

Oak Leaves & Acorn Tile, 3 3/4″ x 3 3/4″, $28 from Gretchen Kramp.

Playing in the Leaves, set of 4 vintage illustration notecards, $14.50 from Stories and Divinations.

Letterpress Alphabet Poster, $30 from Sycamore Street Press.

La la la Singing Apple Ornament from woodmouse, $10.

Picnic 3T Dress, from mette, $40.

Fabric Button Brooch, $3 from Meeting Street Designs.

Wool roving, $15 from Spindlefrog.

ACEO Butterfly from Wood by DeRaud, $6.

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Hey Sewers!

Not the place that carries waste, but those who sew. Sewists, seamstresses, tailors, those of you who bought a sewing machine but haven’t plugged it in yet. I’m talking to you. I am planning to start a pattern business and want to get your feedback.

  1. What kind of patterns interest you most? Patterns for clothes, accessories, kids’ stuff?
  2. Do you prefer tissue paper patterns or would you like downloadable .pdf files with drawings and photographs? I am thinking that downloadable files would provide instant gratification and be kinder to the environment, but want to know your opinion.
  3. How much are you willing to pay for a pattern?
  4. Would you be interested in a subscription service where you pay a flat fee and get a new pattern every week or month? Maybe within a category — like kids, home and accessories?

These are the questions that have been on my mind lately. I have some great ideas for you, just need some time to get them all done!

While I’ve got your attention, I also wanted to let you know about an upcoming book project from Storey Publishing called One Yard Wonders, which is being put together by Rebecca Yaker and Trish Hoskins. It will be full of projects that you can make with one yard of fabric. Doesn’t that sound fun? The deadline for submissions is August 31, so get your original sewing pattern together and submit it here.

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