Monday, June 28, 2010

back from vacation with a t-shirt refashion

Lots of driving, lots of food, lots of family, lots of hiking, a little bit of crafting. That was our trip to Utah. It was amazing. But it's good to be home and off the sugar high, and to get back to lots of crafting.


My little bit of crafting was t-shirt refashioning with my mom and sis. Here we are when I first got there--I loved that we were all wearing essentially the same outfit. Jeans, a white shirt, and a bright cardi. No, we didn't call each other. It must be genetic.


My mom always claims that she's not crafty or creative, but don't let her fool you--she knows style. This is her ruffle and flower t-shirt she made with a little ribbon and some beads. Gorgeous, right? She used our gathered ribbon flower tutorial to make the flower, then stitched the ribbon down to create random ruffles and added a few accent beads.


So my sister and I picked up t-shirts at Forever 21 (mine was only $2.50!), plus some ribbon and beads at JoAnn. Here are our versions.



My best tip for stitching ribbon to a t-shirt is to use a transparent thread. I use a lightweight, "clear" quilting thread that I also found at JoAnn. You don't see the stitches, and you can use it for lots of different colored shirts, so it's economical.

I also had a little time to create some jewelry with inexpensive bracelets I also picked up at Forever 21. Tutorial coming soon--I'm still unpacking and catching up on laundry!


(Loving the awkward self-portrait. Too lazy to turn on the timer.)

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33 Comments

33 Responses to “back from vacation with a t-shirt refashion”

Lorilee said...

Adorable! Great idea. I think I may have to give it a try myself!
Blessings,
Lorilee

Katherine said...

3 stylish ladies! Love the t-shirts might give that a go, but the bracelets - I want one! Can't wait to see how - I can go without other jewellery, but never a bracelet!

Nina @ Momma Go Round said...

Seriously cute shirts! Where did you stitch down the ribbon...in the fold or ontop? I can't wait to try this!

The Cook Fam said...

So super cute!!! Way impressed!

Unknown said...

ooohhhh! Love the bracelet.

A Little Bit of Everything! said...

Cute! Love the shirts and the bracelet. Mama needs a pat on the back. She did a great job.

Kerri said...

Ok, is that your mom in the blue cardigan? Looks more like your sister! What a great picture!

Crystal said...

I LOVE the bracelet! I think that me and my 3 daughters all need at least one!

jen @ {decor junkie} said...

I love it! I am going to have to try your flower tutorial -- so adorable. And yes, your mom is DEFINITELY creative!

Kaitlin Jenkins said...

I love the bracelets, what a great idea to re purpose an already existing piece. The large flower is adorable, really looking forward to the tutorials!

Crystal said...

Love the shirts! Can't wait for the tutorial for the bracelets!

Meredith said...

The t-shirts look great. I can't wait for the bracelet tutorial!

MaryLee said...

Did you use wired ribbon or does it matter? I already went and bought a couple of $2 t-shirts. I can't wait to make one for my friend's birthday.

Unknown said...

What fun! I am going to have a look at your flower tutorial and see if I can make one to pop on a hair tie.
Thanks,
Sarah Craftylocks
http://www.papercraftsforchildren.com/

Tatkis said...

Wonderful pictures and ideas!

Best wishes,
Tatyana

Anonymous said...

I just stumbled across your blog and am so inspired! Beautiful ideas!

Marianne said...

It was fun to see you for two seconds! :)

Unknown said...

Ha ha ha!!! Your self portrait ... that was funny.

I can't even believe how cute those ribbons are - what a great idea and one that I haven't seen before.

(Yay for your mom for her Caslon tee too! That's my favorite brand - they have incredible quality!)

Whatever Dee-Dee wants said...

Darling t shirts!

Becca at One Girl said...

I love your t-shirts so adorable. I can't wait to make one for myself!

paige renee said...

I love these shirts! I would love to make something similar!

Little Birdie Secrets said...

Thanks for all the nice comments! I know, my mom is cute, huh! She lives in those Caslon tees from Nordstrom--swears by them.

Okay, answers to questions:
*We started with a wired ribbon because we liked the ribbon, but we pulled the wire out. We weren't sure how it would hold up when washed. (By the way, we plan on hand-washing these shirts.)

*We stitched along the sides of the ribbon and then tacked down the base of each ruffle, but left most of the top part of the ruffle unstitched so it looks more natural and more ruffle-y.

*I'll work on the bracelet tutorial this weekend--watch for it soon!

Emily @ Finding My Aloha said...

I love the grey one! I have been tossing aroundt eh idea of doing this. I think seeing yours just inspired me enough to try! :)

Candice said...

oh I just love your t-shirts ;-) I'll have to give it a try...

Katrina Gelino said...

Love this idea! What a great way to dress up plain tees! I'm also an avid crafter if you would like to see my blog!

http://katrinagelino.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

Love your refashioned shirts! They look gorgeous. Anyway, I would love to see the tutorial for the bracelets you've made. Maybe, I can also use the fabric flower for making hair accessories. =)

sarah said...

I just found your blog and I love all the ideas!! Thanks and I'm looking forward to the bracelet tutorial, those are so cute!

Anonymous said...

OK I love your blog, I love your refurbished t shirts but where in the world did you get the flower necklace you have on in the pic of you, your mom, and your sister. Please don't tell me you made it :)

Little Birdie Secrets said...

Yes, I made that necklace. But never fear, I'll be offering an online mini class soon so you can make your own!

The Lively's said...

I just love your blog! And I love all those flower necklaces I see you wearing. I'm sure I could figure it out but I would love for you to show us. Thanks for all the awe inspiring ideas!!! Love it, Love it!

Unknown said...

Seriously cute shirts! Where did you stitch down the ribbon...in the fold or ontop? I can't wait to try this!

Cool Shirts

Anonymous said...

:D Here is mine :)
http://glowacademy10.blogspot.com/2011/04/old-new-fav-shirt.html
Thanks for the tut

Danielle said...

So adorable! I want one of each!

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