Just For Fun

I have so many different hobbies that I enjoy! I wish I could just pick one thing and be awesome at it...but I get bored. Currently, a lot of my craft inspiration comes from PINTEREST! I could spend endless hours on there! :)

 

MY PAPA'S SHIRT

This particular shirt was once my husband's. When he 'outgrew' it, he gave it to his father, "Papa Joe". I didn't have any old shirts laying around to test this out, so I turned to my mother-in-law who was happy to oblige! Let me tell you --my sewing experience is VERY limited! I think any beginner could do this project. If all else fails: head out to Goodwill on their 29 cent sale days. If you don't get it right the first time, you're not losing out on much money for the fabric and can try again! 

Since completing this project, I decided to make a dress using each one of Kylie's grandfather's shirts! I'm most nervous about doing "Papa Fred's" shirt because he passed away and his shirt can't be replaced with another. With my next one, I'm going to add a patch of some sort and embroider the names of who it once belonged to.   



I didn't take pictures with my progress, but I will the next time I do it. I'll try to briefly explain how I made it, in case you wanted to give it a try..

This is a large sized shirt (my daughter is 4) --although, it seemed small for that particular size.

 

1.) Cut off the sleeves at the seam (will use later)

2.) Measure how long you want the dress to be. Starting at the bottom of the shirt, measure and then cut at the length you need.

3.) Cut a band from the remaining shirt. Measure around the chest and sew the band to that size.

4.) Sew the bottom part of the dress into place. I included pleats on the front and back (Which was the first time I ever attempted this!).

5.) Measure how long you need the straps to be. Cut the straps for the dress from the sleeves. I folded the edges in and then did a zigzag stitch over them. I permanently attached the straps to the back and decided to use buttons from the cuffs on the front.

6.) I had extra material left over, so I decided to 'slap' it on the back for a bow. (I should have hemmed them, but was being lazy I guess).

 

Note:

I would recommend to run a seam down the button line of this dress. When she sits, the bottom always pulls open. She likes to wear this dress to preschool, so I put a pair of tights and a long-sleeved shirt under it and it works perfectly!