T-shirt Transformation

My last project of 2009 (of course, watch, next time I write the date, I'll put 2009 instead of 2010 and I've been so good!) was something I've wanted to try for awhile......but wasn't quite sure of........ repurposing a tshirt.

I'm a sucker for t-shirts on clearance........and you know, with 5 kids, I'll use it sooner or later ..... someone's good tshirt will get one of those mysterious stains that won't come out or I'll need a last minute birthday present. So, I had a short sleeve, boring, grey t-shirt just hanging around....... begging to be refashioned.........waiting for a child to wear it.......no, really, my 9 year old just needed some more long sleeve shirts for winter. I remembered, a while back, Ashley at Make It and Love It took a short sleeve shirt and showed how to change it into a long sleeve shirt -awesome and easy!! Great idea and so many, many possiblilities!!!

I used a pink t-shirt of mine -I never wore it because it was too long- for the sleeves and the ruffle on the front. Very satisfying to use something that you probably would have gotten rid of any way. I'm looking at t-shirts in a whole new light now. I think the toughest part was measuring the short sleeve to see how wide to cut the longer sleeve. I ended up having to cut the long sleeve smaller and pinning it a couple times until it fit.

I wasn't sure what to put on the front because I've seen so many neat ideas. My daughter picked ruffles on the front. I gathered my strip first though, right down the middle, and then sewed it on to the t-shirt right along the gather stitch. I may add one on each side of the current one, we haven't decided. Another thought was for a flower on the front of the shirt like this or a bunch of flowers like this.

Great project-quick, easy and fun!!

edited to add I linked up with Today's Creative Blog Get Your Craft On

and Blue Cricket Design's Show and Tell Wednesday

and Somewhat Simple's Strut Your Stuff Thursday and

Round Robin at Keeping up with The Schultz Family

Check out all these blogs for some great, creative ideas! Thanks to all who share their wonderful ideas with the rest of us!!!