Shirt Downsize

Harley Belle was born in May and we had a beach weekend 3 weeks later.  Yeah, I looked FAN-freakin-Tastic!   Especially, since I am lucky enough to gain at least 70 lbs., sometimes more, with each bundle of joy. Anyway, I bought a bunch of new clothes for the summer. You know, the post-baby clothes.  Although it makes me very happy to say this, most of those cute clothes don't fit anymore. Then again, I am not ready to just toss them aside.  So, here is my solution.  

First, find a shirt that does fit or even a shirt that is a bit snug.  Turn the shirt that is too large inside out and then pin the shirt that does fit on top of the large shirt, like so...

  Now, bust out the sewing machine and stitch along the small shirt. Careful! Don't sew the small shirt to the big shirt.  That would be a disaster.  Just stay as close as you can to the shirt that fits with the foot of your machine.  TIP:  Sewing knit fabrics is kind of tough. Sometimes the fabric gathers even when you don't want it too.  Make sure to pull the fabric very tightly as you sew.

Next, unpin the small shirt. You should have a stitch along the sides of your large shirt that looks something like this.

Next, turn your large shirt right side out and try it on.  If the fit is good, turn it inside out again and trim the excess fabric.

Realistically, most of us don't get to down-size the size of our clothes very often. At least, I don't any way.  But, let me give you a few other examples of when this technique comes in handy.  The other day I was at Target.  They had some adorable shirts on sale for $2.  Unfortunately, they were all too large.  If I had only thought of this idea sooner I would have stocked up on these great deals!  Also, we each have those T-shirts we get for something we participated in,  like the local Fun Run or Church Basketball.  They are always perfectly rectangular and totally unflattering.  Why not add a little femininity to your tee by using this method.

Here is one of the shirts I down sized.  Probably should have taken a BEFORE picture for the full effect!  Live and learn.

St. Patty's Skirts, Shirts, & More

I must confess that I am not really into St. Patrick's day. It just seems like an excuse to get drunk and wear an obscence amount of green, both of which are a little disgusting in my book. But, we were actually invited to a neighborhood party this year so I thought, "What the heck?  Why not pretend to be Irish!"

Above you will see my St. Patty's Day Cupcake Wreath.  I love these wreaths. They are easy, cheap, and there seems to be a cupcake holder designed for each holiday and season. By the way, I bought the letter "B" in the dollar bins at Michael's.  For the tutorial on how to make your own Cupcake Holder Wreath, visit my FAMILY BLOG. 

Belle most certainly needed a TUTU for the occassion.  This is what I came up with. And yes, this is the best picture I could get. She is impossibly busy these days and a little naughty too!

First, gather your supplies.  I used elastic, toile, and ribbon.  (I have no idea why this picture refused to face the right direction, but hopefully you get the point.)  This roll of toile I found at Michael's for $2.99 using my 40% coupon it was...well, less.  The roll makes about 3 small TUTUS. 

 Cut a strip of elastic. Either measure your daughter's waist leaving a seam allowance for when you sew it together or cut it long enough to tie around her waist when the skirt is completed.

Next, never mind the embarassing picture with my lunch and other craft projects messily scattered all over my table and unroll your toile. I cut mine into 20 inch strips (my baby is a large 10 month old).  And then I cut those strips in half length- wise to create more narrow strips of toile.

Take one strip and fold it in half making a "U" shape, slide the curved part of your "U" under the elastic.

Now, take the bottom of your toile pull it over your elastic and into the "U."

Pull tight and then repeat until your tutu is full and fluffy.

I added some ribbons to the skirt in the same way that I attached the toile. I chose to sew the elastic together to fit Bell's waist but as I mentioned earlier you can certainly just tie it in the back.

Finally, I made the boys these LUCKY shirts using the Freezer Paper technique that I LOVE so very much.  (See our projects for a tutorial)

That's it!  My crafty contribution to Irish culture. We are now offically one big happy fake Irish family!

Just in time for March Madness!

It seems that all the boys in our house have an ample supply of BYU gear. The girl's are another story. Today being a game day and with March Madness just around the corner, I set out to remedy this little problem. Using the same technique described in the Freezer Paper Silhouette post (see two posts below) I made Belle this I "heart" Jimmer onesie. Plus, momma got a cougar fix up too. I cut my letters out with a Cricut but you can easily print letters onto the freezer paper or even free draw them.

The shirt that I made for myself has a very low scoop neck . When I tried it on, I got a funny feeling about dressing like a Hooker while wearing a BYU shirt. This is the same compelling feeling I get to restrain my middle finger while driving on the Beltway because I have a BYU Alumni license plate holder.

My Solution: Add a ruffle.

First I dug around in my goodwill pile of clothes and found an old shirt. I trimmed the bottom.

Next, I pinned the bottom of the old shirt around the collar of my new shirt. Some trimming to make the sizes match will most likely be required.

Finally, I sewed it on with my machine and now I have a cleavage free BYU shirt!