T Shirt to Cardigan

Have you ever noticed that when you are looking for something specific it is no where to be found? I have been on the hunt for a basic cardigan/zip up hoodie to wear home from the hospital and those early nursing days. And do you think that I could find one in town that met my criteria? (Okay, maybe I didn't go to every store, but I hit all of the obvious choices.) It was time I took matters into my own hands. I purchased a basic v-neck shirt in XL and went to the sewing machine.

It was very easy and I am thinking this is just the start of my t-shirt to cardigan refashioning days. Here is a quick tutorial so that you can make your own as well.
T-Shirt to Cardigan Tutorial

1. Cut your shirt in half down the center front.

2. Sew ribbon along each edge on the right side of the t-shirt. (I used a very small seam allowance here. Probably around 1/8 of an inch.) Be sure to leave about an inch of ribbon at the top and bottom.

3. Turn the ribbon to the inside of the shirt. Press with your iron. Take the extra from the top and bottom and turn under to the inside.

4. Sew along the ribbon on the outside edge. (Again, I used a small seam allowance.) Also, make sure that the ribbon ends are tucked under while sewing to create a finished edge.

5. You can leave your cardigan like this, or make some sort of closure. I choose to make an elastic loop and button closure at the top of the cardigan.
6. Start with elastic cord. (The one I used is actually sold for jewelry, but  I use it for this purpose.) I cut a couple of inches and tied it off to make a loop.

7. Sew the loop to the top inside of your cardigan.

8. And finally sew a button to the other side.

An easy and nifty little project. Perfect for maternity, breast feeding, or just hanging out.

I am linking to the following parties this week:

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Shirt Refashion Part Duex

Did you guess the secret to the shirt in this posting?

While it is from Target, it isn't from the women's department. 

I am letting a dirty little secret out of the bag here.

Are you ready for it???

I sometimes shop in the girls' department!!

I know I am probably breaking some fashion code, but I am cool with it. (Just don't tell Clinton and Stacy.)

Why, hello there red tag? 

And what are you attached to?

It may not look like much more than a knit dress right now, but I saw potential in this little turquoise gal. (Her and two of her friends, black and pink.)

The first order of business was to loss the front pockets.

Next up, convert it from a dress into a shirt by taking off some length.

Not too bad.

Miss Pink is done, but I think that Miss Turquoise needs a little something extra.

That little ruffle by the yoke does the trick.

And Miss Black needs some flower detail on her yoke.

Are you ready for your close-up, Miss Black?

All in all, not too shabby. Three shirts for less than $10.

You know how I am about reinventing wheels?

Here are a few links you may find helpful in creating your own t-shirt refashions:

Little Birdie Secrets

Enchantresses 3

Made By Lex

These refashions seem to be all the rage these days. Just do a Google search and you will find more than enough help out there!

Options . . .

I picked up this shirt off the clearance rack at Target, too. (Only this one comes with a secret. I'll see if any of you can guess.)
It came looking pretty much like this. (Minus the riffle. Plus about three inches at the hem.)

I really did contemplate just hemming it up and wearing the Cleopatra bib with it. I even had it on once all ready to go out, but just couldn't do it. I think it looks like something a Miley Cyrus fan would wear to one of her concerts. I know some 30 year old mamas could rock it, but I am obviously not in this category.
So, I took some of the fabric I had cut off from the bottom, ruffled it, and sewed it on to the neckline.

Ah, now there is something that I can wear.
***Ugh, seeing these pictures makes me realize it is time to start doing some sit-ups. Bikini season is around the corner, you know. ;o)***