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Thursday, April 8, 2010

spring top challenge, part 1

okay, so i have an unfinished dress that's pissing me the hell off (which is why it's still not yet done, ugh), but that didn't stop me from jumping into a different project altogether. heh.

i was cruising online tutorials, looking for a cute idea to use for a contest i wanted to enter, when i came across this super sweet ruffly top. it's actually not a top made from scratch. instead, you take a plain old tee, cut up a second one to make ruffles and frilly shit out of, and sew it all together. and so, of course, i had to give it a shot.

i picked up two of these basic gray tees from target:



took 'em home, and busted out the scissors. i have to admit, i kind of yelped a little as i sliced right into the side and cut it open, following the directions carefully. i snipped out a bunch of strips of t-shirt material, sat at my machine, created the ruffles, and attached them to the shirt. i don't have step-by-step pics, because the tutorial already has great illustrations, and besides, i was on a roll.

when the hub caught sight of what i was doing, he was rather horrified at the notion of cutting up a "perfectly good shirt" to make this one. he wasn't too impressed with my creation, but what does he know? hmph.

i don't know why, because they're actually really easy to make, but i struggled a little with the little rosettes for the neckline. but they were so cute on the original top that i patiently unstitched, resewed, and repeated the process a couple of times before i was finally satisfied. because, like all of my other projects, this one wasn't perfect and the rosettes would cover up my slight fuckup in measuring the neck ruffle. muahahahaha.

and then i busted out my little tripod while the bean was napping and snapped a couple of shots to submit to the contest:



i like it much better with the cardigan over it, but i'm pretty satisfied with the results either way. plus, i'll be able to get away with wearing it to work with the coverup. know what i mean?

i have a couple of other ideas for contest entries, and i have till the end of the month. wish me luck in carving out the time to get 'em done.

24 comments:

  1. O-to-the-M-to-the-G!! I love this top! You did an awesome job and I think the rosettes add something needed. Make me one? I'll pay ya- I really will...

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  2. wow! love the top! Great job for your first time.

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  3. wow....you did an amazing job! good luck with the contest.

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  4. I'm boo-hooing that I can't wear shirts with the ruffles up top like that. It adds a little to much attention to the girls.

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  5. I looooooooooove it. So cute. Seriously. Awesome. I want one RIGHT NOW.

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  6. that looks super cute!! two thumbs up!

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  7. Silly husband. That is totally impressive.

    I have a TON of t-shirts I want to toss. They are Paul Frank, no less. Maybe I can give them all to you, and you can have a field day creating stuff for your kids (and maybe for yourself).

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  8. Woooooooooow!! So Anthropolie'ish! I'd buy that! You are so going to win girl! I love it!

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  9. Wear some of the jewelry that you sell in case you win you can use the pics to cross promote.

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  10. just saw this on flick-r.. and hoppped on over here to say that this really stuck out as awesome!

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  11. CUTE! And ditto That Girl. Stupid big boobs. Le sigh...

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  12. the top is HELLA cute! great job.

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  13. I am really impressed with this one. Enough that I've started googling upcycling and refashioning. You've totally inspired me!

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  15. Great job on your top! I think your top re-fashion is one of the best yet on spring top week at made by rae! Great job on those layered ruffles and cute rosettes!

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  16. Very cute! It totally reminds me of something from Jcrew, which is a very good thing in my book. :D

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  17. That shirt is very cute!!

    Please open an Etsy store so I can buy clothes and felt food from you :-D

    p.s. - I was at Pottery Barn this past weekend and saw some felt doughnuts and immediately thought of you.

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  18. gorgeous and why-didn't-i-think-of-that?? heh
    i'm gonna sorta copy it as soon as i can...glad you won!
    kudzu

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