I heard from a friend (you know who you are) about smocking your own material by winding elastic thread into the bobbin of your sewing machine. It is such an easy technique and you can totally transform any baggy boring shirt like this...
Into THIS!!...
Now I'm rethinking my whole pile of frumpy clothes that were heading to the donation drop off.Want to know how to do it? I just searched "elastic thread smocking" and a number of tutorials came up. I found this one & this one the most helpful.
I didn't have to sew any edges, because the shirt was already made!
I did three rows around the neck, five around the waist, and four on the sleeves. To get the waist in the right place, I just put my hands around the smallest part of my waist and pinned the front, back and sides to guide myself for the middle row, then sewed two lines above and below that.I used the edge of the foot to measure the distance between each row-probably 1/4 inch apart.
Instead of spraying the thread with water, I used my iron at its highest heat and steam levels and steamed away. It shrunk up nicely.
Instead of spraying the thread with water, I used my iron at its highest heat and steam levels and steamed away. It shrunk up nicely.
Now I'm going to get started on some dresses for Afton and maybe work on some of my old t-shirts. This is so fast and easy AND it's a style that I see in all of the stores right now. Can you tell that I'm a little excited about this?
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14 comments:
I love how it turned out! Happy sewing
WHAT?! That is really cute! I LOVE it! You would never know in a million years that it is the same shirt!
Neat!
okay, you just worked magic! that's so cute! i too get a thrill out of re-life-ing my clothes- never thought of smocking!
that is too cute stacy! i love how crafty you are. i am not at all.
Stacy, that is awesome, I love the before and after. My friend has done that, but I have not had the courage to try it. I will have to have a go at it.
You can just do anything!! Looking good!!
So cute!!! Great job! I just finished a pillowcase stye dress for my girls for the 4th of July! So fun to do!
Hawt! I'm excited too!! My mind's spinning!
That is awesome! I've been wanting to try it on some things for Cassidy, but I haven't had the courage. Maybe you could show me how some time.
Thanks for sharing! Needing some ideas for making maternity shirts ruffle on the sides and this would soo work! I hate to think about spending $25+ on a m. shirt.
That is awesome.
oh wow! i am still in shock that it's the SAME shirt in both pics! NO WAY!!!!!!!!! it's so cute. you almost make me want to go buy a sewing machine!!! (but i know i would totally suck at this so it ain't happening)
Okay...
A.) You are hot sauce! In every. Single. Picture. How do you do that?! You are such a model. Love your hair too. You are such a cutie.
B.) I really, really, really need to learn to sew. That shirt looks fun to make but when I see thread and needles and measuring tape I go into a slow panic. You are awesome! Wanna come to Dallas and teach me? Purrrty please with a cherry on top?! ;-)
C.) Afton is so lucky to have a mom like you--you are so creative! Still loving the mobile you made in Afton's room and the Pottery Barn-esque Halloween Advent calendar you made. You've got mad skills.
Miss you! :(
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