A colleague of mine approached me with a Pinterest picture, asking if I could turn her favorite MSU Spartans t-shirt into a cute "gameday" dress. She showed me a few examples (just go to Etsy and do a "gameday dress" search), and I thought it looked like a fun challenge, so I accepted.
Fabric.com had the perfect coordinating knit for the skirt, with hunter green and an underlying gold metallic thread running through it. 2 yards was plenty for the skirting and a belt/sash.
Addison Jersey Knit Chevron is still available, in 2 colorways (Hunter and Purple)!
I started by chalking the neckline and armholes from a tank top pattern, paying attention to the placement of "Sparty" logo. Before cutting (I didn't want the t-shirt holes to stretch any larger), I stay-stitched along my chalk lines.
I cut 1/2" away from my stitching lines, and pressed the raw edge under, placing the stay-stitching on the edge of the fold. I used my coverstitch machine to finish the neck and armholes cleanly, pressing again afterward. That completed the top of the dress!
She lent me a favorite summer dress with a similar skirt style and length, so I knew how to correctly size the skirt pieces. I cut two pieces that were roughly 25" long, and 40" wide, stitched them together at the side seams, and hemmed the bottom using the coverstitch again. I marked the center front and back with a pin, and gathered up the top edge of the skirt, to be attached to the top. Using a zig-zag stitch (so the pieces will still stretch around her), I attached the top to the skirt, and cleaned up the seam with my serger.
To create the braided belt, I cut 3 strips of fabric (each 3" wide), and sewed them each as a tube, right sides together. I tucked the ends inside each tube and finished the ends with a zig-zag, then braided the bands together. At the ends, I hand-stitched the 3 bands together (to hold the braid), and simply tied it around the waist to cinch in the skirt. (If I had to do over again, I would've gotten her waist measurement and constructed a casing for an elastic band. But, not knowing her preference for loose/tight fitting at the waist, I figured that this option would work either way.)
She loves it, and it was a fun little crafty project for me. Don't think I'll be setting up an Etsy shop or anything, but if asked again, I would have fun putting a new twist on it. I'd love a racerback style without the gathered skirt, for myself...
NOW, FOR THE GREAT NEWS...
The American Sewing Expo called yesterday to let me know that I have been selected as one of the 12 competitors for the "Passion for Fashion" contest in September. I'm so excited (and nervous), but mostly just thrilled, as I've wanted to participate in this competition since first attending the show in 2007.
15 comments:
Cute dress!! Congrats on being selected for a finalist!!
Julie
What a great upcycle, if that's the right use of the word. Thanks for showing and describing your process. And a great big congratulations for bring selected as a competitor for the ASE!
Congratualtions on getting chosen for the competition. I know, like cream, you will rise to the top. Staystitching before cutting out the tank is brilliant. Thanks! Great looking dress.
Congrats on both! A fun, great dress for your friend, and a finalist in the competition. Way to go!
Grrrr....Google at my comment! Congratulations on being selected Kristine! I am very happy and excited for you! I've never been to the fashion show and will make a point to go this year. You have my support and help.
Great re-fash on the (blech) Sparty shirt. =)
Thanks, L! But... "blech"? Oh, you're a Wolverine fan? I'm outnumbered in my house, so I'm used to it!
I can't take the credit for being "brilliant", I did a little "Google research" and it was a method used in one of many tutorials I reviewed. :)
Cute idea for a dress. Wouldn't have to be just for team t-shirts.
Congratulations for being chosen for the fashion contest. That's so exciting! I really should look at a map to see how far a drive Novi (sp?) is from here.
Congratulations! That is exciting. Cute dress too.
Congratulations and good luck! Your dress turned out great as well -- clever!
What a great idea for a non T shirt garment that shows school spirit. Just perfect for a alumni Happy Hour meet up at a beach resort bar in a week. Thanks for the idea. Good luck in the Passion for Excellence Contest!
I just got the ASE newsletter which has your name at the top as a finalist! YAY!!! I actually know someone in the competition this year!!
The benefits of alphabetical order! Thanks for the support!
Congratulations on the competition acceptance! I love the dress, but I am partial to the Spartan mascot. My son goes to York College in PA and plays on the lacrosse team. They are also the "Spartans"! Needless to say, our family has a lot of green clothing in our closets for game days.
Congrats on making the cut for the Passion for Fashion competition!! I see Rhonda Buss made it too, so I'll have two fellow bloggers to root for :-)!
Thanks, also, for posting your tutorial for the gameday dress.....I just might have to make one for football Saturdays when I cheer on the Maize 'n Blue!
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