Nothing says spring like stripes.
This XL thrift store striped shirt was just begging me for a refashion. I was inspired by Little Miss Momma and my wonderful new assistant, Valerie, to make this spring shirt and necklace.
So let’s get started:
The original shirt was not only huge, but the v neck was way too low for me. I turned it around on my dress form to use the back for the front and the front for the back. 🙂
Next, I cut off the sleeves and saved them for later.
Then I cut the neckline for a much better look.
I measured the side seams to fit better and pinned it to fit. I even sized it to my curves so it would be a custom fit.
After pinning, I took the shirt off the form and drew a seam line with tailor’s chalk. I then sewed and trimmed both side seams.
Now it’s time to sew the neckline. After folding the raw edge under, I sewed all the way around once. Then folded it under again and did a double seam. It would’ve been nice to have a double needle, but I did the best I could with one.
I found out that when sewing with thin t shirt material, the needle you use is EXTREMELY important. I used a 70/09 needle made especially for knits. If you don’t use the right needle you will get missed stitches.
This is what the back looks like now:
Next up, sewing the sleeves back in. Putting the sleeve inside the armhole right sides together, I eased the sleeve into the hole with small pleats at the shoulders.
And now a much better fit!!!
I used the other green shirt to make the necklace. There is a wonderful tutorial on how to make the Pom Pom Bib Necklace on Little Miss Momma’s page
Remember, THINK SPRING!!!!!
The Renegade Seamstress 
Very cute! I’ve yet to refashion a knit top but it’s something I’d like to try soon. Thanks 🙂
Knits are very forgiving. As long as you have the right needle, the possibilities are endless!
Love it! It’s amazing what a little cutting and restitching can do for a shirt. They look great on you!
Thanks, Bridget! Did you see I nominated you for the Sunshine Award?
You are making me nuts !!!!! I want to try all I see. 🙂 btw any tips on where to get a good dress form?
And you are making me smile 🙂 I hope you send me pictures when you make something. I ordered my dress form from Joanns. I waited for one of their sales because, to me, they’re quite expensive. There are some good tutorials out there on how to make your own from duct tape, but I just decided to bite the bullet and buy one. Happy Friday!
Great tutorial! Thanks for posting it. I love the cha cha necklace. It’s sooo Anthropologie.
Thanks, Jen! I’m still going to try and post a tutorial on the ruffle tee shirt for you.
Beth
These tutorials are amazing!!! I’m trying to make clothes from fabrics and old clothes and these are really helpful!! Can’t wait to see what you do next!!! 🙂
I’m so glad the tutorials will be helpful! I’d love to see what you make!
Beth