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I found this clearance long-sleeve t-shirt in the boys section for $.97. Really!
I wear anywhere from a women’s size 4 to size 8 (don’t you hate that clothes sizes are not standardized?!). This XL boys tee made a not-too-tightly-fitting skirt for me.
I had seen a great tutorial on Make It & Love It . When I saw the $.97 t-shirt, I figured I’d give the tutorial a try. I’m not a confident seamstress, but for $.97, I figured why not.
Hey, did I mention it was only $.97?
Repurposing a T-shirt into an Upcycled Skirt
I followed the Make It & Love It tutorial, but here are my changes.
I cut the t-shirt as close to the armpits as I could (I’m a modest mom of teens, so I didn’t want a short short skirt).
Because it was a long-sleeve t-shirt, I decided to use the sleeves as the waistband (plus, I couldn’t sacrifice any of the length of the skirt to make the waistband). I cut the sleeve off the shirt, cut the cuff off the sleeve and then cut the sleeve into an even band. If one sleeve isn’t long enough to make the waistband, just sew the two cropped sleeves together and then cut that down to the size waistband you need.
I have never sewn anything but a straight stitch and I wasn’t brave enough to attempt a zigzag stitch yet. I simply sewed two rows of straight stitching close together. (So far, it’s held up fine).
Pay attention when you attach the waistband to the skirt. I did it backwards so the finished seam was inside the skirt and had to rip the entire seam out (both rows of stitching!) and redo it. Ugh!
It’s super comfortable and the perfect summer skirt. If you pay attention when attaching the waist band, it really is an easy sewing project. I’m very happy with the comfy, cute result. And did I mention that it was only $.97!
I’m a mom of 3, a veteran and military spouse. I’ve moved into 20+ homes all around the world. My passion is helping busy people make the space and time for what’s really important to them.
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This looks great!!! I am pinning it so I can try it soon. You can totally do a zigzag stitch! I was scared of trying it for a while, but zigzags are easy on knits or fabric with a little stretch. Thanks for the inspiration!
How original! I love it! I would love for you to share and link up at my weekly TGIF Link Party if you haven’t already this week. Your favorite posts, most popular, recent or new! The party is open every Thursday night and closes Tuesday’s at midnight. Followed by (Not SO) Wordless Wednesday! http://apeekintomyparadise.blogspot.com/. I would be honored if you join us and follow to stay connected Have a wonderful week! Hugs, Cathy
How awesome is this! I have no artistic or creative bone in my body so I am jealous LOL I do write though 🙂 Just stopping by from the My Favorite POsts Weekend Blog Party. I did notice the great buy you got on the shirt 😉 I’d rather be thrifting any day 🙂
Wow that is a great quick project! It looks good.
LOVE Old Navy! 🙂 Cute skirt! Visiting your post via Sew Much Ado!
Helen
Blue Eyed Beauty Blog
Exercise Encouragement GROUP Blog
very cute and very thrifty!!
So cute!! Great job!!
This looks great!!! I am pinning it so I can try it soon. You can totally do a zigzag stitch! I was scared of trying it for a while, but zigzags are easy on knits or fabric with a little stretch. Thanks for the inspiration!
Sweet skirt! Luv up-cycles:) Pinned to my crafty board! I posted anchor dress to Thrifty Miss:)
This is so cute and cheap! Love it!~Emilyhttp://tossedsaladlife.com
This is cool! love it!
Ellya
@CuriositaEllya
How original! I love it!
I would love for you to share and link up at my weekly TGIF Link Party if you haven’t already this week. Your favorite posts, most popular, recent or new! The party is open every Thursday night and closes Tuesday’s at midnight. Followed by (Not SO) Wordless Wednesday! http://apeekintomyparadise.blogspot.com/.
I would be honored if you join us and follow to stay connected Have a wonderful week!
Hugs, Cathy
I never would have thought of using sleeves to make a waistband, but it totally makes sense. Pinning this for future reference. Thanks!
Not really sure how you found time to make a skirt when you are busy moving! Great skirt and so thrifty too!
Thanks for linking this at the In and Out of the Kitchen Link Party! Always happy to have you here!
What a cute idea! I’m pinning this to my Vicarious Crafting board for later inspiration 🙂
How awesome is this! I have no artistic or creative bone in my body so I am jealous LOL I do write though 🙂 Just stopping by from the My Favorite POsts Weekend Blog Party. I did notice the great buy you got on the shirt 😉 I’d rather be thrifting any day 🙂
I can’t wait to read your clutter tips!
Thank, Deane. Feel free to email me with any questions.