Create a Game Day Dress from a T-Shirt

You can easily create the cutest tailgating dress from your old sports t-shirt. I love the idea of making typical sports wear more fashionable and unique.  

 

Items Needed:

T-shirt

1 Yard of fabric (for skirting)

Ribbon (optional)

Execution:

Option A: Sewing Machine

Option B: Iron a Sem 

Option C: Liquid Stitch

If you sew your dress it will be more durable.  The next best option if you don't own a sewing machine is ironing your seam together. If you also don't own an iron (you should get one) then you can use liquid stitch. 

Cut your t-shirt first by removing the sides and collar. 

Cut your skirting by tracing a skirt or dress with a similar shape. This will help you achieve a fitting size. Allow 1/4 - 1/2 inch around your template for seams. 

Make sure the top of your skirting is the same width as the bottom of your t-shirt. 

Next, Sew (or iron, etc.) your top seams, skirt seams and then attach the shirt to each of the skirt pieces. Lastly, attach the front to back for your completed dress. I tied an orange ribbon for a more finished look. 

Completion notes: I added orange to each side of the t-shirt to allow it to align with my skirting width; the photo doesn't clearly show this. I suggest (if your t-shirt is very worn) to iron on fusible interfacing to stiffen the t-shirt for easier sewing and durability. I also didn't need to add elastic to my dress but depending on your fit you may need to use some. I completed my dress in two hours. 

Live Morning Show from UT's Campus

Kathie Lee and Hoda's Today Show will be live from the University of Tennessee on Monday, October 1st.  In celebration, Knox Fox Morning Show will also be broadcasting live from campus.

Tune in or join me live on campus in creating a UT dress for any female sports fan!

How to Make a T-Shirt Quilt

I think t-shirt quilts are the best way to preserve those t-shirts from your college days, athletic days or just the proof that you followed Dave Matthews Band across the country. For me, I have a beautiful quilt from my many sorority events in college. I have worn it out and collected additional t-shirts.

 

Let's begin!

You'll need:
T-Shirts (Quantity depends on sizing below)
Bed Sheet (Size depends on how many t-shirts)
Sewing Machine
Heavy Duty Interfacing (one side iron-on adhesive)
Ruler and Scissors

Optional:
Quilt Batting (for a warmer blanket)
Buttons (decorative)
Yarn (decorative)

12 shirts will make a throw-size quilt, approx. 48" x 64" - 3 across x 4 down.
20 shirts will make a twin size quilt, approx. 64" x 82" - 4 across x 5 down
30 shirts will make a full size quilt, approx. 82" x 96" - 5 across x 6 down.
36 shirts will make a queen size quilt, approx. 96" x 96" - 6 across x 6 down.
42 shirts will make a king size quilt, approx 110" x 96" - 7 across x 6 down.

 Step #1- Roughly cut your t-shirts two inches larger than your desired square. I want my squares to be 16x16 so I cut my t-shirts larger.

 Step #2- Cut your interfacing to match your shirts and iron onto the back sides of your shirts. Interfacing instructions will tell you how long to iron and how long you need to let cool. This is the most important part to ensure a long-standing quilt. It also makes it 100% easier to cut and sew; jersey knit is a difficult fabric to work with.

Step #3- Now that your fabric is sturdy, you can cut your pieces to your exact size. I cut all pieces 16x16. 

Step #4- Begin to sew your pieces together. Make sure when sewing your seams that front sides (right sides) must always be facing each other.

Step #5- Once you have your desired side you have the option on adding quilt batting for additional warmth. Sandwich your batting between your back (fleece, fabric or sheets) to complete your quilt.

While they snooze

Step #6- Add the finishing border with your choice of blanket binding (my choice), ribbon, or scrap fabric.

Sew Caroline

Pinterest has a lot of variation to get your creative juice flowing

If you'd rather hire someone to make a t-shirt quilt for you (I don't blame you) then my local friend, Felicia can help you out. http://www.etsy.com/shop/fleapuckett 

Modern Daybed vs. Modern Foldout Couch

I love having company stay at my house. We currently have a guest bedroom but I feel that it's a wasted space since we only have company a couple times a year. I'm interested in a modern daybed or foldout couch. Here are the best modern options that don't look or feel like the foldout couch my fmaily had in the 80's. All couches and day beds are designed for sleeping.

$700 Furnituredepot.com

$900 Ikea



$850 Ikea

$2,100 Crate and Barrel

$500 West Elm

$900 West Elm

$1,800 2modern

 

$900 Room and Board




I'll keep you posted about if we go with a modern daybed or modern couch as an additional sleeping option for guests. Feel free to post your comments and ideas about what you do for your occassional guests.
 

Front Door 1/2 Way Point

BEFORE

BEFORE

PAINTED GREEN

PAINTED GREEN

NEW LIGHT FIXTURE

NEW LIGHT AND DOOR COLOR

Still to do:

-House numbers

-Paint stairs

Easy DIY Glass Cake Stand

Sugarbelle

You can easily convert your household dishes or fun mis-matched thrift store dishes into beautiful cake stands. I took a quick stop to the $1 store and purchased various plates, bowls, candle sticks and flower vases.

I used E-6000 adhesive since it dries clear, is paintable and is water proof. I had first used my hot glue gun, it will not work. 

If you desire you can spray paint your stand for a cohesive look. 

Wandering Chopsticks

Sugarebelle

Upstyle a Boring Clock

I bought a normal but boring clock from Goodwill for $2 to create a chevron clock for my office. You can turn any clock into a more modern and stylish clock with fabric or decorative paper. 

Remove the tiny screw on the back of the clock. 

 Cut your fabric by tracing the base onto the fabric. I cut a tiny slit in the center for the arms. I used spray adhesive for easy application. 

This project took me less than 15 minutes to create.