Mary's Thrifty Chic

Upcycling thrift shop clothing/sewing

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Picture Perfect Inspiration T-Shirt

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Hello Everyone,

I hope you and your family are all remaining healthy and happy! I am grateful to be done with my second shot and very shortly being able to return to my campus to teach. Being as busy as I am, I haven’t been feeling all that inspired, but then I saw this picture:


The Inspiration

I was obsessed! I had to have it, or something like it with the same general look.

The Result

Here is what I came up with and it all came from scraps!

The resulting garment made me happy, although I did make some very conscious changes. I think you will be interested from an upcycling perspective why I made the choices the way I did:

Color: I loved the layout of the color blocking but the red, white, and blue was too “Tommy Hilfiger” for my taste. (BTW I have no idea who made the inspiration picture). Also, I had scrap jersey and some animal print left over from other projects. It all coordinated so I thought, “Why not?”

Fabric: I made a decision to use less of the animal print because it was not a woven fabric and a good deal lighter than the the jersey. It was opaque, so I knew it would not be see through, but using too much would draw attention to the difference in the textures.

Pattern: I used a basic T-shirt pattern that I created by taking apart a well loved t-shirt that had seen better days! For people who don’t know how to make patterns, I recommend this all of the time. When you love a garment but it’s time in your closet is over, take it apart and make it a pattern! I did have to use my draping skills and a ruler to create the new front sections, but that was just a blur to me, so I apologize for not documenting it with pictures.

Sleeve stripes: In order to eliminate bulk I decided to make strips, overlock the edges, and sew them flat.

Neckline: I am a fan of using bias tape on necklines whenever I can. Ribbed necklines wear out too easily and can make a garment look shabby. I also feel that it makes the garment look more expensive.

Well there it is in black, brown, white, and animal print! I hope you like it and can’t wait to hear what you think. Until then, be safe and HAPPY REFASHIONING!!!

Mary, Thrifty Chic

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Ami says

    It looks really nice. I love leopard print, especially when it is combined with other things. I have some striped fabric with blue, green, black and white that would look great for something like this. Just might have to find some leopard print something at the thrift store.
    I am also planning on combining some leopard print in a woven shirt. Make the shirt out of a tropical green/blue and leopard print for the collar and cuffs……….very Dolche and Gabanna!

    Reply

  4. Maria says

    I like it even better than the inspiration piece and want to try it using either camo or rattlesnake print for the side panel.

    Reply

  11. KAREN BARNES says

    I like it – I am working on an upcycle right now. Using a light marigold jersey t shirt that has a really great celtic knot cording on the front but is too tight sooo I cut the sleeves off straight so I have a rectangle including the front and back neckline. I added 1/2 ” of a black/white striped jersey and have just added a deeper yellow/gold jersey from a long dress that is too small. More piecing to do. You are always an inspiration Mary and I appreciate your photos and comments.

    Reply

  12. Rita Surace says

    Beautiful, your design is way better than the inspiration one!! Great job, I really enjoy your creations!! Jesus bless you.

    Reply

    • Mary Peterson says

      Rita! Thank you so much! I really like mine better too! Like I said about the original: “It screams Tommy Hilfiger” hehe! I think it now works for me.

      Reply

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