I began this project at the end of September 2010 …got a shoulder done and realized just how time consuming it actually was. I worked on it Sundays during football through the end of October but then the Holidays hit and I haven’t had a second to revisit the project since {especially knowing there was no end in sight}. I truly am in love with it however and will finish it …eventually. I thought it would be a perfect DIY if you’re getting married next Fall or Winter …begin now and you’ll be done by then!
Here’s What You’ll Need…
* A fitted white or ivory T-shirt …preferably with cap sleeves. You may also choose to use a jacket or shrug you already have and/or sew one up yourself if you’ve got the skills. However, the T-shirt works quite well. I used the burnout one because it’s the only one I had.
* 4-10 yards of sheer fabric – I’ve gone through about 2 yards so far, depending on how close you’re stitching your fabric pieces together, you’ll need more or less than 8 yards. I may need 10yards at the rate I’m going. I’m using a sheer polyester in ivory
* Pen/Scissors/Matching Thread and needle
{This would also be adorable for all your bridesmaids in a similar or lighter hue to the dresses they’re wearing, especially if they’re strapless}
* This is the same technique as my Baby Couture Ruffled Onesie & my Pouf Sleeve Top
Steps…
* Sketch an outline of your shrug on your T …try it on first and mark just below your bust as where you’ll draw the length out. It will shorten a bit but it’s always better to start out long and trim away than do all the work and have it be too short or too small. Draw a straight line down the center …and a corresponding line across the back as well. NOTE: If you have a shrug or jacket already, skip this step, obviously.
* Cut along your pattern.
* This is how it should look
* Snip and Rip your sheer fabric, beginning by removing the selvage. You want the frayed edges. Don’t worry about they fraying too much. This is what gives it that romantic/vintage look. Make your strips about 2 inches wide.
* Create approximately 2x2inch squares by cutting down your strips.
* Fold and pinch your squares, run a stitch or two through the bottom to create a flower-lik effect, then hand stitch each one at a time to your t-shirt as close together as needed as to not see any of the t-shirt through the petals.
* Begin stitching at the top of your shoulders and work down and out. Your squares should be close enough together that no part of the t-shirt is visible through. AND you’re going to do THE ENTIRE T-SHIRT. No t-shirt will be showing when it’s complete.
* Remove the tag with a seam ripper 🙂
* The underside will look a little like brains. Make sure while you’re stitching that you’re not pulling or gathering the t-shirt. Once you have enough done, the shirt will feel thicker and sort of morph into molded creation …if that makes any sense. {also, if you’ve got skills, you can line it and hide all of this}
And… Voila!
Though I’m nowhere NEAR finished!
As you can see, this project will take you forever {I’m still not done with it!} – that’s a lot of shirt to cover …so start now!
Have Fun!
* I will publish a final post with photos when I finish …IF I ever finish!
