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!
Namine
Oh this is super cute!! It looks great even partially finished!! Can’t wait for your finished product though!! Great idea using a T-Shirt!
BeAtta...
Beautiful!
http://beatta-beatta.blogspot.com/
Jac
It’s going to be beautiful. Good for you on sticking with it.
La Petite Olga
So beautiful!! This one makes me want to start a DIY myself 🙂
xx Olga
La Petite Olga
sternchenslove
Beautiful! I love your DIY posts. I think I try that in black for a night out!
Thanks for sharing!
Sandra
sharonlei
Time and time again you blow me away with your aweseom DIY’s. I can’t wait to see how this turns out. By the look of things, it will be fabulous!
xx Love & Aloha
Pececillo con volantes
It’s a big project but the result deserves the hard work so, enhorabuena!
*amanda*
The stitching for the fun little flower fabric petals is just what I needed to see to help me along on a little DIY that I have in the works!( http://www.amandasproject26272829.com/2011/02/wanted__suggestions-from-expert-diyers.html#tp)
Thanks for the great shots of how to do that.
This is such a cute MIY, and could be a fun project to get together with your bridal party to complete once a week until finished! 😉
Schnelle Couture
This is so cute! Great idea!
Schnelle Couture
Ashley J
That scrug is amazing! You are so creative, I don’t know if I would have the patience to do all that work but the end result is so worth it!
Anonymous
I love your tutorials and you give such great DIY ideas. I Saw you have your online boutique at boutiques.com and it’s amazing! It would be really great if you’d show your favourite boutiqus with a little comment in your blog:)
LaReK
It’s so beautiful! Just love it!
I didn’t know what to do in the Carnival holidays (here, in Brasil, we have 4 days off!), but now I do!
I like your tutorials, congratulations!
K.Line
This is an outrageous undertaking! I don’t think I’d ever have the patience. 🙂
Jody
This is soooooo pretty. I don’t have patience for a project like this. Would love to buy at a store though ; )
Allie
This is going to look beautiful! I can’t wait to see it when it’s finished. I’m definitely going to have to try it this summer when I have time.
http://www.thevanitylair.com/
Bree
Clearly I’m an idiot; I looked at the first picture and was like “what’s not done about it?!”
But really, this is already gorgeous and going to be even more so when it’s done.
CessOviedo
So love this! not getting married or attending a wedding anyday soon but so going to make one!
<3 Cess O.
http://blog.cessoviedo.com
Rachael
I totally have that exact same burnout tee from f21 .. except I wouldn’t dare cut it up, it’s too cute and casual all at the same time, I get compliments on it every time I wear it. Though if I remember correctly, it was only $6 or something.
Claire Alexandra
oh my god that is amazing! I want to do it but I don’t think mine would look like yours ha. Your blog is amazing by the way : )
xo,
thecitizenscloset.blogspot.com
anhesty
as usual… awesome!
Anonymous
Just wondering – seems to me it would be extreme hot in that shrug, with 4-10 yards of any fabric on it, let alone polyester.
Are you sure it’s going to be practical, not getting pit-stains etc?
Mary Ann
Wow, that one really is taking some time; looks great already, I bet it’s gonna look amazing by time you finish!
Fashion Mom
so funny, what a lovely post x
My Hideaway
Ah, I think it’s going to be amazing when it’s finished!
carlyjcais
Maegan, you are insane! What an incredible amount of work…and such a beautiful result! (If it were me, I would have just done the shoulders and called it quits…;-)
This ain’t DIY, it’s Couture! Mae-ture? :-/ LOL!
xoxox
Carly
http://www.chic-steals.com
ter
that is beyond….AMAZING
Claudia
This is amazingly gorgous! Love it!
Thanks for sharing 😀
Amanda
Hey Maegan! I had starred this entry in my reader back when you published it and I was going through my starred items last night and found it again. I can’t wait to see this all finished! I’m thinking about starting one of my own, just to add to my wardrobe. Thanks for the tutorial!
Prom Dresses
This is a wonderful DIY bridesmaid outfit. I’m looking forward to reading post updates.
wholesale clothing
This right here is the reason why I love your blog. Gorgeous project.