Studio 5 free Pattern!

Hello blog readers and Studio 5 Viewers! if you caught my segment this morning on Studio 5 then you are looking for the free pattern download to create your own fabric wall art! 

Download your FREE pattern!


If you weren't able to catch the segment, here it is:

There are so many fun possibilities with this technique and also with this pattern.

Get craftin' and then share your photos for all to see in the Brassy Apple Flickr group! 

If you want to get crafty with the sewing machine hop over to the TaterTots and Jello Blog where I am sharing a fun t-shirt refashion project today! 

today's post sponsored by

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Ruffle me up!......tshirt refashion Spring Top challenge #3

I hope you are digging out all those unused tshirts in the back of your closet and refashioning them into wearable tops! As promised, here is our 3rd entry and tutorial! (take a peek at the 1st and 2nd)

Ruffle me up! 

Ruffles are everywhere from tops to shoes, handbags and accessories! And they are super easy to add to any top especially when made from tshirt knit because you don't have to worry about the edges! 

If you refashion a tshirt add your photo to our Flickr Group! 


Download and print the entire tutorial HERE

Materials:

2 tshirts - about 2 or 3 times bigger than you normally wear

color coordinating thread

scissors

elastic thread

sewing machine

straight pins

measuring tape

Step 1: Shir the bottom of the tee sewing about 6 lines 1/4" apart. We used our sewing foot as a guide between the stitching lines. 

Step 2: Cut off the collar. OPTIONAL: Cut a small V dip in the neckline if desired for a different neck shape.  Set aside.

Step 3: Lay the 2nd tshirt flat. Cut off the bottom hemline. Then cut 2 strips that are 3.5" wide. 

Step 4: Create 1 long strip by cutting "open" at one of the seams or simply cut the loop in half.

Step 5: Cut 1 strip 2.5" wide. Cut open as instructed above.

Step 6: Gather/Ruffle all 3 strips using a basting stitch in y our machine and gently pulling the bottom thread to gather the fabric together. (Stitch 1/4 - 1/2" in from one edge of the fabric strip)

Step 7: Pin one end of the 3.5" ruffled striped at the shoulder seam and the other end about 5-6" from the top of the shirring lines at the bottom of the tshirt lining it up in the middle.

Step 8: Adjust the gathers so the strip fits between the two pinned areas. Pin in place leaving an opening near the middle of the neckline in the front. Repeat with the other 3.5" wide ruffled strip on the opposite side of the tshirt.

Step 9: Sew the ruffles to the tshirt by stitching over the basting line. 

Step 10: Fill in the open area in the top middle of the tshirt using the 2.5" wide ruffled strip. Place one end of this strip about 1 inch over the empty area. Pin along the neckline and cut the ruffled strip to be about 1 inch over the other side. Pin in place. 

Step 11: Place a second layer of ruffles under this layer making it smaller in width and centering it under the first. (see 2 photos below) Stitch both layers of ruffles onto the tshirt. 

OPTIONAL: to create a ruffle at the neckline and shoulder area that isn't as "full", cut and or taper the ruffled fabric towards the shoulder seam until you have reached the desired look.

Step 12: Cut off the hem on each sleeve curving the edge as pictured below.

Step 13: Shir 3 lines from the cut edge to the shoulder seam. Sew 2 shirring lines on the underpart of the sleeve too.

Add rosettes, beads, etc if desired! 

I love how this top can be casual but dressy if needed too! Be comfortable this Spring and Summer by wearing a "tshirt" but look a bit more pulled together and stylish! 

linking up with.....Keeping it simple, Making the World Cuter, Skip to My Lou, The Girl Creative, 11th Heaven's Homemaking Haven, A soft place to land, New Nostalgia, Tip Junkie, Silly Little Sparrow, Todays Creative Blog, Craft Edition

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"KnotTEE" refashion tutorial....Made by Rae Spring Top challenge #2

After posting my first entry last week I have gotten a bit scissor happy! lol......If it's knit and not being used to it's full potential, it's fair game! :)

I also realized I should have taken more photos of the process to post a tutorial as so many of you requested more instructions. (thank you) So, I will be posting step by step instructions for 2 new tops! 

Today's top is a NO SEW refashion of a plain tee. I decided to use t-shirts for the Spring Top challenge because I think everyone has plenty in their closet that could use makeover OR if you don't, they are cheap and accessible to pick up. (it's all about being thrifty but looking fabulous right?)

The "KnotTEE" spring top...

(please share the top you create from this tutorial in our Flickr group!)
download and print off the tutorial HERE

Materials:

1 t-shirt (any color. best if it's 1 size larger than you normally wear)

scissors

measuring tape

Step1: Cut up the middle from bottom through the top

Step 2: Measure from the outside of the collar 10" down to the middle line you just cut. Cut away the material. Repeat on the opposite side.

Step 3: Cut off the remaining collar.

Step 4: Cut strips about 3" long and about 1" wide all the way down each side.

Step 5: Starting at the top, take 1 strip from each side and tie in a knot bringing the center together. Continue all the way down.

Step 6: Cut off the cuff of each sleeve.

Step 7: Cut a 1" slit on the "top" of the sleeve

Step 8: Cut a 3" slit into the sleeve. (this creates 2 pieces to knot like the front of the shirt) Tie into a knot on each sleeve.

and you are done! It's not a "fancy" top but it's one that ANYONE can do - even your kids - and that's why I wanted to share this design. It's still a plain colored t-shirt but now it's got texture, interest and something people will notice about it. 

If you try this tutorial out please share your photo in the Brassy Apple Flickr group! 

linking up with.....Keeping it simple, Making the World Cuter, Skip to My Lou, The Girl Creative, 11th Heaven's Homemaking Haven, A soft place to land, New Nostalgia, Tip Junkie, Silly Little Sparrow, Todays Creative Blog, Craft Edition

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Made by Rae challenge....from boxy to flirty & foxy! ha ha...

I stumbled across this challenge a few weeks ago on the Made by Rae blog and really wanted to jump right in! "A "selfish" sewing challenge to create a Spring Top" as was explained on her blog. I mean, how often do YOU actually sew for yourself? In my case, it's not that often. I knew I didn't want to use a pattern but instead turned to my DIY and re-purposing skills. :)

I took this orange "boxy" long sleeved tee style top from banana republic that was on the outs to a second hand store.....

and with a little snip up the middle.....

and a crop of the sleeves......

cut a rounded edge and gathered it for interest.....

added some ruffles around the entire hemline and up to the neckine by cutting strips from another tee. A dainty tie to pull it together in the middle......

and what top isn't complete without these popular rolled flowers which I added some beading too...

and a once boxy top that had seen it's day, is now flirty, foxy and ready for Spring! 

and it's all knit tee material so I just gets popped into the washer and dryer! gotta love that! ;) 

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Crafty Summer Series - T-shirt tutorial (results!)

It is reveal day! Challenge #1 in the Brassy Apple and friends Crafty Summer Series is

T-shirts! What can do you with a t-shirt?

It's time to find out!

It seems that Mister Linky isn't working so we will forgot using it for this challenge. *You will need to add your static blog link in the comments section so everyone will know where to find the next great idea!* All comments will be entered into a drawing for a FREE camera strap slipcover from *Shey*[B] Be sure to peek into her shop and mention what your favorite is when you comment too! Be sure to link back to this post here so everyone can find all the other proejcts and get in on the fun too!

You can post your ideas from now (Wed June 3rd) until Sunday night (June 7th). Even if you are not posting a tutorial you can still comment about your favorite ideas, etc and be eligible to win the FREE camera strap slipcover.

Let's get started!

T-shirt sling bag (repurpose)

Supplies:

T-shirt - any size. Great to re-purpose or re-use a favorite shirt, outgrown, stained, etc.

Rotary Cutter and Mat (not necessary but nice)

Scissors

Sewing Machine

Thread

Pins

Material for a Bag Strap - can use fabric, or the by the yard materials at fabric store - 27 inches long for child sized

Shoestring/ribbon/string - something similar in width and strength for casing and closure

(and if you craft one up please share it in the Brassy Apple Flickr Group!)

STEP 1: Lay out your T-shirt (if your shirt has a direction image on it see directions below)

Step 2: Using your Rotary Cutter and Mat (or scissors) cut off both sleeves at an angle - leaving as much shirt as possible. Then cut off the neck hole as well.

Step 3: Flip your t-shirt inside out. Now let's attach your bag strap. In one of the corners pin the end of your strap through one layer of the t-shirt. Sew in place.

Step 4: Tuck the bag stap under and in between the t-shirt layers so it lays flat and comes out the top of the t-shirt. Pin.

Step 5: Pin the 3 sides you cut and sew together.

Step 6: Keeping your strap flat and un-twisted, place the other end of the strap in the opposite corner and pin through one layer of the t-shirt. Be sure to place, pin and sew under the finished hemline. Sew in place being careful to not sew through the finished hemline area. We need that area in the next step.

Step 7: Flip your "bag" right side out. Using the hemline as a premade casing, find the middle of the top and slightly roll the hemline between your two fingers to seperate the two layers. Cut two small slits side by side for your string to go through.

Step 8: Thread through 1 shoestring, ribbon, string, or whatever you would like to pull the top of your bag together. I found this pair of shoelaces on clearance for .90! Pull the top together, tie it off and strap it on!

These bags for great for your kids to be able to throw on their backs while bike riding or taking to the park. They can hold a water bottle or any of their "treasures" they find while out playing. Perfect for trips too to hold all of their cars/toys/crayons. Take it to the beach or the pool! And one of the great things about this bag? It's machine washable! Just throw the entire bag in the washer and the dryer when it gets dirty!

Second option: (directional graphic)

If your t-shirt has a directional image on it and can't be flipped upside down, cut and sewn up like pictured above and follow these alternate directions.

Step 1: Cut off the sleeves and neck hole. (same as instructions above)

Step 2: Turn your shirt inside out and lay flat. Place your strap inside the shirt between the 2 layers, lining up with the bottom of the shirt. Pin in one corner. Pin the entire bottom of the shirt and sew together sewing through and attaching the strap.

Step 3: Pin and sew the 2 angled sides where the sleeves where once located. Leave the top open. Be sure your bag strap is out of the way.

Step 4: Fold back the top edge about 3/4 an inch (or however wide you would like your casing to be) and pin. Sew. Turn your bag right side out and cut to slits in the casing (follow instructions above)

Step 5: Keeping your strap flat and untwisted pin and sew it under your casing on the "back" side of your bag. Thread your string through the casing. And you are done!

Now it's your turn! Add your link in the comments! Have fun looking around at all the other bloggers who took on the challenge!

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