Sunday, August 12, 2012

T-Shirt to Tank Top Tutorial

T-Shirt to Tank Top Tutorial  
(Say that three times fast!) 

You need: 

1 Tank Top That Fits (or in my case almost fits)
1 Men's T-Shirt That's Too Big 
 (Are you familiar with those packs where there are, oh, four T's for about $10?  That's the kind of T-Shirt I'm using today.  Check out T's at thrift stores and yard sales, too!) 
Sewing Machine
Thread
Wide Ribbon
Corsage

 
Our summer heat has been too much this year. I have been looking for a simple tank top. YIKES! 
 
Are tank top designers just mean?!
 
If you've read my T-Shirt Makeovers (find them all  HERE !), you already know that I am short.  I am curvy.  I am not a size 2 and I am no longer in my 30's.  T-Shirts seldom fit me.  Then there's the tank top section.  It is so difficult for me to find a tank top.  I repeat myself...

Are tank top designers just mean?!

And so, my journey begins.  ;-)  I began with a mens T-Shirt that is too big for me and a tank top that almost fits. 
 
On this particular tank top, I like the fit on the arms, but it is too tight across the chest.  ('Story of my life!)


Anyway, I used the arms to measure where to cut the Mens T-Shirt. 


The sleeves were cut away and then the shirt was cut across the chest below the collar. 


The arms were hemmed.  Then a one inch casing was sewn across the front and back of the shirt.
 
Again...  I used the Almost Fitting Tank Top to measure elastic across the chest and back.  Then I threaded that elastic in the casing and safety pinned it.  Working with old ribbon in an effort to figure out how much to cut for the straps, I paused.   

About that time, a light bulb appeared above my head.  HEY, that looks like a pillow case dress! 


I ditched the elastic and all the safety pins.  A wide white ribbon was in my stash.  This ribbon is about 2 inches wide.  With it threaded through the casing, my tank top was almost complete. 


A purple and white corsage was sewn (tutorial here) and pinned in place. 


Done!  I've worn it to dinner with Handsome Husband, 


And Yard Sale shopping with buddies.  It's been lots of other places, but I didn't take pictures.   
 
 
When I make more colors, I'll probably seam the sides.  This one is pretty loose, but that's nice on these CRAZY HOT days we are having! 
 

Once I realized it was a pillow case dress, I had to make one for Lil Fashionista!  (Tutorial Here)


I'd love to hear your thoughts! 
 
;-)  -Marci

37 comments:

  1. This is a great re-fashion, Marci - so perfect for August : > Thanks for sharing your know-how with Visible Monday.

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  2. How cute! I wish I had a talent for sewing, but I don't... lol

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    1. Hi, Jenni! Thank you for visiting! We each have talent in different areas! -Marci

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  3. Replies
    1. Thanks, Justine! It's super comfy in this heat! -Marci

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  4. how cool - looks simpe, but I would some how screw it up..lol looks great on you.

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  5. I also have difficulty with t-shirts - I have linebacker shoulders and a narrow waist. This project is definitely going on my list. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. I'm glad the post was helpful. You might enjoy my other T-Shirt makeovers, too. -Marci

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  6. Awesome....Idea!! Thanks for sharing.
    www.blissfulsewing.blogspot.com

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  7. What a great way to create something that is flattering and good for the summer heat!! Thanks so much for sharing this at the {what's shakin' link party}!!

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    1. Hello, Keri! The summer heat has made all of us cranky! The top is very comfy! -Marci

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  8. I love this idea. I am going to have to try it. I'm your newest follower. I have a link party on Wednesdays, and I would love it if you would link this post. It is called Wednesdays Adorned From Above Link Party.
    http://www.adornedfromabove.com/2012/08/pink-honey-beeswax-lip-balm-and.html
    I hope to see you there. Have a great Day.
    Debi Bolocofsky
    Adorned From Above
    www.adornedfromabove.com

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    1. Hi, Debi! Thank you for the invitation! We would love to join your party! -Marci

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  9. Hi there! I blog at Blissful and Domestic. I just started a Re-Fashion Blogger page. This is where fashion bloggers can add their blogs to a directory. It is a great way to find fabulous fashion and re-fashion blogs. I would love for you to add your blog to the list. Thank you so much!

    Danielle @ Blissful and Domestic
    www.blissfulanddomestic.com

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  10. This is the cutest tank. I have listed your posting as one of my featured links for this week on my Friday Favorite Blog Links

    http://www.adornedfromabove.com/2012/08/peach-lemonade-rum-fizz-for-fridays.html

    Visit my blog to grab your featured blogger button.

    Sincerely,
    Debi Bolocofsky
    www.adornedfromabove.com

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    Replies
    1. T H A N K Y O U ! ! How exciting to be featured! Thank you so much, Debi! What an honor! -Marci

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  11. I haven't sewn in awhile, but refashioning things is my favorite thing to do! This is a really cute shirt.

    Happy to be your newest follower, btw. :)

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  12. Simple tank top is looking great and its very comfortable in hot summers. Check out men tank tops

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  13. Wow. I share this with my facebook friend. Very exciting!

    http://herweightlossdiary.blogspot.com

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  14. That's really cute! I especially like the red shirt. Thanks for sharing how you did it.

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  15. Sweet upcycle. Pinned to try:) Stop by http://www.sewsweetvintage.com/2013/07/vintage-swimwear.html

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  16. Neat process! I love the finished product and I might have to add that to the list because I found only one tank top that fit and it was the strangest pattern and $30. Umm, it is a tank top!! I would love a plain color one and I guess I will have to get sewing again :)

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  17. I love it!! Thanks for linking this wonderful post up to my “Themed Blog & Shop Hop!”
    Angie
    godsgrowinggarden.com
    PS - that is impossible to say 3 times fast! hahahaha

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  18. Hi, I love this idea! You did a great job. I saw it on brag about it tues.
    Julie from julieslifestyle.blogspot.com

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  19. I've been cruising pinterest looking at "t-shirt cutting." Its been a hot summer here as well and I need an inexpensive way to expand my wardrobe. Love how clear and simple your tutorial is. It turned out beautifully!

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  20. What a fun idea! It turned out very cute.
    Thank you so much for Linking Up at Brag About It at BeBetsy and VMG206 this week. We are so happy to have you join us!
    ~ Megin of VMG206
    Did you know I have another Link Party each week? Open NOW (Sat thru Fri) @ DIY Showcase Link Party

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  21. Very cute top and little dress-so easy to wear.

    Glad you linked up with us at the BeBetsy BRAG ABOUT IT Link and Hop.

    Sharon and Denise ♥
    Fashion | Food | Beauty | Antiques | DIY | and much more

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  22. Love this! I don't really care for the traditional tank tops found in stores. I like yours so much better! Love the flower on it, too!! Now if only I knew how to sew and had a sewing machine! LOL

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  23. Thank you for sharing this. I am average height but I have a 38-C chest, and I feel like most tank tops are designed for women with smaller chests.

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  24. Genius! I love to wear tanks with flannel pants for Pjs and lounge around the house wear. It's hard to find cute ones at thrift stores and garage sales, but now I can tailor the big t shirts I find! Thank you for the idea!

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