Tutorial: Embellished T-Shirt

 

















Yay, my first tutorial!  I've been seeing a lot of embellished t-shirts in stores lately, and am aghast at how much they sometimes cost, since they can be made so easily!  So, I decided to make one to show you how easy they are.  The one I made doesn't require much sewing skill at all, in fact, you could totally make one without even owning a sewing machine.  It really is that simple. 

I was inspired by the nautical theme that seems to be the trend this spring, plus these embellished shirts from Anthropologie:

($48?? Really?)

And from Target ($15, but still...):

Anyway, here's how I made mine for under 5 bucks.   I found this shirt at Wal-Mart for $4 (regular price)!  They had lots and lots of colors, and I plan on going back soon to get a couple more.

I'm a sucker for seersucker (ha!).  It's just so summery and versatile and preppy.  I got a couple yards a few weeks ago for around $5 on sale.  I plan on using the rest to make a skirt for myself, or an outfit for Liam (or both!).  

(I didn't bother ironing the fabric--the end result is supposed to be a little 'raw' and messy.  As you can tell, I usually don't iron my tablecloths either.)  Next, I cut 4 long strips of the fabric, about 1 1/2 inches wide and running the width of the fabric (44 inches).

There are lots of ways you can make fabric flowers, but for mine I used a similar method to making a flower out of frosting...start in the middle and coil around, twisting the fabric as you go.  I made a couple stitches every 1/4 way around or so.

It doesn't have to be perfect--the goal is 'shabby chic.'  I tucked the end of the strip behind the flower and stitched it into place.  I ended up making 7 flowers, making some much smaller (by coiling around less).

I also cut some leaves (4 fabric thickness) and pinned everything the way I wanted it to look.

Then stitched it all into place! For added texture, I stitched 'veins' on the leaves.  Note: you totally don't have to do this on a sewing machine...it just takes longer by hand. 

All done!

I really like how it turned out!  (Not the greatest picture, it's hard to take a picture while wearing the shirt.)  And for just over $4 and about an hour and a half of my time, not too bad of a deal!

DIY Swiffer WetJet Refill

Without a doubt, my Swiffer WetJet is my favorite cleaning tool.  Our entire house has hardwood floor (laminate floor in the kitchen and bathroom), so mopping at least once a week is a must.  I'm not complaining though, because I love hardwood floors and you can get them way cleaner than carpet.  Mopping can be a drag, though; if it weren't for the WetJet.  No buckets to fill, no wringing out the mop, just spray and mop, and toss the pad when you're done.  Or use your own reusable pads (more on that another time). 

The mopping solution can be expensive though--two bottles is over $8 at Wal-Mart, which is highway robbery to me.  And of course they make the bottles so you can't screw off the top and refill them....or so they think.  Mwahaha.

This video shows you how to refill the bottle.  It's ingenious.