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CraftSanity on TV: T-shirt Refashioning
I cut my craft budget in July when I quit my day job as a newspaper reporter because I knew my new life as a podcasting, crafty freelance writer was not going to be as lucrative as getting a regular paycheck every week.
And I thought I would miss having extra cash to spend on craft supplies, but I don’t. In fact, I’m having a great time creating with recycled goods and finding ways to repurpose vintage fabrics and old T-shirts. The T-shirts are my latest obsession.
When I got my hands on a copy of Megan Nicolay’s lastest book, “Generation T: Beyond Fashion 120 New Ways to Transform a T-shirt,” I knew I was going to headed for some late-night crafting sessions. The follow-up to Megan’s first book, “Generation T: 108 Ways to Transform a T-shirt,” “Beyond Fashion” has inspired a new, recycled line of T-shirt dresses here at the CraftSanity headquarters. (I’ve made three so far, with more back-to-school fashions planned for my daughters.) Megan writes clear project instructions and provides detailed illustrations to accompany each project, making it possible for rookies to jump into T-shirt refashioning without getting lost.
I interviewed Megan, 30, of Brooklyn, for my weekly craft column that will be published Sunday because she’s going to be in Grand Rapids, Mich. next week to teach workshops. Here are the details for all you locals:
What: T-Shirt refashioning workshops with Megan Nicolay
When: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m. Aug. 27
Where: West Side Garage Store, 351 Summer Ave. NW, Grand Rapids.
Cost: $20 fee includes a copy of “Generation T: Beyond Fashion” book, a T-shirt and pair of scissors.
Sign-Up: Call 451-4215 ext. 113.
Enter to win a copy of Generation T: Beyond Fashion! The good news is you don’t have to be local to get in the random drawing for a copy of Megan’s book. Just leave a comment below about your favorite T-shirt craft below by Aug. 31. Good luck!
I plan to interview Megan again for the podcast, so stay tuned. In the meantime, start collecting T-shirts in all your favorite colors. : ) You can read more about Megan’s T-shirt adventures on her blog.
For today’s TV segment, I did a demo of the “Punk’d” shirt on p. 92 Megan’s first “Generation T” book and showed examples of “The Mod Squad” dress on p. 80 of “Beyond Fashion.” Simple and quick to make, these comfy dresses are a great way to give your old T-shirts a second wind.
Posted: August 21st, 2009 under Fashion, Giveaway, Grand Rapids, Local Events, Sewing, TV.
Comments: 24
Comments
Comment from Beth
Time: August 21, 2009, 11:15 am
I like some how-tos that show out to turn a t-shirt into a drawstring backpack. I thought I’d seen one on Threadbanger before, but I can’t locate the episode.
You basically, if I remember correctly, take two t-shirts and cut off the side seams and arms. You sew the bottoms and sides together (2 thickness of fabric) and turn them inside out and sew in the drawstring or something like that.
Comment from JayJay
Time: August 21, 2009, 11:54 am
I love any t-shirt project that incorporates braiding or knotting of t-shirt strips. It gives it such a unique look.
Comment from Turtle
Time: August 21, 2009, 3:35 pm
so fun! with crafty teens in the house i can see this being dog eared and loved! lately the fav i have seen is the market bag from t shirts. I still like the old quilt revamping special shirts.
Comment from Stacie.Make.Do.
Time: August 21, 2009, 8:46 pm
I like making pants and arm/leg warmers for my little girls. Soft and comfy and such a deal. The last long-sleeved pink T I bought cost me all of 10 cents. Some elastic, some thread and done in 15 min!
Also had fun weaving a rug from big loops cut from Ts.
Comment from Kitty
Time: August 21, 2009, 10:07 pm
T-shirt refashioning is almost the only sewing I do, it’s great fun and I love wearing them! These two are the last two I did: http://slovoni.blogspot.com/2009/07/predelava-majice.html, http://slovoni.blogspot.com/2009/04/recikliranje-za-dan-zemlje.html. For the second one I made a stencil and I bleached the uncovered parts.
Bye, Kitty
Comment from Vicki
Time: August 22, 2009, 8:40 pm
I took an old large Hanna Andersson striped t-shirt and made wide leg capris for my daughter! I still have the sleeves though – will have to fighre out what to do with those.
Comment from toni in florida
Time: August 23, 2009, 8:24 am
I like using fabric paints on t-shirts with (or without) iron-on transfers.
Comment from Renee H.
Time: August 23, 2009, 3:56 pm
I’ve never refashioned a t-shirt but I sure would like to give it a try! I love how you braided the straps for the shoulder that looked great!
Comment from Joan
Time: August 23, 2009, 7:40 pm
I make smocks out of DH’s old T’s. I used them when crafting or putting henna on my hair.
Comment from Diane Moser
Time: August 23, 2009, 10:02 pm
i made a dress out of 2 t-shirts, it had a fringed bottom, way cool when i made it in the 80′s!
please enter me to win the t-shirt book! thanks~diane
Comment from Beth Mudlaff
Time: August 24, 2009, 2:42 pm
I would love more ways to repurpose t-shirts. We make the cheapo handout ones into reusable shopping bags.
Comment from sam ls
Time: August 24, 2009, 8:44 pm
I am currently making a quilt out of all the t-shirts that I get at various events, usually for free. I just cut them up into random shapes and have been sewing them back together. Its going pretty well, I think the next time I have a large amount of t-shirts I might make yarn. I have also altered a few and they turned out pretty well.
Comment from kelli
Time: August 25, 2009, 1:37 pm
I love the T-shirt bag!
My favorite refashioned t-shirts have become kids clothes — long sleeve shirts turn into pants with a bit of elastic and a crotch seam. And pieces of several shirts can become a child’s gored skirt or a cute little dress (depending on the size of the child, of course).
Comment from Wendy
Time: August 26, 2009, 7:53 am
I have so many oversized t-shirts that I have received as giveaways. I don’t want to wear them because it is like wearing your Grandmother’s mu-mu. I like the t-shirt craft of restyling oversized shirts into more fitting shirts that look great on a woman. I look forward to your interview with Megan Nicolay.
Comment from Tami
Time: August 26, 2009, 8:03 am
I have what seems like a million t-shirts that usually end up as night shirts so having this book would be wonderful! Like many other families, the economy is hitting us hard and looking for any and all recycle, reusable and repurposing ideas has been my daily search. Thanks for the opportunity and I look forward to the podcast.
Comment from Tami
Time: August 26, 2009, 8:05 am
Oops, had the old email in the previous post and I realized it as I hit submit, tried stop it but I wasn’t fast enough. Please use email from this post to contact me.
Thanks!!!
Comment from Betsy
Time: August 26, 2009, 9:17 am
I made an adorable nightie from a concert T-shirt for a friend for her wedding. It was perfect for her music lovin’ husband.
I’ve been really enjoying the podcast, listening to old episodes, and just started following the blog. Thanks for your crafty newsy contributions to the community!
Comment from Beth
Time: August 26, 2009, 6:39 pm
My favorite t-shirt craft is a t-shirt quilt because it’s a great memory piece and extra blankets are always nice to have.
Comment from Sharon
Time: August 26, 2009, 9:06 pm
What an awesome presentation! Reconstructing clothing is one of my passions!Would certainly love to have a copy of her books!
Vicki, can you use the sleeves for leg warmers? or seam them together for a hat?
Comment from Linda
Time: August 27, 2009, 6:49 am
The bibs were just darling…
Comment from Gailforces
Time: August 27, 2009, 8:49 pm
Iron on some cheap thin interfacing behind whatever name or logo or picture that’s on the Tshirt, then cut out a square centering that part. Use these to sew up a quick memory quilt. The interfacing stabilizes the knit T-shirt.
Comment from Rachel
Time: August 30, 2009, 4:20 pm
I’ve been wanting to repurpose some of my t-shirts but I’ve struggled with how to do so. I’ve love to win this book! Thanks so much for sharing the ideas!!
Comment from Amelia
Time: September 17, 2009, 10:33 pm
I realise that its probably too late for me to get a free book. That and the fact that I’m in Fiji, but I thought I’d try anyway. I work for a radio station so whenever we have club do’s and the like I try to jazz up our company T-shirts….running out of ideas though
Comment from Seo Family
Time: December 15, 2009, 6:08 pm
Congratulation :) Maybe, one day you come in France and do a tv show in paris :)
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