March 14, 2011

knockoff tutorial

I had this boring ol' tee with a neckline I don't like on me and a little too snug for my taste. So rather than throwing it out, I decided to try and jazz it up a bit.



My inspiration came from this Anthropologie top. I thought it was really cute and would be easy enough to copy (and save myself $70 or so in the process).



First, I used a pencil to draw a line directly down the center of the front.



Then cut right down that line.
Next, I cut a strip of scrap fabric to use for the center. I ended up making this piece a lot narrower and then making it thinner at the top than the bottom.



Then I made 3 tiny pleats (turns out the original has pintucks but close enough), pinned them into place,


and sewed them.
I took one side of the tee and sewed it, right sides together, to the middle piece, then did the same for the other side.




I hacked off the top part of the neck...
And sewed on 3 little lace bows.
And ended up with this. It's quite different from the Anthro version, but I like it.

taking photos of myself is real awkward, obviously.

17 comments:

twobutterflies said...

I LOVE this - I think I'm going to give this a try

Lari said...

Absolutely AMAZING! I think we should do a craft book. You could make a fortune with your cleverness and cuteness.PLUS I have been making your oatmeal cookies and we love them!

Anne said...

What a pretty t-shirt refashion! I love the vintage-y floral that you used!! I linked to your tutorial on Craft Gossip Sewing:
http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-add-a-pleated-fabric-insert-to-a-plain-tee/2011/03/16/

--Anne

Anonymous said...

Love this. Saw it on Craft Gossip. I'm planning to remake a bunch of tops for spring and summer and will add this to my list!

Anonymous said...

This is spectacular! Did you use a ball-point needle or just s regular ol' needle?

Unknown said...

this turned out so great! I love this idea!

abranconier.blogspot.com

Rachel // Maybe Matilda said...

That's adorable! I love it! To be honest, I like yours better than the anthro version. I'm a new follower! I'm glad I found your blog--too cute!

Rachel @ Maybe Matilda

Lisa {grey luster girl} said...

I would totally wear that! I must agree also that yours is way cuter than the Anthropologie one.

Zoe said...

This is such a cute t-shirt. I love it!x

Georgette said...

so so so cuuute! love the print. came out so chic:D

Melissa Lewis said...

Oh, I'm so excited I found your blog. I love anthro... but too expensive for me. This top is so cute. I am just now learning to sew, but I think I might have to give this a try. LOVE IT!

Anonymous said...

Love this! I have a ton of t-shirts that fit the description. I found you via kojodesigns.

lauren said...

So cute. Can I ask, where did you get the fabric? I LOVE it!

Caiti said...

this is so cute! thanks for the tutorial! i found you via kojodesigns.

caitimae.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

that looks gorgeous! great fix! so smart :)

Cardigans and Cookie Dough

cwaycarter said...

love what you guys are doing! This top is beautiful! http://refashionstatement.blogspot.com/

raprettyman said...

I kind of scrunched my nose at the Anthropologie shirt, but I really like yours. I may actually try this. Every one would be one of a kind and I like that!