t-shirt time

A few weeks ago I found some super cheap t-shirts for the kids that I’ve had stacked in my office waiting for inspiration {and time} to embellish them.

Yesterday was the day and of course I had to show you how they turned out. I didn’t make tutorials, but hopefully I can get your creative wheels turning for decorating t-shirts of your own.

Three long-sleeves for the baby girl.

An off-center ruffle {thanks Lindsay for the idea!}.

I made a ruffle out of white jersey {it doesn’t fray, so no need to hem the edges} then sewed it down the side of the shirt. The ruffle is just like the ones I used on the ruffle pillow.

A bunting shirt {semi-reminiscent of a miss america sash, now that I look at it}

I cut rectangles out of assorted cottons, notched one end then stitched each one to the shirt. A skinny grosgrain ribbon stitched across finishes it off.

Linen whale shirt. Download the pattern below.

Did you read the Summer with Matthew Mead magazine? In it was this darling whale pillow by stitch/craft.

I think it is so cute and used it as the inspiration for Audrey’s new whale shirt. I think I may go back and add some details with embroidery thread. I just free handed my whale and then stitched it to the shirt.

And now for the boys :

I found the striped shirts at H & M for $5.99 each.

No. 1 isn’t so thrilled with the red stripes – his comment when I first showed him was that he would wear it for Dr. Seuss day. Smarty-pants. Hopefully he’ll wear it more than that, because I think it is cute, but maybe it is a little dorky for a 7 year old. I don’t know. If nothing else, it was fun to make.

No. 2 is all about his new dog shirt. We don’t have a dog and after writing this post and reading your responses, I have decided we are not, in fact, ready for one. But #2 likes them and I like them on t-shirts so it worked out well.

No. 3 L.O.V.E.S swords. He carries one with him at all times {even to bed} and if he isn’t holding a real one, he’ll turn whatever he can into one {starbucks drink stoppers are faves}. So a sword shirt seemed to fit him perfectly.

Audrey likes her miss america sash shirt. Isn’t she getting so big? Love that baby girl.

The shirts were fun to make and are inexpensive gift ideas for the kids in your life.

For more ideas, see my other t-shirt tutorials:

Here is that cutie whale pattern: