Made By Lex » t shirt

Updating Simplicity

Alexis — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 15:28:04 +0000

I love simple T-shirts. I love simplicity, period. But I’ve been trying to challenge my creativity by taking simplicity to a different level. So I wanted to make a t-shirt with simple lines, but that had different constructed pieces to add interest. I came up with this top, the one I paired with my black pants.

Here’s a close-up of the front.

Next, the side. In retrospect, I would have like this line down under the elbow. Live and learn.

Finally, the back,

I used my dress form and my tape to create different pieces. Then I cut those pieces out of the fabric and pieced it together. It was like putting together a puzzle.

In other news, I’ve finally gotten my act together and am offering personal styling services now! It’s something I’ve been unofficcialy been doing on the side for a while but am thrilled to publicaly be doing it. For more info, visit my new button on the sidebar!

Also, if you don’t already, follow my on facebook and twitter. I offer special discounts weekly and you can see what I’m up to before it’s up on the blog!

Recycled T-shirt Clutch Tutorial

Alexis — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 14:53:17 +0000

I used this clutch tutorial for the Delish issue I was a part of. But I wanted to re-share it here on my blog because it’s one of my favorite clutches to use and it’s a totally “green” project.

Grab an old or new t-shirt. I thought this newsprint one would be cool.

Cut the part that you want to use for the front of your clutch into randomly sized strips.

Cut out two pieces, approximately 8×13. You can also customize to your own size.

Also cut out two pieces of a thicker fabric (I used denim) to stabilize and add body to the clutch.

Now, to begin making the clutch fron. Layer the denim, then a layer of the t-shirt fabric.

Begin taking your stripe and stitching them on, in all sorts of different ways.

Just keep layering them on.

Now to create the clutch shape. Layer as so- denim, t-shirt, clutch front upside down. Stitch along the sides and one side of the bottom.

For the lining, make a pocket the same size as the clutch. You can add a pocket in the lining, if you like.

Insert the clutch, right side out, into the clutch lining that is inside out.

Sew all along the top of the clutch leaving an opening to pull the lining through.

After pulling it through, insert a small piece of elastic 4.5 inches long into the opening and stitch it closed.

Add a great button to the front.

And you’re all set to go!

Here’s another one I made with an old striped t-shirt. I use this one all the time.

Thanks for helping with my glasses choices. I’ll announce the chosen ones tomorrow!

Aqua Bib front Top Refashion

Alexis — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 22:13:35 +0000

Here’s a refashion that’s super easy that adds a lot of texture and interest to a plain top!

Here’s How:

Cut some strips of fabric. Mine were about 2.5 inches wide.

Ruffle them on each side of the strip.

They will look like this:

When you have quite a few done, begin pinning them around the collar.

Keep going until you have it like so:

Then, just sew them on! Make sure the rows are butted right up against each other so no part of the t-shirt will show through the strips of fabric.

Here’s the finished result:

Loose Fitted T-shirt Tutorial

Alexis — Mon, 31 May 2010 15:03:38 +0000

I got a lot of questions on how to make this simple shirt:

It’s super easy! I got some cotton t-shirt material and cut out a pattern this shape. I made my neckline wide so I could hang it off the shoulder if I wanted to. Then you make the top wide, narrowing it in, as shown.

I love that sort of sloppy, but still cute look. It’s E-A-S-Y!! You can do a lot to this basic shape. You can make the sleeves wider, make it long sleeves, more off the shoulder, less of the shoulder- all from this basic shape. You can also make the hemline long and flowy or narrow it in so it hugs the hips more.

(all images via revolveclothing.com)

Have fun with it!

Mama’s Got A New Dress

Alexis — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 15:43:00 +0000

Who needs a pretty new dress?
Let’s get started with an easy tutorial with things you probably have laying around.
I started with an old T-shirt and a yard of coordinating fabric. Originally I was going to use an old men’s shirt for the skirt part, but this fabric matched too well to not use it.

Find your natural waist line and cut the shirt at that point. Save the scraps!

Then I cut out a few more scraps. I cut out a piece from my skirt fabric and a piece of coordinating cream chiffon.

Fold them in half and ruffle them.

Now, I knew that on this T shirt adding a lot of detail would weight it down a lot. So I added a piece of lightweight interfacing to the inside of the shirt.

Now add your first layer of the ruffle bib. Start with the outer layer. You may want to lay them all out before hand so you can mark where they will need to be sewn. Pin the first layer in place then stitch.

Add the second. Pin then sew.

Repeat with the third.

I wanted the front to look completed so I added a button strip. I just cut this off another shirt. But you could create one by adding piece of fabric then sewing on some old buttons.

I ironed the edges in then pinned it in the center.

After that, fold it over the top of the shirt and pin down. Then stitch it in place.

Determine the length you want your skirt to be. Before attaching it to the top I like to hem it. I did a wide hem.

Here’s another little extra step I did. I really wanted to bring the color of the dark top down to the bottom so it would look really put together and well thought out. So on the under side of the skirt I added a little dark grey hem tape just peeping out. It really made this dress look more complete.

Very slightly ruffle the top of your skirt. Then stitch the ends together to create your skirt piece.

Now it’s time to attach it to the top. Let me explain what I’m going to do here first so these next steps make more sense. I wanted to create a drawstring waistline so you could adjust it for your own waist without adding a zipper. So to do that you need to leave an overhand as shown on the inside of the shirt. Pin and sew the skirt to the top.

Now fold that flap over and Pin it to the insde of the skirt. Stitch it closed.

Once you turn it right side out, this is what it will look like. You now have a little pocket to pull a drawstring through.

On the side seam, create two small holes for your drawstring. I just used my seam ripper.

Grab whatever you want to use for your drawstring and pull it all the way through.

And now you’re done!

It’s perfect with my grey boots!

I really love the ruffle bib detail. And I think the button strip adds soo much to it.

Isn’t it so Anthropologie?

Now go make yourself a new dress!!