modifiying t-shirts

Hi Margie!!

I alter T-shirts too. Others may have better suggestions, but here is what I do. Remember that there will be stretch in the neckline when you are finished so don't cut it too low. Draw with a marking pen the CUT line you want on to the Tshirt. Don't cut yet. Straight stitch with a short stitch on the cut line........do not pull the fabric at all. Then cut, leaving your stitching just at the edge. Then I apply bias or self binding (cut an inch or two off the bottom of the shirt and re-hem it)....stretching the binding a bit, and easing the shirt (put the shirt neckline part on the feed dogs) I use the binding doubled on the neckline, turn it in and press. The top stitch on the shirt to keep the binding from rolling out. You should end up with no wrinkles, but a nice, snugly bound edge........take an old shirt you don't care about and try it.

Thanks, Pat,

That was very clear! I'll try that.

Margie

--- Great description of the process. One thing I do, though, after deciding where the new neck will be, is mark, (with a straight pin), the center front, then: fold the shirt down the center front, matching, as perfectly as possible, the shoulder seams, which are folded atop one another. Tthen cut new neckline, allowing 1/4 to 3/8 inch for seam allowance. The neck will be even, no waffling. A narrow bias-cut length of matching satin makes your alteration look very professional, and slightly dressier than the normal Tshirt neckline. I change ll my Tshirt necks. If the universe has been generous to you, wearing a round neck shirt makes you look as if you're going out for the football team. Cea

Thanks, Cea,

Yeah, the universe HAS been generous to me, so that is why if it ain't V-neck, I ain't wearing it, ha... Plus, I'm a thrift store junkie and find the greatest stuff. If it'll go around me within a reasonable distance from the waist area fabric, such as peasant skirts, I'll rip the too small waistband off and resew with new elastic....VOILA! a new garment for me for about 4 bucks! My closet is full of them. Great summer wear....you don't miss a breeze.. ;-0

Thanks for the folding suggestion...I'm going to try one tonight.. And the satin idea is a keeper too.

Margie

Margie!!!! Wow do you fit in around here. ;) I think we are all out there prowling the thrift stores.....and the owners wonder why sewing machines go so quickly. lol

One other thing to think about. I just made myself a knit dress. It's a t-shirt weight knit and very comfy. Just a tiny bit of stretch to it. Dress is sleeveless. I finished both the neck line and the armholes with foldover elastic. It's shiny like satin, but just a little bit of texture to it, and recovery too. I figure that will keep the neckline from getting saggy as I wash this dress and wear it. It's Really comfy, and looks nice too. :) I think DH needs to take me out to dinner soon in it. :)

Sharon

Hi, Sharon,

Hmmm, foldover elastic? I've not seen that. Where do you find it? Unfortunately, there are no actual fabric stores very close to me...just Wally World. Do they have it there? It's been awhile since I've bought notions since I have such a stash.

I did try 2 t-shirts tonight. The first was pretty good but I think I pulled a little too hard on one side of the front. Came out just a little wonky. The other seems to be pretty nice and flat. I'll be adding a trim to the good one maybe tomorrow...my eyes can't see anymore tonight, ha,ha.

I really appreciate all your help, ladies.

Thanks again, Margie

Do keep in mind that there are several *fellows* who contribute to this newsgroup. And probably not *all* the women are "ladies". ;-)

Beverly

You bet! If "lady" means keeping your mouth shut except to say, "Yes, dear," then you can count me out!

"3 a : a woman of superior social position b : a woman of refinement and gentle manners c : WOMAN, FEMALE -- often used in a courteous reference or usually in the plural in address "

Yeah, that's me, "a woman of refinement and gentle manners..." Bwwwaaaaahhhahahahahahahaaaaaaa ;-)

Beverly

Right! At least we're not "ladies of the night."

Hee, hee....I can see that this group is full of vim and vinegar. I'll remember to not use the word "ladies" ever again....and I'll be sure to include fellows.

Okay, I've been thumped on the head now..... that should straighten me out....for now ;-) Now it's time to go finish that t-shirt. Have a lovely day boys and girls...ha,

Margie

Try 'people' - covers ALL sorts! Even those with fur and/or two heads...

I think 'guys and dolls' is nice. :) Well, maybe too frivolous...

Doreen in Alabama

Ya-yuh Baybee!! lol Frozen margaritas all around. No you don't have to have salt,and yes there are strawberry ones too. ;)

Heck, it's only 89* here today. 'Course that's with 80% humidity. *sigh*

I'll be laying on the ceramic tile on the kitchen floor if ya need me.....

Sharon

Well..... I think I've seen it at Wally World. Very limited colors. Like black and white maybe??? I've also gotten it from

HTH!

Sharon

You mean like:

Beverly

heh heh heh Warned ya.

Sharon

Just to let you helpful folks (notice I didn't say ladies?) know that I tried the suggestions given here for making the V-necks on the t-shirts and after the first wonky one, the second came out great!

So now it's back to the thrift store to find some more to work on in addition to the ones I've already got here.... like I needed another excuse to go. ha!

Thanks again, Margie