diy t-shirt tutorial

 I posted these pictures on Instagram and had a few friends ask how I made these two shirts. I tried to make a tutorial for the t-shirt and it's probably more confusing than helpful. Sorry I don't have a pattern. And for the jacket thing, I would just recommend buying a robe pattern and adjusting the lengths.

T-shirt (XS-S)

Materials

3/4 yard of printed fabric

2 feet solid fabric

(I recommend lycra or jersey knit. I don't have a surger and these fabrics make life easier.)

1. The trickiest part of the t-shirt is the one I can't help you with: making the actual pattern. I used a t-shirt I like and traced it onto a sheet of parchment paper. I cut it out 1/2" bigger than the trace line for my seam.

2. Cut out your print fabric using your pattern. Set it aside.

3. I was too lazy to make a whole separate pattern for this next piece, so I just used the same one and folded it over. Measuring 3" down from the lowest part of the neckline, make a crease all the way along your pattern. Cut out the shoulders, arms, and neckline, and cut 1/2" below your creased pattern (for the seam).

4. For the sleeves, cut out two pieces measuring 14"x 4".

5. For the other half of your front piece, use the same crease from the top section and cut the bottom half out with your solid fabric. Don't forget the 1/2" at the top for the seam.

Now you have 5 pieces: front top half, front bottom half, back, and two sleeves.

6. Sew a hem along each neckline. Mine look like crap because I really have no idea what I'm doing (as you are probably figuring out).

7. With right sides together, sew the two front pieces together. (Does anyone else keep thinking of Arrested Development every time I say "front piece"?)

8. With right sides together, sew JUST the shoulders of the front and back pieces together. (See where I pinned.)

9. Open it up and lie it down right-side-up.

10. Fold one sleeve piece in half lengthwise. Pin it to the sleeve opening of your shirt, making sure the sleeve is seam-side-in with the raw edges on the outside. Sew the sleeve to the shirt body. Repeat for the other side.

11. Turn the shirt inside-out with right sides together. Sew each of the sleeves and sides together, starting at the sleeve and going down. (See where I pinned.)

12. Sew a hemline along the bottom of the shirt.

That's it! Too confusing? Leave a comment with any questions, or just text me if you have my number.

diy halloween bats

These bats are the easiest Halloween decoration ever. I used super cheap construction paper and they took me like 30 min from start to finish. You can use this picture above as a template, or use a similar one here.

white & colorful living space

So I'm loving our new apartment. I know some people might not love the stark look of white, but I love how everything is plain and whitewashed, even down to the door hinges (yep, our door hinges are painted white). We had to decorate on the cheap so most everything is secondhand or homemade; but thank you, Pinterest, for all of the ideas! My favorite part of our space are the white couches. Am I crazy to have them with two babies? Totally. But they make me happy and are worth every bit of anxiety when sticky fingers get near. 

^^ As an art historian, I am ashamed of what I've done to poor David, but Johnny insisted on the leaf. Sacrilege! And instead of buying frames, I used washi tape to frame a bunch of photos. ^^

^^ I love this little nook of books. I think I'll switch them up as my mood changes. ^^

Bedrooms and office to come soon (as soon as they're not the catchall rooms we shove our crap into).

the most beautiful quilt you've ever seen

I need to give a public shout out to my Auntie Kiki. Before Pipsqueak was born, she asked me to pick out a quilt pattern and some fabrics so she could make one for the babe. Of course, I unknowingly picked the most difficult pattern she's probably seen in her quilting days. But you know what? She made it, and oh my heavens, it is hands down the most beautiful blanket I have ever seen in my entire life. Keeks, you are wonder woman. Thank you.

triangle picnic quilt

I saw a similar triangle quilt online and basically couldn't rest until I had made one myself. I got the instructions from this blog here, but I adjusted them to make the quilt a twin instead of crib size. I love love LOVE how it turned out and can't wait to take it to the many parks and beaches in our near future.

diy fabric alphabet

I saw these fabric letters on Pinterest and finally got around to making them. I love how they turned out and can't wait for my girls to start playing with them. I wish I could give a step-by-step tutorial, but I totally forgot to take pictures. Here are the basics:

1. Lay a piece of white felt in between two pieces of fabric (ugly sides facing in).

2. Cut out the letter shape.

3. Sew around the edges leaving an open, raw edge. Nothing fancy.

DIY quiet book

Sometimes I get an idea in my head and I can't stop until it's done, even if it means getting basically nothing else done. Making Baby Girl a quiet book was one of these ideas. I found some cute ideas on Pinterest and then went to town. I love how it turned out and will probably have to make another one (that is, if Johnny lets me).