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Tying the Knot Think you can't get married in your T-shirt? Think again! From "Uncommon Threads" episode DUCT-201

(Continued from page 1)

The Skirt

The skirt is a lengthier project that uses six T-shirts layered and sewn together to create a ruffled edge at the bottom. A drawstring waist and appealing tie back are fashioned by scrap T-shirt material that is cut off and rolled into strings (ideal for shaping to fit any body size).

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1. Lay the six T-shirts flat and, one at a time, cut (through both layers) across the torsos just below the sleeves (figure G) (creating tubes about 18" high).

2. Cut through one side of four of the resulting tubes to make four rectangles (each about 18"x45") (figure H).

Figure G

Figure H

3. Place two of those rectangles together (wrong sides in), lining up the hemmed edges, and pin along one 18" edge (figure I). Sew 1/4" in along the pinned edge using a backstitch, stopping at the hem stitching (this creates a decorative external seam). Repeat with the other two rectangles and remove all pins.

Tip: Make sure all the seams are going out the same way.

4. Take one of the two newly sewn rectangles and, with wrong sides together, pin one of the 18" edges to an 18" folded edge of one of the uncut tubes (from step 1). Pin the other edge of the rectangle to the other side of the tube, creating a much larger tube. Sew along both pinned edges 1/4" from the edge using a backstitch and stopping at the hem (the double-thickness tube becomes the front panel of the skirt) (figure J). Remove pins.

Figure I

Figure J

Tip: Set the sewing machine to a straight stitch and use a ballpoint needle (it has a blunt end and works between the fibers rather than piercing the knit thread).

5. Repeat step 4 with the remaining rectangle and tube.

6. Insert one large tube inside the other, wrong sides together. Line up the double-layer panels and the hemmed edges. Pin the rough edges of the tubes together and sew 1/4" from the edge using a backstitch.

Adding the Ruffles, Bustle and Rosettes

1. From the tops of the six T-shirts, cut rectangles about 8"x20" through both layers of fabric (cutting just inside the sleeves and just below the neckline).

2. Pin all the rectangles together along the 8" edges, wrong sides together, and sew 1/4" from the edges using a backstitch, creating a wide loop.

Tip: You want to make sure all the seams are going in the right direction. That's extremely important when working with multiple seams.

9. Measure 1" down from the top edge of the loop and baste around the circumference of the entire loop, leaving a long thread at the end

Tip: Because you are basting a long distance, do a basting stitch for two segments and break. Do two more segments and break, so that you have more control and it gathers more evenly.

10. Pull the thread and push the fabric to gather the ruffle so that each 20"-long panel is reduced to about 7" or 8" long.

11. With the right sides facing up, pin the gathered ruffle around the bottom of the tube from step 6, placing the basting stitch line over the hem stitching. Adjust the gathers to fit the circumference of the skirt and sew over the basting stitch with a backstitch (figure K). Remove pins.

12. Cut off the bottom hem of a seventh T-shirt just below the hem stitching. Thread it through the drawstring casing of the two back panels at the top of the skirt. Pull the drawstring tight, gathering the back of the waistband into a small keyhole, and tie a bow (figure L).

Figure K

Figure L

Rosettes

Creating Rosettes

Megan demonstrates how she creates rosebuds out of red T-shirt scraps. These rosebuds will then be sewn onto the skirt as well as added to chopsticks to create a matching bouquet that will never wilt.

1. From a T-shirt sleeve, measure and cut one 7"x2" strip. Fold the strip of fabric in half lengthwise, creating a 7"x1" double-thick strip (figure M). Sew along the open length of the strip using a basting stitch.

2. Gather the fabric over the thread, as shown (figure N). Secure the gathers by backstitching over the last few basting stitches.

Figure M

Figure N

3. Starting at one end, gently roll up the strip and pinch the base (the edge with stitching) together (figure O). Sew in and out through the pinched end to secure the roll in place.

Tip: If you're having trouble with the needle, use an embroidery needle. They're a lot sharper and they work well for things like this.

4. Repeat steps 1 through 3 as many times as desired. Attach small rosebuds scattered on the skirt of the wedding dress.

Optional: Make a handful of rosebuds and stick them on chopsticks (stems) for the bouquet (figure P).

Figure O

Figure P

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RESOURCES :

108 Ways to Tansform a T-Shirt
By Megan Nicolay
Workman publishing 2006
Website: www.workman.com

GUESTS :

Megan, Sophie and Ariana Nicolay
Website: www.generation-t.com