I recently read this question that was posed to a group of people:
What do you do to refresh yourself?
The top answer was, “I carve out time doing something I love each week.”
I agree! If I know I can have time to craft or sew, I look forward to it all week, and then afterwards I’m ready to get back to the work. Last week, I decided I was going to make a ruffled t-shirt that I had wanted to make for some time.
I had purchased two shirts like this on clearance for $3. One was an extra small, the other a medium.
Here’s my shirt before:
The larger size was to be used to cut up for my ruffles. The side of the shirt was cut open to allow for strips to be cut.
Six 2 1/2 inch strips were cut first, 12 inches in length. I made basting stitches 1/4″ from the edge of each strip, then gathered the strip until it was 7″ in length.
I cut 1 1/4″ strips as long as I could possible get them. Then I simply sewed long basting strips down the middle of the 1 1/4″ strips.
I placed the narrow strips around the neck of the shirt, leaving the middle of the shirt neck open for the wider ruffles.
I used the wider strips to bring the V-neck up a bit. I didn’t want to have to wear a camisole underneath it.
After the neck ruffle was on, I put the wide layers on, spacing them 1 1/2″ from the row of ruffles above it.
I basted the ruffles on, then did a little adjusting, then went back and sewed them in place with smaller stitches.
To make a couple roses, I cut 1″ strips and basted down the middle then gathered it.
Folding the strip in half, I began rolling up the flower, hand stitching it underneath as I went.
See the two strings above? Those are made by cutting 1/2″ strips, then pulling it tightly. They are attached with the roses. So cute.
I then attached the flower to the neckline.
Not sure why the color looks so different in this picture, but it is the same shirt. It’s really comfy…and it’s my favorite color. I think I’ll be wearing this a lot this summer. And I have plans to make some more! This was a really fun project. You really should try it even if you have minimal sewing skills. It’s not difficult!
You may not like to sew, but I encourage you to carve out time to do something you really enjoy each week. Write it into your schedule. Plan on it so you’ll have it to look forward to. It really does refresh your week, your attitude and your heart!
What project are you wanting to work on?
Be refreshed,
RefreshHer 
NO WAY!!! You're killing me! It looked great on you yesterday and I would have never known you did it yourself!!! Amazing…and as for your question about projects…you know the answer!! Yet again, you inspire me! :}
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So cute! I'm going to make some more burp cloths and some lanyards for some friends that I used to work with.
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Well, thanks, Rebecca and Christina. Keep after it! Glad I can inspire you!
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