Men's T-shirt Makeover

I started this makeover project months ago and finally got around to finishing it...and I love the way it turned out. It really is quite simple, but the project was delayed due to some fitting issues that I finally got around to correcting. So...want to make your own fun tunic out of men's plain white t's? Here is how I created this look:

What you will need:
-2 men's t-shirts (I can't remember if I used my husband's XL shirts or a pack of mediums that I purchased on clearance).
-Rit Dye
-Sew Liberated Pattern: Schoolhouse Tunic (I have made this before HERE and HERE)
-Trim (I found this lace trim in my stash...it was a thrift store find)
-Serger or sewing machine

I began by cutting out the schoolhouse tunic pattern using the two t-shirts for fabric. I lined up the bottom edge of the pattern with the bottom edge of the t-shirts so that I would not have to hem the bottom. I tend to find the finishing detail of knit material the most difficult so why bother doing the work that was already done for me? I then stitched the pieces together following the schoolhouse tunic pattern. This is where I made the fitting errors. Since my fabric was knit, it had stretch. I did not alter the size I normally cut for this top and therefore it was too big. After a couple months I finally got around to taking it in an inch on each side. So...make sure you make your top a bit smaller for whatever pattern you chose if you want a close fitting top.

Here the top is in white, all ready for the dye bath. I chose teal dye and followed the instructions...

And ta da...here it is teal. I could have left it like this and I actually wore it this way once, but it needed something more.

So, I dug around my craft room and found this lace trim. I lined up the trim with the bottom stitching on the tunic and around the bottom sleeve stitching. I then stitched it on using a straight stitch.

I think it added a fun detail and makes the top much more complete. 

Now...off to rummage through the old tshirt pile and see what else I can give new life. 

Shannon