This Will Suit You To A 'T'

M Missioni: $465.

Now that fall fashion is upon us and newspapers, magazines and we, with our need to feel a little bit cooler, are focusing on clothing to wear in the cooler climes, I wanted to finish up a project that I couldn't get to this summer. It's relavant though if the ultra-hot summer we've had translates into an extended 'Indian summer' as I suspect it might.


What I'm talking about is enhancing a plain ordinary t-shirt in such a way that it becomes suitable for date night or even a holiday party. I'm using a t-shirt I purchased earlier this year at Target but similiar shirts are now available in long sleeve and might be worth purchasing in case the Indian summer thing doesn't work out. This is an easy project involving my favorite fashion detail, the rosette!

ADAMs Rosette Topped tee
was originally $245.

Here's my inspiration: A couple of shirts ranging in price from $24.99 to almost $500. My tee cost $8.00! 



Here's how to do it: 

• Cut 1 strip of fabric to the required size or use a length of ribbon or lace.
• Fold it in half lengthways, right sides together, pin and stitch the short sides together, 1/2" in from the raw edges to make a ring. Press the seam open. 
• Fold the fabric in half widths ways, wrong sides together, and press. Lace does not have ot be folded. 
• Using a strong thread, work 2 lines of running stitches through both thicknesses, 1/4" down from the top raw edges. 
• Pull up the gathering threads from both ends to gather one edge tightly into the centre of the rosette, taking the raw edges towards the back. Secure the ends of the thread firmly and adjust the gathers.
• Cover opening with a decorative button or layer smaller  contrasting rosettes on top.

The rosettes on mine were made from scraps of blanket binding, lace and satin ribbon. Rhinestone buttons are also fabulous enhancements. If the shirt is long enough, add a glitzy belt. The key is to have fun, be creative and get ready for some well-deserved 'oohs' and 'ahhs' when you wear it out!


If you decide to create your own tee, send some photos. I'd love to post them!


Tomorrow: Perfect Fried Chicken

My t-shirt