Tee to Headband

Bed rest --> Day 8 = another DIY project using my old tees!!!  I'm quite obsessed.  They're recycled, easy, convenient, soft, and free -- all things I love and need in my life right now.

This particular headband is sized for my {soon to be here} baby girl.  This is a newborn headband, however, the same exact tutorial can be used for child or adult sizes just make the braided bit longer.

Tee to Headband:  Newborn version

What you need:

- Old T-shirt

- Thread and needle

- Hot glue gun/fabric glue (optional)

- Scrap felt (optional)

- Scissors

Step 1

~ Take your old t-shirt and cut { 4  } - 2 inch (width) strips

[ I cut my strips vertical but only used the length (hem to collar) of the shirt for this particular headband.  To make a longer headband you could cut horizontal (side to side) then cut that "loop" of fabric on one end to open it up in 1 longer strip. ]

Note:  This particular shirt had a colorful pattern on one side of the shirt.  I cut the 3 strips for the braided headband out of the plain blue side and the 4th strip from the colorful side to be used in the fabric flower embellishment

Step 2

~ Take 3 of the strips and put a safety pin through all three binding them together.

~ Braid the strips into one long braid

Step 3

~ Measure the length desired for your headband.  If the braid is longer than needed, cut the excess off.{ for this newborn version I needed it to be about 13 inches.  If this is for a child or an adult it's best to measure with the actual persons head. }

 ~ Secure both ends of the braid by tacking it with a quick and simple stitch.  { I used the most basic stitch but went back and forth a couple of times.  This can easily be done with a sewing machine, but until I get one, I hand sew! }

~ Bring both ends together (being sure the braid is not twisted) and sew the ends together.  { Technically this can be done in place of the above step but I wanted to ensure this braid was NOT coming undone so I did both. }

Step 4 

(For newborn/baby headbands only - for children or adults this is optional)

~ Cut an additional small piece of fabric from the t-shirt (approx 1 inch x 2 inches)

~ Wrap this piece around the joint part of the headband that you just sewed and sew them together a smidge above where they meet the headband {you want this to be somewhat snug around the braid, but not too tight}.

~  Once this is sewn together, turn this loop inside out.  It should look like so...

Note:  This is to add softness to the joint since it will be going on a newborn's head.  For an older child or adult headband this wouldn't be necessary.

Step 5

~ Set the headband aside

~ Create the fabric flower embellishment { see tutorial here --> If you're using fabric/hot glue  Fabric embellishment  / If you're using needle and thread Tee to Tank, Step 3}

Step 6

~ Add flower to headband

Options :

- Needle and thread

- Hot glue

- Fabric glue

- Attach to a hair clip for easy change out

Since this version was for a newborn I stuck with needle and thread.  I liked the all over color scheme and didn't want the hassle of the flower being removed.  I chose to sew the flower to the "joint" of the braided bit.

Love it!!  Can't wait to put it on my little girl.  And these were so easy to make!  I have 11 days left of bed rest.  I see many more headbands {and variations} in my future!  The possibilities are endless...multiple flowers, different types or colors of flowers, flowers with beads and rhinestones....but wait...there's also a completely different headband style to come :)

Fashion Forward :: Tee to Tank {{TAKE TWO}} - Nursing Tank

Bed rest ---> Day 7...brought me some creative juices, and of course, the time to embrace some of them.  I decided to run with the Tee to Tank that I created yesterday.  Not only are these just plain old t-shirts that are no more comfy, adorable, and perfect for summer; they are also perfect for newborn baby spit up and poops!  And what else would I need comfy shirts for?  Nursing!  Nursing tank tops can be expensive and I just can't bring myself to spend the extra money on them.  However, the concept of a nursing tank top is ideal.  This led me back to the Tee to Tank....why couldn't I create a nursing tank top out of this same idea?!?

A few pinterest pins later and I was on my way!!!

{{ Thank you to the following tutorials....I used them all on different levels in order to create my very first Tee to Nursing Tank :  Tee to Tank, Twisted flower embellishment, DIY Accessories from T-Shirt }}

Here is my step by step....bare with me and the pictures since I am on bed rest.  Photo ops aren't the greatest, but you get the idea!

Tee to Tank :: Nursing Tank

What you'll need:

- 2 old/recycled t-shirts

- yarn in matching colors & needle (or sewing machine)

- scrap felt (can substitute any fabric)

- velcro

Step 1

- Create the base for the Tee to Tank.  Take the t-shirt you want to actually wear and trim off the top/collar, sleeves, and hem.  Fold the top of each side down, pin, and sew a hem 1/2- 1 inch from the top.

( use this -->  Tee to Tank tutorial since I didn't get any pictures of this process)

- Take the 2nd t-shirt and cut the hem off and 4 additional strips 1-2 inches wide (tip: cut side to side, parallel to the hem)

Step 2

- Take 3 strips cut from the second shirt, cut each strip so that they are 1 long piece rather than 1 continuous (circular) piece.  

- Bind the three strips together with a safety pin and hold in place (I just held it in my mouth, but a better option would be to attach it to something that can't move since you'll be pulling on them).

- Now braid the strips the entire length, secure with a safety pin, and set aside

(I used this tutorial --> DIY Asseccories from T-Shirt)

Step 3

- Create 2 flower embellishments.  You can use any type of fabric flower, but I chose to use the t-shirt method since those are the supplies I had.  Feel free to change the color, texture, type, ect.

(I used this tutorial --->  Headband embellishment)

Note:  I didn't use a hot glue gun (again, bed rest wouldn't really permit the mess), instead I just used a needle and thread and loved the outcome.

- When using needle and thread, sporatically (and often) tack down the fabric as you twist in the circular motion.  This will both keep the flower whole as well as add some texture.

  

1 - 4th strip from the 2nd t-shirt

2 - two circles (use pill bottle for sizing) from scrap felt (for the base)

3 - Twist the fabric starting at the end corner and secure with needle/thread (or hot glue) to the center of one of the felt circles

4 - Secure the twists as you go with a small stitch running through a particular twist down through the felt and back up. (increasing the tension on the thread occasionally will give the flower more texture in places...there is not right or wrong, just "the way you like it")

5 - when you're to the edge of the felt, fold over the remaining fabric and tack several times going all the way through the felt and material in the center (almost like sewing a button)

TA DA :)

6 - create 2nd flower and set both aside

Step 4

Sorry, no pictures for this one.

- Return to your Tee to Tank that you started.

- Thread the braided bit through what will become the back of your new tank

- Thread spare material through the front hem of your new tank (for this, I used the hem that we trimmed off the spare shirt.  I didn't cut the hemmed piece, but rather left it "doubled" to add a similar thickness as the braided version.  You could use ribbon, elastic, or an additional strip from your spare t-shirt if you like.

Step 5

Attach velcro

1 - pre-"scrunch" the shirt hem a little so that is is close to where you want it to be when you wear it.  You may want to "size" it on yourself first.

2 - Attach a piece of velcro to each end of the material on what would be the front "strap".  I attached the velcro (hand sewn) at the very edge so because I wanted my straps to fasten on the front just like a nursing tank.  If you want the straps to fasten higher on the shoulder than plan for the length of material that will become the strap and attache velcro where you wish.

3 - Attach velcro to the back of each flower/embellishment

Step 5

- Attach a flower/embellishment to each braided strap (be sure the direction of the velcro matches up to the front)

( be sure to trim off any additional braided material that might be covering the velcro )

 

Step 6

- Try it on!

I, of course, cannot fit into mine just yet since I'm 35+ weeks pregnant; I did try it on but it looked silly.  However, the shirt I used was one of my husbands size mediums that got "shrunk" slightly in the dryer.  I figured this would be the perfect "looser" fitting Nursing Tank.  When I start to lose weight, if this tank holds up I can simple take it in at the sides and can adjust the straps if needed.

My finished product :)

I have 12 more days of bed rest!  Lets see if I can get a few more of these made.  Nursing tanks for FREE!?!  Yes, please :)

Fashion Forward :: Tee to Tank

I've officially been on bed rest for 6 days.....6 long days.  In my attempt to keep boredom at minimum {{ a difficult task when sitting around isn't your forte }}, I've been surfing the next, pinning on pinterest, and looking for crafts I can do from my couch.  That's when I found this summer-inspired-fashion-forward little craft that actually {{RECYCLES}} and gives me a new wardrobe -- FOR FREE!

This was my inspiration and you can find the tutorial here.

And this is my version:

It took me a little over an hour since 1. it was my first time and 2. because I sewed the hem by hand.  I also didn't cut the 2nd strip from the bottom since I wanted to keep it longer (just in case).  I used black ribbon for the straps to give it a little more appeal and cuteness.  If you have a sewing machine, you could easily make this in under 30 minutes.

I'd model it for you but this 35 + week pregnant belly just won't let me model it properly, lol.  I do think this will make the perfect tee for summer though....especially with a newborn!

Off to make more :)