elliebelle: Zumba gives me wings.

June 16, 2009

Zumba gives me wings.

So here it is, the big reveal of my first t-shirt makeover!!!

This top had a previous life as a size large basic men's t-shirt. (I rescued it from a bag of Goodwill donation items that belonged to Joe!!) I have had many ideas swirling around in my brain lately on ways to alter a t-shirt. This one came up when thinking about making athletic clothes.

I traced a tank top that I own already that fits well, making sure to utilize the existing hem of the t-shirt. One less finishing step! Yay! I just sewed the edges under along the armholes, and left the neckline raw - adding a strip of gathered fabric for a fun ruffle.

And since I feel like exercise, specifically Zumba has given me fantastic energy and a new drive to be healthy, I thought it was appropriate to give myself some wings. heehee

I also just really love the wing motif. (I think it started with that cool wing shape on the FedEx box in Cast Away that Tom Hanks' character becomes obsessed with...weird...) Anyway, I adore the way these wings turned out. They are so subtle, but I know they are there, and that makes me feel great!

Here I am on my way out the door to Zumba class tonight.

And the back...nevermind all the wrinkles! Geez...next time I should pay attention to how it fits in the back.

Overall though, I really had fun making this and I'm pleased with the results! I can't wait to try out some of the other styles that are in my brain and on the pages of my sketch book. Utilizing a ready made garment is amazingly easy way to start a project and is of course a fantastic way to recycle. Good thing I stashed away a few more of Joe's old t-shirts!!! :)

Oh, and how did it feel when I danced away in class tonight? It felt great! I really loved the cut away style, I had great freedom of movement in my arms. Definitely a perfect shape for Zumba.

Well, I'm off to bed! Good night!

Jun 16, 2009 10:57:09 PM

13 Comments

Great job. Your shirt turned out adorable!

Posted by: Andrea | June 17, 2009 at 07:05 AM

Oh, it is great ! I love the wings! Cute!

Posted by: mary | June 17, 2009 at 11:27 AM

That is so CUTE!!!

Posted by: Teresa | June 17, 2009 at 11:51 AM

That's amazing!! Seriously great idea and it turned out perfect! My co-worker has been raving about Zumba class, I should see if my gym offers it. I'm going to try the green monster smoothie, thanks for the recipe!! I'll let you know how it goes.

Posted by: Dena Berg (Sugar Shop) | June 18, 2009 at 01:37 PM