Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Appliqued tank top

I love Alisa Burke's blog. If I'm ever in need of some creative inspiration, I know I can hop on over to her blog for some beautiful eye candy and great tutorials. She paints, sews, cooks amazing food and takes fantastic photos - I want to be her when I grow up!

The thing I love most about her though, is the way she uses her darning foot to do a lot of decorative stitching. She makes magic with her sewing machine! I just love her stitched gift wrap and gift tags. Who wouldn't love to get a present wrapped in handmade gift wrap and personalized tags? Amazing.


Altered Flip Flops? Yes please!!


One of my very favorites is the Altered Hoodie, which is a take on one of Anthropologie's expensive sweaters, is a project I've been saving in my inbox for a rainy day. I seriously can't wait to try this one, I have the perfect hoodie for it. And, if you're like me, you also have a giant bag of fabric scraps just laying around waiting to be used for something.


One of her projects that I knew I had to try is her Altered Striped Tank, which is inspired by an Anthropologie shirt. In her tutorial, she takes a simple tank top and transforms it by appliqueing flowers she painted to the shirt with decorative stitching. I had to do this.

I went to Old Navy when they were getting rid of their summer clothes last year (sale!!) and found a large striped tank top for $1.50. Then, because my painting skills suck, I bought some fabric with a large flower print from my local fabric store and cut out a few select sections.

After some snipping, Heat 'N Bond-ing, and LOTS of stitching, this is what I ended up with:


I just love how the decorative stitching inside the flowers adds an extra wow-factor to the whole shirt. And it's a heck of a lot cheaper than anything I would have gotten at Anthropologie!! It's not a quick project (it probably took me 2 1/2 hours), but the end result is totally worth it.


Perfect for spring right? Go there and make one for yourself!


Linking up here!


Tip Junkie handmade projectsBubbly Nature
Sumo Sweet StuffPhotobucket

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Show and Tell Wednesday at Blue Cricket Design

9 comments:

  1. I love this tank--cuteness!

    http://sunnissideoflife.blogspot.com/

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  2. That came out great! www.mylifeunzipped.blogspot.com

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  3. Looks great, I have a striped top I have been trying to decide what to do with, thanks for the inspiration. Stop by sometime, domesticdeadline.blogspot.com

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  4. This is exactly what I need for my entire tank top summer wardrobe. Thanks for sharing!

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  5. Love this! It would be great for my weekly Upcycled Crafting Party. http://tinyurl.com/upcycled41 I would love it if you would link up.

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  6. Beautiful! You're absolutely right about the stitching. I love the look of the flowers on the stripes. Great job!

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  7. I love it! Great Anthro knockoff!

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  8. Really cute!! I have that same grey striped tank top from Old Navy - now I know what to do with it!!

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  9. I love what you did with this fabric! I am a tank-top junkie--I have about 20 of them, atleast--now I know how to give them that extra something. Love it.
    I have to say how much I love your bio. So funny. It's like your are my twin; those are my top things I talk/think about too! Love your blog ;)
    http://alittleofthis-emilyadamc.blogspot.com/

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