Recently, I was inspired by a $900 Tsumori Chisato dress, and figured I could create my own version for much less.
A recent find of a huge bag of antique quilt and floursack squares at one of my favorite thrift shops worked perfectly for this project.
Supplies:
- Target Cotton Tank Top - $6
- Men's XL or XXL Fruit-of-the-Loom Cotton T-Shirt - $5
- Thrift Store Quilt Squares, Floursack - $1
Directions:
- Pre-wash and dry tank and t-shirt
- Cut tank top straight across just under chest.
- Cut t-shirt straight across just under arms.
- Gather t-shirt on raw edge to fit tank top.
- Pin tank top and gathered t-shirt, right sides together and stitch.
- Affix quilt squares and floursack materials using a decorative top stitch or hand-embroidery stitch.
Total Cost: $12
Style Tip: This smock can be worn alone as a cute little summer dress or over your favorite pair of slim-fit jeans or leggings.
Brilliant! I LOVE feedsack and have been hoarding both vintage and repro for years. Now I know what I'm doing with a bunch of it!
Posted by: Nancy | April 28, 2011 at 08:45 AM
Traditional blouses, shirts printed with high quality material. One-shoulder blouses or blouses with uncovered shoulders, fashion print blouse, blouses collection of all models and styles. Clothing for the beautiful woman that tradition
Posted by: viagra online | May 21, 2010 at 07:37 AM
This is the cutest idea I've seen in a long time - LOVE LOVE LOVE IT! Good job!
Posted by: susan | February 08, 2010 at 08:47 AM
My daughter and I are going to make some of these. I blogged about it today and used the top picture to show all my friends and readers what it looks like. Is it ok that I borrowed your picture without really asking first. I kinda feel bad. I can take it down, if you would prefer.
Thanks for your wonderful Blog. I used to sell antiques in Texas. I went to Canton every month. I did really well with my little booth. When we moved to Texas, I gave it all up. I really miss it. You make me feel like I'm still in the business, with a bunch of the best girlfriends who ever were...thanks for your sharing your lovliness with the world. You are appreciated.
Posted by: Michal | June 03, 2009 at 01:39 PM
What a sweet idea - and so do-able! Thanks for sharing, I'll be giving it a whirl!
Posted by: Shari | April 28, 2009 at 07:06 AM
That is too cute!!!!!!!! I am inspired. Thanks!
Posted by: Jena | April 23, 2009 at 05:54 PM
Oooh. That is adorable! I might have to make me one similar to it!
Posted by: Jenny | April 20, 2009 at 04:34 PM
Too cute! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Judy | April 20, 2009 at 09:10 AM
Sew, sew, sew cute!
Posted by: happy zombie | April 18, 2009 at 11:22 AM
This is sooo cute, your so smart. Clarice
Posted by: Clarice | April 17, 2009 at 07:58 AM
That is just too cute!!!
I have sewn for a while now but have never really been into sewing clothes really. But lately, seeing all the cutest clothes and ideas... I'm inspired and maybe I'll give it a try when i get the chance...
Have fun in WA. Hope weather is nice for ya!!
Hugs!!
Sonia
Posted by: Sonia | April 17, 2009 at 06:52 AM
Oh so lovely!
i would love to try this.... one day =D
Posted by: Sulz | April 16, 2009 at 10:06 PM
Wow, it's GORGEOUS! Great job! I'd love to link to this if you don't mind.
Posted by: Rachel | April 16, 2009 at 08:45 PM
I made one of those about 2 1/2 years ago from the directions on your website for a gift. It turned out so very cute and it was a fun, fun project. Unfortunately, it was during my pre-blogging days so I wasn't as 'picture crazy' as I am now and I don't have any.
Thanks for sharing such great ideas!
Posted by: TinkerVerve | April 16, 2009 at 04:57 PM
Yikes, 900 clams for a dress! It is always nice to get inspired by beautiful design.
Your earlier post with snow cone papers and candies, was perhaps the cutest thing I have ever seen.
Linda
Posted by: Linda Crispell | April 16, 2009 at 03:49 PM
You girls are so talented. I love that idea.
mypiperdog
Posted by: steph | April 16, 2009 at 03:11 PM
What a great "gift" idea for my neices. Absolutely love it!! And, I Know I have plenty of vintage/feedsack fabrics to play with, too. Been wonderin' what to do with them.
Oh, and I am so intrigued by your pictures that you say are in your book. They are beautiful. Can't wait to get my hands on one of your books, especially the "in the kitchen" - hopefully SOON!!
Posted by: Bevy | April 16, 2009 at 01:26 PM
That smock is too precious!!! I think I will try to make one but I will never show anyone if it turns out just wrong. :)
Posted by: Michelle | April 16, 2009 at 01:05 PM
there is noooooooo way I could do that!! and I want one!!! now wnat??? Cute!!!!!!!
Tina~ Cherry Hill Cottage...
Posted by: Tina | April 16, 2009 at 12:51 PM
What a great idea! This one I'm going to have to try!
Posted by: Andrea | April 16, 2009 at 11:33 AM
I am in desperate need of cute, but cheap summer clothes - What a great idea. thanks
Posted by: pamela | April 16, 2009 at 11:18 AM
Darling idea and Serena makes a beautiful model!
Posted by: Mermaid Debbie | April 16, 2009 at 10:56 AM
This is just adorable!!! I love it :) Thanks so much for sharing your inspiration :)
Posted by: Sharon D. | April 16, 2009 at 10:50 AM
What a great idea! I love finding new ways to use and re-use things. This is a keeper. Thanks!
Posted by: Elaine/MuddlingThrough | April 16, 2009 at 10:30 AM
HOLY COW I WILL BE WORKING ON THIS SOON.
Posted by: pam | April 16, 2009 at 10:00 AM
You are amazing. That is just the type of thing I like to do. Thanks so much for the inspiration. Now if I could just find some of those type fabric squares or scraps.
Posted by: Beverly | April 16, 2009 at 09:59 AM
Very cute. I wish you had a photo or link to the original dress.
Posted by: Lisa | April 16, 2009 at 09:45 AM
Love it! Thanks for showing us how!
Posted by: Firefly Hill | April 16, 2009 at 09:10 AM
I love this! I think I'll make a set for my 3 year old twin daughters, too!
Posted by: jenny | April 16, 2009 at 08:12 AM
I'd say that is a great deal cheaper than $900.. and so incredibly cute!
Posted by: Amy | April 16, 2009 at 08:08 AM
Darling! I'm going to try to make one for each of my daughters!
Posted by: Lisa | April 16, 2009 at 08:07 AM
This is so cute!! What a great, and thrifty idea!!
Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Kimberli | April 16, 2009 at 07:53 AM
Oh WOW I just love this.. so much that I am going to attempt to make one... or a few... its so cute
Posted by: Sarah | April 16, 2009 at 07:15 AM
Very clever, very chic!
Posted by: sheri howard | April 16, 2009 at 06:59 AM
it is so cute!!! and your are an adorable model!
have a great day.
chasity
Posted by: chas at the wild raspberry | April 16, 2009 at 05:47 AM
ADORABLE!!!
Posted by: Sherri Boyce | April 16, 2009 at 05:45 AM
Great idea~
Bristol
Posted by: Honey Bend Vintage | April 16, 2009 at 05:33 AM
Adorable! You could probably substitute a cap sleeve tee if you don't want to show off your arms in a tank!
Posted by: EB Finds | April 16, 2009 at 05:17 AM
Great idea - way better than paying designer prices!!!Who can afford that???
Posted by: Pat | April 16, 2009 at 04:33 AM
what a cute idea, I love it!
Posted by: Alessandra | April 16, 2009 at 01:49 AM
Super cute! Love the fabrics in the squares that you picked up :)
Posted by: Tami B. | April 16, 2009 at 01:42 AM
That is a lovely idea - I really enjoy wearing this kind of top in the summer and never thought of the fact that I could make one myself! I'll look for a few tank tops and T-shirts next time I go to the charity shop - I have the patchwork fabrics already!
Posted by: Floss | April 16, 2009 at 01:12 AM
so cute! what a great idea, thanks for the instructions...my girls will be wearing these soon.:D
Posted by: marci | April 16, 2009 at 12:47 AM