Infini-Tee: how to

I'm always looking for new ways to reinvent the alarming amount of t-shirts piling up at our Salvation Army. Remember that new pattern I mentioned a few weeks ago? I designed this simple scarf way back in May, and have been patiently waiting for the cooler months to arrive to share it with you. Now that the temperatures have dropped and the wood stove is kicking in, I'm excited to bring out my Infini-Tee! This two-toned, double layered ring couldn't be easier to make, but you'll be surprised at how versatile it is to wear... I've even been keeping one in the car to toss on for warmth or as last minute new look... including the perfect "hide the bad hair day hoodie"!

It works for all ages, as my nieces have proved. They're always happy to play dress up, but they totally humored me by donning sweaters in August for this shoot. Thank you girls! They took their job very seriously... or maybe it was just the heat.

Here are some ways we discovered to wear these cozy layers of soft jersey... that stretch and twist to form multiple accessories- all with warmth and style. Loop it twice for a scarf, wrap around your shoulders, nestle at your neck with a kerchief style hood, or pull up for a traditional hoodie…

It also transforms into a cozy wrap to wear over jeans or leggings. Just add a little pin to hold it in place.

The same wrapping idea can turn it into a capelet, as well. We didn't use a pin here, just fold and a tuck- but a brooch would hold it securley.

Here are the easy instructions. Go rescue some t-shirts this weekend!  Make one for yourself and one for a friend.

Infini-Tee

Need:

• 2 XL (or larger) men’s tee shirts-longer and wider the better
• button thread and needle
• scissors

Make:

1. Cut off the bottom hems of both shirts. 
2. Cut a straight  line across the body of each shirt, directly underneath the sleeves.
3. Cut one side open of each shirt. If it is a seamed shirt (not all tee’s are), cut along the seam.
4. Open each shirt into a long rectangle and lay on top of each other right side to right side. Trim to be equal in size. Sew a seam along each length to create one long  tube with one shirt on top and the other on bottom. If using a machine use a mock overlock stitch or any stretch stitch. If sewing by hand use sturdy button thread.
5. Turn the tube right side out.
6. Join both open ends together by matching up the long seams you've just sewn. Pin at the seam on the wrong side. Continue pinning the wrong side for several inches. Sew shut the tube opening where the pins are... continue to stitch around the opening on the wrong side (even thought the rest of the tube is right side out) by twisting the fabric until it simply won't turn anymore. Remove from  machine. Straighten out tube and hand stitch the small opening closed. (see final illustration)Done!

 

 Note: If you'd like to add a personal touch:  print, stencil or embroidery on one of the sides. Perhaps, adorn a seam with a ribbon of lace. These are perfectly wonderful kept simple, but they do make great  blank canvases for embellishments.

See, they're not always so serious... and can you spot the little stripy summer sundress peeking out of that wool sweater... they were such good sports!