Category Archives: Do it Yourself

Tips and tricks about t-shirts.

Shoulder pads

How To Remove Sewn-In Shoulder Pads

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Shoulder pads

All fashions come back around. What was in style during one season will definitely make an appearance again after some years. However, certain aspects of style take longer to come back into current trends again. This is the case of the shoulder pad. Extremely popular in the 80s and early 90s, they have yet to come back to popularity, especially to the same degree as they were at that time. While some coats have small built-in shoulder pads to create shape, gone are the blouses, dresses and even dressy T-shirts with shoulder pads. Such looks are not likely to come back anytime soon.

So what does someone do with clothes that still have the shoulder pads attached. Many of the outfits of that era are back in style again now, without the extra padding. If you have kept any of your clothes from that era and would like to wear them again, you can do so by removing the shoulder pads.

Removal of shoulder pads from most garments is relatively easy. In most cases, the pads have been attached with a couple of very small stitches after the garment was finished being made. What this means is that to remove such pads you will need a seam ripper or a tiny pair of small scissors and good light.

Turn the garment inside out and carefully examine the shoulder pads and the way they are attached in good light. Only when you are sure that you can remove the stitches without pulling out any of the nearby seams should you proceed. Slip the pointy end of the seam ripper into the stitches and slowly with a slight rocking motion, cut the threads. This will allow you to easily lift out the shoulder pads. Remove any loose threads and discard them.

If you happen to find that the shoulder pads have been sewn into the garment along the seam, you may still be able to remove them without ruining the item. If it is simply the pocket that the actual foam pad is in that is attached to the garment, you can remove the bulk of the shoulder pad by cutting a neat slit in the pocket and removing the pad itself. You may leave the pouch in place if the piece of clothing is bulky enough so that it doesn’t show. If it shows through the fabric or creates bulk, you can solve the problem by carefully cutting the pocket down to size so the only part remaining is what is attached to the seam.

Once you have removed the shoulder pads from your article of clothing, you should iron the item or steam it. This will help to give it its new shape and make the absence of the padding less noticeable.

Quick and easy clothing surgery like this can revitalize even the oldest items in your closet. Don’t be afraid to make changes to items you own in the name of fashion. If you’re not wearing it because it’s not in fashion, you have nothing to lose. So go ahead and be brave with your clothing surgery.

Toga

How to Make a Toga

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Toga

A toga is essential wear for any college student who is going to attend a Greek Party or a Toga Party. If you have yet to attend a Toga Party you will more than likely attend one, or two, before your college days are over. You know the kind of outfit a toga is if you ever saw the movie Animal House. If you haven’t, don’t worry because a step by step series of instructions follow.

To make a toga you only need a plain white bed sheet that is not the kind with the elastic to fit the bed, twin size usually works best, a few safety pins, and to follow these simple steps:

1.    Before you begin to create your toga you need to make sure that you are wearing the proper undergarments. For ladies, a strapless white tube wop will do the trick and white shorts for your lower half. Guys can get away with only wearing a pair of white shorts. Of course you could always go in the raw underneath your toga but depending on how wild the party gets, that may be a choice you later regret.

2.    Making your toga begins with taking the corner of the bed sheet in one hand and holding it on top of one of your shoulders. You will want to leave approximately six to eight inches to spare.

3.    Drape the sheet across your chest and be sure that it is snug. Now tuck it under the opposite arm.

4.    Adjust the length. Here is where you want to adjust the length if it is too long. You will know if it is as you will be tripping over the sheet. The ideal length for a toga is knee length so what you can do is fold the sheet over a few inches and re-drape it to create a shorter fit. Repeat the process until it is at its ideal length for you.

5.    Wrap the sheet around to your back and then tuck under your arm and come back to the front again.

6.    Now you will see what to do with the other corner of the sheet. From here you take the second corner that will be in back of you and bring it up over your back. Now the two corners can be tied in a knot or they can be fastened with a safety pin or even a broach.

7.    Finish by securing the different layers with safety pins and be sure that the safety pins are hidden and not in plain sight.

8.    Top off the look with a pair of calf high sandals and you can even go as far as making a u-shaped headpiece with leaves and wear that at the party for the truly authentic look.

Now you will be ready to go into the Greek Party looking as good as John Belushi did in Animal house. For those of you that haven’t seen it yet, go rent it, it is a timeless classic and will show you exactly what you have to look forward to.

7th grade

What to Wear in the 7th Grade

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7th grade

Seventh grade is a transitional time when elementary school fashions are no longer wanted and high school fashions aren’t quite appropriate yet. For students in seventh grade, a nice comfortable, casual look that is age appropriate is easy to find with the right pieces.

Jeans are one of the easiest things to wear in 7th grade. They are casual, inexpensive and easy to find. When you wear jeans, they can easily be dressed up or made to look easy and casual to go with whatever look you want to portray. They can also be customized with artwork, patches or tearing to give them a customized look.

One of the best things about jeans is that any type of shirt or top goes with them. One of the easiest things to wear to seventh grade are t-shirts in your favorite colors and t-shirts that have pictures that you find appealing. These are easy to use to create your own special style that reflects your own interests and tastes. Dog lovers can wear dog t-shirts or shirts with dog patterns on them along with a comfortable pair of jeans Music lovers can wear t-shirts that portray their favorite bands.

The most appropriate footwear to wear in seventh grade is generally athletic shoes for boys and girls and occasionally flats for girls. When an outfit is dressy, a nice pair of flats finishes the outfit. Athletic shoes for every day use is generally the most comfortable and practical choice. With fitness classes and time outdoors to run around, a pair of athletic shoes comes in handy for keeping up with friends. Athletic shoes are also durable and can take a lot of use and still look nice.
When the weather is warm and if the school permits it, wearing shorts and
a t-shirt is a good way to look casual and stay comfortable in the heat. Denim shorts are very durable and go with absolutely anything, just like jeans. A short-sleeved t-shirt or one with cap sleeves is a nice summer look that will keep you fashionable every day.

Another nice look is khaki or tans pants in cold weather and tan shorts in warm weather. These shorts and pans go with a wide range of shirts, including neutral colors and corresponding prints. A pair of khaki pants and a white r black t-shirt is an easy look that can add new looks to your wardrobe while staying casual and fashionable. In warm weather, a pair of tan shirts and a white t-shirt will keep you cool as well as stylish.

Hoodies, a hooded t-shirt or sweatshirt, are very much in style right now. They can be worn along with your jeans and khakis and come in short or long sleeved versions. They also give you a little protection in case of rain or wind. These are a fun way to change up your wardrobe a little while wearing something practical and comfortable. For a fun look, try a short-sleeved hoodie over a long-sleeved t-shirt along with a pair of comfortable jeans.

Remove bra

How To Remove a Bra While Wearing a Shirt

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Remove bra

Most people have a love-hate relationship with bras. If you’re a guy, you love them because of the sex appeal associated with them. There’s nothing sexier than a woman lounging in a lacy bra and panties, and Victoria’s Secret knows it. If you’re a girl, you probably hate wearing a bra because it can be uncomfortable. Not to mention the trouble ladies have finding the right bra size, or the costs associated with buying bras (who knew that a little bit of stretchy material, a clasp and some straps could be so expensive?).

Despite the downsides, nearly every modern woman wears a bra. In fact, most couldn’t imagine life without the contraption. Many wear them because they are large-breasted and need the extra support that a bra provides. Most do it because it’s just something that women are expected to do. Society has set a dress code standard which includes bras for women, and so women must follow it in order to function in certain situations. Just imagine what would happen if a professional woman started going bra-less at the office! Not only would tongues be wagging, but her career track could take a serious downturn.

But there are times when it’s fun to throw caution — and that annoying underwire — to the wind and dare to go bra-less. Perhaps you want to spice up your love life with your significant other, or you want your date to know that you are REALLY having a great time. Or maybe you’re sweating it out at the beach and just can’t stand those trickles of perspiration soaking into your bra anymore. Knowing how to remove a bra while wearing a shirt is a trick that comes in handy in these situations.

Here’s how to remove your bra while wearing a shirt:

1.    If you’re planning ahead of time to remove your bra (think the really hot date), the best shirt to wear is a spaghetti-strap tank top. Begin by reaching under your shirt and unclasping the bra behind your back. If your bra snaps closed between the breasts, simply reach a hand up between your body and shirt and unhook it.

2.    Next, pull one strap of your bra over your shoulder and down so that it rests on your bicep. While holding your tank top in place, slip your arm up and through the bra strap. Your spaghetti strap should be in the same place, while your bra strap should be hanging down.

3.    Perform the same process for the other side of the body. Both bra straps should now be hanging down.

4.    Reach up under your shirt and remove the bra. Voila, you’re now au naturel!

Some studies suggest that it is healthier for women to not wear bras, especially tight bras, because they put pressure on the breasts and surrounding areas. This, in turn, prevents the flow of lymph, which flushes toxins and other wastes from the body. Experts have cautioned that women wear bras no more than 12 hours a day, so take off that bra and enjoy the freedom! Your breasts will thank you.

How To Hang A T-Shirt On The Wall?

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Hanging a T-shirt on a wall is a great way to show off a masterpiece, a souvenir T-shirt, an autographed one or one that was worn by someone special. Sports T-shirts, school T-shirts, reunion shirts and even baby’s first T-shirts are great ideas to hang up and show off. So, how exactly does one go about hanging a T-shirt on a wall?

The first thing to do before putting a T-shirt on display is to make sure it is clean. Even stains that are invisible to the eye know may show up over time and mar the appearance of the shirt. Therefore a fresh laundering is in order. The exception to this is when there is something special about the T-shirt that would be destroyed by washing it. For example if the autograph that makes a tee special were done in water-based markers, you should skip the laundry step.

The next step is to find a picture frame that is large enough to display the T-shirt full size. To have it folded often takes away from the look of it. Get a mat to fit the frame that is a contrasting color to the T-shirt to make it stand out even more. If a mat comes with the frame you can cover it with a different color or even a different print material to provide the needed contrast.

Make sure the T-shirt is well ironed and wrinkle-free before doing this next step. Using small pins, discreetly placed, pin the flat T-shit to the mat. Use enough pins on the top of the shirt to ensure that it does not slip, sag or fall once you hang it vertically. Pins on the sides and along the arms will also ensure that it stays in the shape you want it to.

A line of text about the T-shirt makes a great addition to the frame. This adds a touch of real memorabilia to your T-shirt on display. Remember to hang it in a prominent location away from direct sunlight to avoid fading.

Don’t have a T-shirt you’d consider hanging on a wall? Next time there is a special event in your life, a custom-made T-shirt is the perfect thing to wear. You can use it to say anything you want. You can get it autographed or simply wear it and hang it as a trophy of what you have accomplished. Custom-made T-shirts can do anything you want them to do and are perfect for framing.

If you happen to be torn over whether or not to permanently hang a tee on a wall, meaning you can no longer wear a favorite shirt, the problem can be fixed with a custom-made one. Create a duplicate of the shirt you are hanging, so you can wear it and preserve it at the same time. You might alternatively want to take a photo to have put on a new custom-made T-shirt honoring the one you retired or the event that made it special.

Ninja mask

How to Make a Ninja Mask Out of a T-Shirt

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Ninja mask

Need a quick costume? Need a very cheap costume? Just want to have a little fun and amuse your friends with your t-shirt skills? It doesn’t get much cheaper, easier and more impressive than making a ninja mask out of an ordinary t-shirt. A quick t-shirt ninja mask can be made any time and in any place. If you’re running late and need a costume for a party, you can make it on the way to the party- as long as you’re not the one who’s driving. The mask can be made with any color t-shirt, though a black or dark-colored t-shirt will usually look the best.

If you have a black, white, or dark-colored t-shirt that has printing on it, it is possible to arrange the t-shirt so that the printing doesn’t show when it becomes a ninja mask. The easiest way to do this is simply to turn the t-shirt inside out so that no part of the printing shows. The seams may show once the mask is completed, but ninjas do tend to get their own way. Maybe you’re a ninja who wants the seams to show.

Hold the t-shirt up against the front of your body. If you want the eventual result to be an inside-out t-shirt, keep it turning outside out. If you want the completed mask to be outside out, turn the shirt inside out before you begin making the mask. The t-shirt should be turned around so that the tag is on the side that’s farthest away from you.

Then, pull the shirt upward as if you were going to put it down over your head. Instead of putting your head through the neck hole, pull down on the neck so that your face is sticking through the neck hole. The neck of the t-shirt should be all the way around your face.

Take a sleeve in each of your hands and wrap each sleeve all the way around. Each sleeve should come around the back of your head. The sleeves can then be tied together in one knot that will be in the middle of the back of your head. Pull the top of the neck hole down over your forehead. Then, fold the top part of the collar upward so that the neck isn’t hanging in your eyes. This folded area can be moved down to sit at eye-brow level. This will give you a slightly menacing look and will be an important part of your ninja mask.

Take the bottom part of the t-shirt’s neck hole and pull it upward until it covers your nose. If the tag of the t-shirt is at your nose, everything is in the right place. To hide the tag, fold the collar over it. This will keep it out of the way and your new ninja mask looking fierce. If you have trouble with folding the tag under, try trimming the tag down as low as you can first. This will make it easier to conceal it and easier for you to look like a convincing ninja.

How to Make a T-Shirt Feel Worn

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A t-shirt is an article of clothing that is unlike many other garments. The more worn it feels, the more comfortable the t-shirt will be. Like a worn pair of jeans, there are few things that are quite as comfortable as a t-shirt that feels nice and worn. The t-shirt can be made to feel more worn than it is in a number of ways. It can also be made to feel less stiff by avoiding some types of garment care.

If a t-shirt feels stiff, it might be getting the type of care that makes clothing feel less worn. This may include spray starch and ironing. If you want the t-shirt to feel more worn, don’t iron it and throw away the starch. Starch has never made anything feel more comfortable.

And as far ironing: don’t. Most t-shirts don’t wrinkle anyway. If they do happen to have a few wrinkles, they will smooth out as the t-shirt is worn. Ironing a shirt makes it feel a little stiffer and not as if it was well worn. Washing and drying is all the care that a t-shirt really needs most of the time.

For a little extra comfort, always use fabric softener when you wash your t-shirt. This gives it an overall softer feeling and makes it feel as if it has been worn many times. Some washers have an area where a liquid fabric softener can be added and released slowly over time. There are also liquid fabric softeners that can be poured directly into the washer along with the detergent.

For the dryer, use a fabric softener sheet. These are placed in the dryer with the wet clothes and thrown away after the clothes are dry. A dryer sheet will leave the t-shirt feeling soft and comfortable every time you use it.

To keep the t-shirt feeling soft, also be sure to use the correct amount of detergent. Using too much can leave a heavy film on the clothes that will make them feel a little heavier and not as soft. A shirt that is clean but not full of soap has a much nicer feel.

Some people like to stone wash their t-shirts. This can be done by actually washing it with a rough stone, but more often it’s actually done with sandpaper. Rubbing the t-shirt with large-grain sandpaper will very quickly make it feel worn. Simply lay the t-shirt flat and rub it in an up-and-down motion all over the t-shirt.

Perhaps the most effective way to make a t-shirt feel worn is to wear it. Wearing it often, even under other clothing, will make it worn and comfortable in no time. Wear it, wash it and throw it in the dryer and it will become more worn than if it were worn rarely and kept in a drawer. And, the great thing about a t-shirt is that the more you wear it, the more comfortable it is. So don’t leave it in a drawer- get out there are wear it.

How Can I Draw On A T-Shirt?

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Drawing on a T-shirt is always a unique way to personalize it. It can turn a great shirt into a priceless souvenir. It can also simply dress up a T-shirt at the last minute, when you don’t have time to have it professionally printed. For the proud parent or grandparent, a child’s drawing on a T-shirt is the ultimate way to show off your little one’s talent and your pride. It can be done as art projects, contests and much more.

There are several different ways to draw on a T-shirt, each with differing results. The least expensive way would be to use permanent marker for your designs. Remember to put a couple of sheets of paper inside the shirt while you are drawing so the ink does not transfer to the back of the shirt. The drawing will fade a bit with time, but it should be more or less permanent. The downside is that it is usually obvious that your T-shirt drawing was an amateur job.

You can also use fabric paint pens to do T-shirt painting. This will give you a much more vivid, realistic image for your T-shirt. The image should not fade as much as a marker design, and will give the appearance of being a much more professional drawing. Simply follow the directions included with the marker and you will be on your way to a beautifully done T-shirt drawing.

Acrylic paints can also be used with amazing results. The trick is to be sure to wash and dry the T-shirt without using any fabric softener, prior to painting. After you have finished painting the T-shirt it is important to set the paint. This can be done using white vinegar or a commercially made craft product specifically for this use. Vinegar will not preserve the paint as long as the commercially made product, but it is still a very good option. It will take up to a year before you see fading with a vinegar-treated shirt.

The fourth and most professional way to draw on a T-shirt is to have a drawing you have made custom-printed on a T-shirt of your choice. If you or your child has done work that you are extremely proud of, a copy of it can be printed on a custom-made T-shirt. That’s the beauty of such tees. You not only choose the color and style, but you customize them in the way that suits you best, even with your own artwork or that of a loved one.

Painting on T-shirts is a great craft idea and lots of fun. You can even have T-shirts custom-made for special events leaving space for you to draw on your tee. You can have a T-shirt printed with a line like one of these.
•    This is what I did in art class
•    Product of art camp – Summer 2009
•    Proud Mom of a Talented Artist
•    This is my kid’s drawing. Isn’t it good!

Get your custom-made drawing T-shirt today and show that you are an art lover in all media and proud of it.

How to Stencil a T-Shirt

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T-shirt stenciling is a fun way to quickly customize a shirt. It can be a way to make a very complicated image into a t-shirt picture, or a way to design a t-shirt by using simple shapes. Many people use stencils on t-shirts to customize it with letters and numbers.

Letters and numbers are simply to stencil onto a t-shirt. Stencils are available in any craft store, or you can make your own. All you need is a sturdy cardboard cut out of each letter or a plastic stencil for each. The stencils are placed in their desired arrangement on the t-shirt and then marked in place with a pencil.

On ready-made stencils, there are small cut-out points where the end of a pencil will fit through. Use these points to mark the placement of each stencil. This will allow you to line up the stencil again if it gets bumped or moved, or if you need to come back and redo the stencil with another color. It will also allow you to line up individual letters and numbers to make sure you are stenciling them in a straight line. This is a much more accurate method than simply eyeing the letters and will result in much straighter rows of numbers and letters.

If you’ve made the stencil yourself, simply mark the t-shirt along the outside edges of the stencil. This will allow you the same security as a ready-made pencil point. The pencil markings will wash away easily as soon as the t-shirt is laundered.

For more complicated designs, you can use a ready-made stencil that is meant for wall painting, or look in stencil books. Stencil books have many cardboard stencils to choose from and make it easy to find several designs with the same theme. These are punched out of the book and are used in much the same way as letter stencils. Lay the stencil on the shirt and mark it with a pencil before starting. Then, use your medium of choice to fill in the stencil.

For t-shirts, many people use markers because they are easy to write with, have a precise tip and come in a wide variety of colors. A permanent marker will work on a t-shirt, or use fabric markers. Either type can be used to fill in any stencil with solid color.

Another option is fabric paint. These paints are specifically designed to stay on fabric and not wash away. When using fabric paints, paint from the outside of the stencil to the inside, working toward the center of each area to be stenciled. This lessens the chance of the fabric paint slipping underneath the stencil and making the design blurry.

Use a small brush, even if the area to be stenciled is large. This gives you more control over where the paint goes and will keep the design neater. Most paints require setting the paint with an iron or drying it in a clothes dryer before wearing the design. Follow the directions of the individual paint type and you’ll have a t-shirt that is permanently painted with your handiwork.

How to Remove Oil from Your T-Shirt

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Oil and fabrics are never a good mix. Oil can stain clothing faster than just about anything else that touches it. And t-shirts, being made of breathable cotton, can be especially vulnerable to it. Fortunately, there are a number of things that can be done to take out the oil before it permanently damages the t-shirt. If caught in enough time, there’s no reason that an oily t-shirt that looks hopeless can’t end up looking as good as new.

One home remedy that many use against oil is shampoo. A baby shampoo can be used if the stain is mild, or a harsher shampoo can be used if the stain is more severe. The shampoo should be rubbed into the stain for a few minutes and then rinsed out with warm water. The t-shirt can then be washed in the laundry as usual. The oil should run out of the shirt and leave it looking like it did before.

If that doesn’t work for your particular oil spot, try a dishwashing detergent. It may sound strange, but a liquid dishwashing soap may be the most effective thing you can use on a tough oil stain. Dishwashing detergents are made to cut the oil that is left behind on pots and pans and to allow it to be rinsed away. This same principle can be used for your t-shirts. The dishwashing soap can be applied in much the same way as the shampoo- rub it into the oily area, rinse it away and then wash the shirt as you normally would.

If the stain is particularly tough, try changing the way you apply the dishwashing soap. Instead of rubbing it into the fabric of the t-shirt, scrub it into the fabric with an old toothbrush. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles to avoid damaging the fabric or causing too much wear to the oily area.

If either of these methods doesn’t work for a stubborn stain, combine one or both of these methods with a hot-water soak. Add some shampoo or dishwashing soap into the water and allow the t-shirt to soak for about half an hour. Then, take the t-shirt out and wash it in the washing machine.

Baby powder is another home remedy that many people swear by. The powder soaks up the oil which can then be removed when you remove the baby powder. The problem with baby powder, however, can often be the smell that is left behind. It may also stain dark t-shirts. If you want to try it anyway, use cornstarch instead. This has a similar effect but will not leave the same strong scent behind. It is also less hazardous to those with asthma or other respiratory problems as talc can be.

Whichever method of oil remover you decide to use, never put your clothes into the dryer until you are certain the stain has come out. Drying clothes in the dryer will set the stain and make it far more difficult to remove.

How to Pack T-Shirts without Wrinkling Them

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Most t-shirts generally don’t wrinkle too badly when kept in a drawer or a closet. However, when the t-shirts are packed, it’s a different story all together. The tightly-packed atmosphere of a suitcase or duffel bag can mean that the t-shirt will come away with a large number of wrinkles if it is not packed correctly.

Packing a t-shirt the right way is mostly a matter of folding them correctly and placing them into the suitcase the right way.  The folding can be done in one of two ways. The first and most common way is to fold the t-shirts so that there are the fewest number of creases possible. The creases should mainly happen where there is a seam. The sleeves can be folded at the seam and placed behind the front of the shirt. The whole shirt can then be folded once across the middle to minimize the amount of creases and wrinkles.

The best way to make sure that the t-shirt is not wrinkled at all is to pack the folded t-shirt in a suitcase or bag that is not overfilled. Just about anything that is packed in a stuffed suitcase, no matter what type of fabric it’s made of, will wrinkles. The weight and pressure of too many items in the suitcase will force harder creases and wrinkles into the clothing. It will result in wrinkles in the t-shirts as well as everything else in the suitcase. If you have a lot of things to pack, carry an extra bag to prevent the items being smashed together too tightly.

The other way to pack t-shirts is a less common way to do it, but it can result in zero wrinkles if done correctly. The folding is actually done by rolling the t-shirts instead of the traditional fold. Lay the t-shirt out flat in front of you and start at the collar. Continue to the end, rolling the entire shirt into a loose roll. Rolling it too tightly can leave a few wrinkles in it. But, like the other folding method, wrinkles can be pressed into the t-shirts by packing them too tightly into the bag.

The rolling method of t-shirt folding is not only good for preventing wrinkles, it is also a good space saver. It reduces the amount of space needed for the t-shirts and enables them to be packed into the odd-sized spaces left in the suitcase. Just don’t be tempted to fill in the extra space with too many new items.

Some people also use tissue paper to put a little extra space in between their items. A sheet or two of tissue paper can be placed on top of each item to give it a little more cushion. This prevents the t-shirts from becoming packed too closely to other items and coming away with deep creases.

For another layer of insurance, use a hard-sided suitcase. This ensures that the items in the suitcase won’t be smashed by rough handling or by being stored too closely to other suitcases. By taking a little care, you can ensure that the t-shirts arrive at their destination wrinkle-free and ready to wear.

How to Make Your T-Shirt Soft

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T-shirts are so popular because they are comfortable, easy to wear and are likely one of the softest items of clothing you own. The soft, combed cotton that is used for t-shirt has a feel that is unlike any other. There are some types of clothing care, however, that can take away some of that softness. If your t-shirts are starting to feel a little stiff or if you just want to make sure that they never end up feeling that way, there are several ways to take care of it and ensure a softer t-shirt.

Fabric Softener

Using a fabric softener may seem like a simple thing, but there are an enormous number of ways to use it. There are the well-known dryer sheets that can be added to the dryer along with the wet clothes, but there are a number of other types. There are fabric softener balls that are added to the washer. These balls add a liquid fabric softener into the wash at the right time. Another way to use fabric softener is to pour in a liquid type that is poured in during the rinse cycle.

Drying

The key to the softness of any item of clothing is usually the way it has been dried. Line drying a t-shirt will leave it far stiffer than putting it through a dryer cycle. Many people choose to use line drying anyway because of the energy savings or the cost of a dryer. Some simply prefer the way clothing smells after it has been line dried. If you like line-drying your t-shirts, try using a quick 5-minute drying cycle after the t-shirts are mostly dry. This will result in a t-shirt that has still saved energy and still has the smell of line-dried clothing, but it will have the soft feel of t-shirts that have been dried in a dryer.

Softening the Water

If your clothes aren’t getting softener, it may the water itself that needs softened. If you have hard water, it can take a serious toll on your clothing every time it’s washed. To soften the water, add a little bit of vinegar into the washer during the rinse cycle. Some people also use two rinse cycles when washing their clothes to ensure that all of the soap has been removed and to make sure that the vinegar is having an impact on the t-shirts.

To make sure that any t-shirt doesn’t get hard again, also make an effort to keep it clean. Some t-shirts may harden when they are left dirty for long periods of time. Sweat, body oils, dirt, deodorant and other substances can harden the fabric if they are left on it for too long. Wash t-shirts as they become dirty and then make sure to take a step or two to ensure that the wash will lead to softer t-shirts. This will ensure that the comfort of a brand-new t-shirt goes on and on, even when the t-shirt has been worn and washed many times.

How to Stretch Your T-Shirt

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We’ve all got that one t-shirt that would fit perfectly if we could just stretch it out a bit. Chances are, your t-shirt fell victim to one of the most common culprits, the washer and dryer. Or, maybe you bought it a little too small because the t-shirt was unique or too good a deal to pass up but the store did not have quite your size. Whatever the reason for your ill fitting t-shirt, it’s time to stop looking in your closet, pulling out the t-shirt, and putting it back. Stretch that baby and give it some wear time!

There are a couple methods for stretching a t-shirt that can be used when either the garment is wet or dry. The first one involves simply trying to stretch the t-shirt by pulling on it. While most people may try just tugging on the shirt in its poorly fitted places when it’s dry and on their body, this method isn’t usually successful. In fact, if your t-shirt has graphics on it, it may distort them and give away your attempt to stretch your t-shirt. Stretching a t-shirt while it is wet is most successful.

The first step after wetting the shirt is to lay it on a flat surface and start pulling gently on the fabric in the areas that you need to stretch out. You should pull lengthwise and crosswise during your stretching process. After you’ve stretched out the wet shirt, hang it to dry. A second tactic to use while the t-shirt is wet is to stretch it with an iron. The heat setting of the iron should be on a low to medium. Gently run the iron over the problem area pushing out the fabric lengthwise and crosswise. As with hand stretching, hang the t-shirt to air dry. A final method that can be attempted is to use your iron on a dry shirt using the same technique as above. This method however is likely to only be successful in situations where limited stretching is needed.

Having a larger sized family member or friend put on your shirt and wear it may sound like another option for stretching out your t-shirt. However, you’d better think carefully before you choose someone to help you out with this! If the size differential between you and your friend or family member is too great, you’ll ruin your shirt. However, if the differential is not great enough, you may get little or no stretching. Therefore, depending on how much the shirt needs to be stretched and if you have the right individual to utilize for the process, this idea may work. However, you may undo all your stretching work when you wash the t-shirt prior to wearing it yourself.

Are you ready to take on stretching that t-shirt and make it fit properly? Then drag it out of the closet and figure out just how much stretching you’ll need to do to achieve the fit you’re after. Just remember – the stretching techniques used for wet shirts work best for t-shirts that need a whole lot of stretching. Finally, remember each time you wash your t-shirt you might need to repeat the whole process to get that perfect fit again. Happy stretching!

How to Paint Baby’s Footprint on T-Shirt

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Having a child is an emotional experience that many parents want to remember forever. The intense love and connection between a baby and his parents seems to put everything into perspective immediately. Parents are often left feeling a deep connection causing them to want everything for the little one and wanting to protect them from the cruelty of outside world. There is so much joy in being a parent that you may want to record how precious your child was. One really fun way to do that is by having your baby’s tiny footprint painted onto a t-shirt.

There are several ways to get your child’s footprint onto a t-shirt. Paint may be the easiest and most colorful solution. You will need fabric paint for this, other paints may not hold well and either bleed through or wash off the shirt making all your hard work useless. After selecting your color of paint and t-shirt you will need to prepare the shirt. It is a great idea to wash the t-shirt before doing anything to it. Washing the shirt will help keep it from shrinking later. Place the shirt flat on a solid surface such as a table or countertop. Put a piece of cardboard inside the shirt to prevent the paint from bleeding through and causing damage to the back.

After the shirt is prepared pour the paint onto a plate, preferable paper so you can through it out after. Dip your baby’s clean foot into the paint for a thick print. You can also run a small foam roller brush through the paint then over the baby’s foot for a print that isn’t too thick and is coated evenly. You may need someone to help you keep the t-shirt in place so it doesn’t move as you press the paint covered foot firmly yet gently onto the t-shirt. Pull the foot straight up keeping the t-shirt taught. Allow the t-shirt to dry according to the paint’s directions or for two days if there aren’t any instructions. You can also use the same method with ink instead of paint.

Another way to get the baby’s footprint onto a t-shirt is by scanning an image of the baby’s footprint onto a computer. You can use one you placed onto paper on your own, or use the copy from the hospital. After the image is scanned, you then print the image onto an iron-on transfer sheet. The transfer is ready to iron onto the t-shirt per the instructions. This is a fun way to put the footprint onto a t-shirt without having to be messy if you simply use the footprint the hospital provides.

Babies grow up faster than anyone can imagine. Those tiny feet and toes do not stay tiny long. Capturing the image of those little feet onto a t-shirt is a great way to remember those beautiful times with your little one. Footprint t-shirts are also a great present for grandparents, aunts, and uncles. Making a shirt for those that love the baby is an excellent way to share in your happiness and provides the wearer with a way to show off those tiny feet.

How to Remove an Itchy T-Shirt Neck Tag

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An itchy tag is something that can be an annoying part of any day. Trying to shop or carry on a conversation while trying to reach for an itching tag is no way to go about your day. There are a number of ways that an annoying tag can be dealt with, however.

To get rid of an itchy tag, many people reach for the scissors. This can have one of three outcomes. The tag can be cut short and become even itchier, it can be cut even shorter and become comfortable or a hole can be cut in the neck of the t-shirt. Because all tags are not attached the t-shirts in the same way, taking the same approach to removing every tag can result in severe damage to the shirt. To remove the tag the proper way, take a look at how the tag is attached. Only after the tag and the stitching have been evaluated should you actually try to remove the tag.

There are tags that are sewn into the shirt with the same line of stitches that holds the seam together. For these tags, there is little that can be done besides cutting the tag as short as possible. This should be tony with fine scissors so that the tag is not left too long and the stitches are not cut accidently.

For tags that are sewn on with a different line of stitching from the seam, there are more options available. The tag can be cut away from the t-shirt by using a seam ripper. This small device will pull the stitches out of the shirt quickly and efficiently. If you don’t have a seam ripper, however, there are other options. To get the tag to fall away from the shirt, you might cut one or more of the stitches holding it on and then try to pull the thread to pull out the rest of the stitches. You may need to push and pull the thread a few times to do this, but it can be done with many items. Tweezers can sometimes be helpful when trying to remove tags with this method.

You can also use a small pair of hair-cutting scissors in place of a seam ripper. The small points at the end of these scissors will enable you to get a blade in between the tag and the thread. The thread can then be simply cut away from the tag, enabling it to be easily removed.

If the tag does have separate stitching from the seam, and the stitching doesn’t look very tight, you might be able to simply rip the tag out of the shirt. This should of course be done only after assessing the tag and making sure that the seam will not be affected. If it doesn’t work, it may loosen up the thread so that it’s easier to cut it away from the tag. If you do try pulling the tag out, pay attention to how it is affecting the garment. If it looks like the neck is being stretched out, stop pulling and try another method.

Why Not Make Your Own Vintage T-Shirts?

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These days, t-shirts are not confined anymore to uniforms for sports teams or workout clothes. T-shirts have become more and more fashionable in recent years, with people wearing them as the centerpiece—the most important part—of their outfits. One of the most popular types of t-shirts these days is the vintage style. T-shirts with a vintage style are usually thin and very soft, with faded but interesting colors, and great, unique designs. Many of them have old logos or slogans for products.

The problem with actual vintage t-shirts is that they are, in fact, used. They may be falling apart, may be stained. If they are in good shape, they are probably very expensive. People pay lots of money for clothes labeled “vintage.” They pay a lot more than they’d be willing to pay for a regular, new t-shirt.

So how can you get the funky, stylish, comfortable quality of a vintage t-shirt without sacrificing fabric quality and cost effectiveness?

The answer to this question is simple. Make your own “vintage” t-shirt! While it might be silly to take a perfectly good t-shirt and distress and abuse it to make it look like someone else has been wearing it for years, it would be silly at all to start paying attention to what exactly you like about vintage shirts, and start brainstorming from there. Vintage shirts tend to be more interesting than new shirts because they are more carefully designed. The slogans and images are more colorful, literally and figuratively. Very often the slogans are humorous and sometimes they rhyme. If the t-shirts are advertising a product, they often have an image of the product included. So maybe you could design your own product and a slogan for it. If you want to spend less time on it, you could look for ideas in old fabric swatches or wall paper patterns. These things won’t be worrisome in terms of copyrighting, but they will help you get a feel for the aesthetic of the time period that most vintage t-shirts might come from.

Once you decide what to put on your t-shirt, you can also decide on a background color. Most t-shirt printing companies offer a surprisingly large amount of colors to choose from. Vintage t-shirts often have colors that are more complex than primary colors, so try for those. They’ll give your t-shirt a much more unique look. Of course, you’ll want your t-shirt’s color to coordinate well with your design, so consider that as well. Also, some colors look newer than others. Bright primary colors, for example, will be very obviously new when your new t-shirt arrives. Darker colors or faded, heather-based colors will look older, especially with your vintage-style design on top of them.

Try these tips, and get creative, and you’ll be able to create some one of a kind, new vintage-style t-shirts. Once you have your t-shirt, you can match it with real vintage jeans or with a dressier outfit for going out at night. T-shirts these days a very versatile – especially if they look vintage. So get creative, and bring the past into the present!

5 Ways to Remove Wrinkles From Your T-Shirt Without Ironing

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If you are anything like me and hate ironing you will love these tips on getting the wrinkles out of your t-shirt.

1. Make your own wrinkle release spray. This mixture is easy to bring along on a trip where you don’t have access to an iron. Just mix together 1 tsp of liquid fabric softener and 1 cup of water (preferably distilled water) and put it in a spray bottle. Spray your wrinkled t-shirt and pull the item to smooth it. Let your t-shirt dry my either hanging it or laying it flag. If you don’t have much time you can blow dry your clothing dry (if you have access to a hair dryer). Remember if you are traveling don’t pack more than 3 ounces or you might not be able to bring it on the airplane due to current security laws.

2. Put your T-shirt in the Dryer. If you want a quick an easy way to get the wrinkles out of your t-shirt just throw your shirt and a damp towel in the dryer for about 10-15 minutes and when its done your shirt will not only lose its wrinkles but it will be nice and warm and toasty on your body.

3. Shower De-Wrinking. You can also hang your t-shirt in the bathroom when you are taking a shower. The steam and humidity will help remove the wrinkles. Once again you can also use the hair dryer to smooth out any additional wrinkles.

4. 70% Rubbing Alcohol. You can put rubbing alcohol on your t-shirt using the same method as the wrinkle release spray and it can remove the wrinkles.

5. Water and a Hair Dryer. You can wet the wrinkled areas of your t-shirt or even the entire thing and dry it fairly fast using a hair dryer.

These five methods are best when your t-shirt is a cotton blend such as a 50-50 cotton/polyester blend. Try these methods before getting out the dreaded iron.

For more ideas and tips visit Lifehacker and Tipnut

How to Make a T-Shirt Quilt

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Preserving memories involve more than just scrapbooks these days. T-shirt quilts are becoming a popular way to commemorate a childhood, concert-going days, or even a loved one who has passed.

Everyone has t-shirts they just cannot bear to toss in the trash. With t-shirt quilts, you can use that old football jersey, Van Halen t-shirt, and even sweet baby onesies to create a special, durable quilt that you can cherish for years to come. These quilt creations make wonderful gifts and keepsakes for children, adults, friends, or family members.

So you have the t-shirts, but you don’t know what to do in order to go from stack of old shirts to amazing quilt? Even a beginning quilt-maker can succeed at this project with a little guidance. The following will help you to learn how to make a t-shirt quilt. The first step is to make sure you can cut the same size square out of each t-shirt you want to use. Identify the best section of each shirt and decide how you can crop so each square is the same size and in a perfect square shape. The size of the square and number of t-shirts used determines how large your quilt will be. You can go as small as a lap quilt to as large as a covering for a king size bed! Use as few as four t-shirts or as many as 36.

Next you will need to focus on the interfacing—the material that provides the backing and structure for the quilt. Interfacing helps the quilt to keep its shape. You can choose between woven or non-woven type and between light through medium weight material. A fabric store can help you to find exactly what you need. You will want to cut the interfacing material slightly larger than the t-shirt blocks in order to make the seams as sturdy as they can be. Then you will fuse the interfacing to the t-shirt sections, following the instructions that come from the interfacing manufacturer.

You may choose to simply sew the t-shirts together or you may choose to use additional material for sashing and borders around each t-shirt square. The sashing and borders can provide a contrast and attractive way to divide the different t-shirt squares, but they are optional. Remember to wash the t-shirts, interfacing material, and sashing before sewing, so the colors do not bleed or spread.

The fun part is arranging the blocks and deciding the layout for your quilt. Find a large, clear space to lay down each square and play around with different layouts until you come up with the perfect look.

Finally, the sewing begins! Choose to sew either horizontally or vertically and, if you are adding sashing pieces, sew those in as you work. Sew the rows together and then add the border. The finishing touch is to layer the t-shirt quilt with backing and/or batting. Tape or pin the pieces together and either use a quilting machine or tie the layers together. Wrap it all up by binding, which holds the edges together and gives your quilt a polished look.

T-Shirt quilting is a fun, relatively easy way to use your beloved Ts. The finished product will be something in which you can take pride. But, beware—you may find friends and family asking you to take-on their t-shirt quilting projects once they see your unique masterpiece!

How Make a Vintage Looking T-Shirt at Home

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There is a better way to create the ultimate vintage looking T-shirt, without paying outrageous prices for a cotton blend shirt that’s faded juuuuust right. With a little more time and a lot less money, you can achieve this look at home. Just follow these instructions:

Follow these steps to make your t-shirt look aged or vintage:

1. Soak your T-shirt in a solution of 8 cups water and 1 ½ cups of salt for around 3 days. To make the solution, bring the water to a boil and slowly stir in the salt. Remember to let the mixture cool off before adding your shirt, or the shirt may shrink.

2. After the 3 days are up, wring out your T-shirt and rub down both the inside and outside briefly with a super fine grit sandpaper. Go easy over any designs, silkscreening or iron-ons–the paper will take them right off.

3. Hang your shirt out to dry and fade in the sunshine.

4. Rinse the shirt quickly and wring it out in your sink.

5. Wash your shirt in the washer and dry in the dryer and you normally would.

A soft, perfectly aged T-shirt should emerge. If you have any other tips on how to create a vintage t-shirt we would love to hear them.