Now that we’ve dealt with those old t-shirts by making a quilt (or some quilts), it is time to make some new t-shirts. You don’t want to let the empty space where the old t-shirts were stored go to waste.

My daughter came for a visit a couple of weeks ago. She wanted to go shopping for some new clothes – as if there are no stores where she lives. Being a good mom, I went with her to a local department store. I have not been in a department store in years. In case you haven’t noticed, fabric is not sold in department stores anymore. I think (actually I know, but won’t admit to it) my age is showing, some of us remember buying fabric in all the major department stores. While she shopped and tried on clothes, I was taking in all the wonderful lace garments. They had everything from total lace to lace trim dresses, tops and even shorts. The store visit turned into a research trip, and I was reminded why I love being able to sew. It wasn’t long before I was sketching ideas to use all the lace I’ve been stockpiling – I mean collecting. First on the list is a simple t-shirt with lace trim.

Supplies:
T-Shirt – either purchased or one you made
Lace – the width and length will be determined by the size of your shirt. If you wear an x-small shirt you may want to use 2 or 3 inch wide lace. My shirt is a large and I use 5 inch wide stretch lace. I have stretch lace in many widths and colors. I prefer to use similar fabrics when possible, so a stretch lace seemed like a good idea for a stretchy knit t-shirt.
Thread – Invisible thread for the top or thread to match lace.

Instructions:
1. Measure the length from the front neck line to the bottom of the front and add two inches. Cut the lace to the result of this calculation.
2. Find the center of the front of your shirt and mark by pressing a fold line or marking the neck line and bottom with pins.
3. Find the lengthwise center of your lace.
4. Line up the center lines and place the lace with one inch beyond the neck line and bottom hem edge.

5. Pin along the long edges of the lace.
6. Using a zig-zag stitch set at 1.5 width 2.5 length, sew the long edges of the lace.
7. Fold the lace over the neck opening and edge stitch.
8. Fold the lace under the bottom hem and edge stitch.
9. Trim excess lace from the back side at the neck opening and the bottom edge.