Mar 20, 2010

Preppy Bib



For the big craft show in May, I decided to make bibs. I pulled out some of our old clothes in the 'recycle' pile and saw one of Brad's cute blue polo's. I then had the idea to make the bib out of the top part of the shirt so it included the buttons and collar. Here is how it turned out and the steps to make it. It is NOT perfect and I certainly can't sell it (hope John likes it since it is his now!). But it is the thought that counts, right!?

1. I used a bib I already had to trace around the shape of the bib. Originally I kept the entire collar in one piece thinking I could just fit it over a kid's head. You could easily fit it over a kid's head, but then the opening was too big and the bib sat all wrong on the body. So I cut it to make two neck pieces.



2. I decided I didn't want the collar flapping around so I pinned it down and then sewed it in place on the right side of the bib.



3. I placed the bib on the backing material, right sides together. I used a soft white dot material since I had tons of it. You could also use terry cloth from an old towel too! Pin around, leaving an opening to turn the bib right side out after sewing.





4. Sew around the bib, remembering to leave the opening open! :) (This is also when you might curse at your sewing machine for gathering the material as it was sewing. What is up with that, Mr. Sewing Machine? You are not my friend anymore!)

5. Trim the backing material and clip the corners.


6. Turn right side out. This is when I realized that this didn't turn out as nice as I thought it would, but figured I might as well finish it and see what happens. Plus, it doesn't help when Mr. Sewing Machine makes it gathered along the edges!!!

7. Top stitch around the bib, making sure to close the opening as you sew. I didn't sew around the inner collar because it was SO thick and I didn't think my machine could handle it.



8. Sew in some velcro or add in snaps for closure. (I didn't have either on hand, so this is where I stopped!) And then you are done!



I still really like the idea, but just am not quite the seamstress yet to pull it off completely. I think if I did this again, I would use a different polo with thicker shirt material but thinner collar material. It might be easier if I used a larger kid polo instead of an adult, especially if you want to keep the entire collar in one piece.

If you try this, let me know it goes and share any tips to make it better!

22 comments:

  1. SO CUTE and CREATIVE! I love it! And it will be a big hit ... I know when Bella is dressed up, but then is wearing a bib, then she looks "frumpy" in pictures ... this will keep a little guy looking adorable!!!

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  2. Oh my goodness - how clever is this?! Love this idea...thanks so much for sharing!

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  3. oh my!!! I just found your blog and LOVE this idea!!!! I am going to try one next weekend! I too am no expert seamstress, but have had luck reducing the pressure/ tension for the presser foot when doing fleece or knits... My machine just had an easy knob to turn. Try that and maybe it will help! Thanks for the cool idea!

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  4. Just saw you on One Pretty Thing and had to come by...totally awesome!!! I absolutely am loving this bib...love, love LOVE!!!
    -Mags

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  5. That is way to cute and so clever!!!! Gotta try this someday!!!

    :-)

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  6. Cute blog and great ideas, I'm going to make some of these!

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  7. I just saw a pattern the other day on how to take a man's dress shirt and turn it into a little girls dress. It was such a good idea and turned out really cute! I'll try to find it and send it to you.

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  8. Thanks everyone for being so sweet! :)

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  9. That is so cute and funny....what a creative idea!

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  10. cute idea! I just found your blog and I'm loving it! So creative =)

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  11. LOVE this... I have a whole pile of polos that need to be upcycled!
    we have a friday fun finds party- we'd love it if you'd link up.

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  12. absolutely adorable! way cute! I hopped over from Sew Much Ado and am so happy that I did! Please accept my invitation to drop in at my place one day this week when you get a moment. until later...

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  13. That is so cute. Great idea! It's nice to be able to put something old to good use. I love it!

    I would love if you checked out my spring block give away! Have a great weekend!
    alittleknickknack.blogspot.com

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  14. What a great idea! I think it turned out nicely even without the entire collar.

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  15. That is a really cute bib :) I would love for you to link up to check me out saturdays www.iamonly1woman.blogspot.com.

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  16. well i've been thinking about doing this for a few weeks now, and at the moment i have everything sitting at my sewing machine waiting for me to start and i just keep reading and re-reading and re-re-reading the post wondering if i can really do this?!?!?!
    .....only one way to find out......

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  17. Oh my heck you just have the most darling baby stuff!! Pretty pretty please link these up. I love these button-up preppy bibs!! :) They just make me smile!! You have fabulous baby ideas! I was raiding your archives... good stuff!
    ~Alison

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  18. Just finished making one for my son. Will post a link to your blog on mine when I create the post. Great idea. I plan to make more.

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  19. Here is mine: http://savegreenbeinggreen.blogspot.com/2010/06/149-upcycle-shirt-into-preppy-bib.html

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  20. Would it be ok with you if I did make these to.sell?

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  21. Hi kaylawaylalayla! I don't have your email address but yes you can sell these. Thanks for asking!

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Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment! They make my day when I read them!...unless you are being mean, then they don't make my day. :)