Author Archives: Rob Garfield

“Big Shirt” Infinity Scarf

I have decided to take a shirt that has been in my family for quite sometime and use it to make what is called an “infinity” scarf. This shirt was worn by my father a VERY long time ago. The brand of the shirt is South Pole. This shirt was at first a booming brand. South Pole was worn by many people, especially in the African-American communities. Though it fell off after a while they still make clothing. This shirt though was created during the time when the fashion norm was baggy clothing. This shirt happens to be 3X and my dad DEFINITELY was NOT a 3X and still isn’t (though I see him wearing 2X and XL still). My dad refuses to move with the fashion norm of fitted clothing. He says he will “never get used to it.” This shirt, after South Pole became unpopular, became a shirt we (my 3 brothers and I) would wear it to sleep in. We actually have a name for those shirts and they are called “big shirts” and that was the name used to signify that it was a shirt to sleep it. The name was created by my mom because the shirts were so big on us and they still are. So she named them “Big shirts” as a communal title. Now this shirt has been turned from a childhood memory to a new scarf that can be worn for an infinite amount of time. So I guess I would like to give the scarf a name and it will keep its former name, “The Big Shirt.”

Alabama Chanin DIY Eagle T-Shirt

I attempted this reverse appliqué stencil shirt using the DIY kit from Alabama Chanin. There are many options for stencils. You may choose to use ready made stencils which are available at local art supply and craft stores. Alternatively, there are some companies that will make any stencil to order. Or, you may choose to have the ultimate freedom and cut your own stencil.

To make our Eagle, you may purchase the Animal Silhouettes stencil design book from Dover Publications. You may increase or decrease the size of your stencil to suit your chosen T-shirt. (Our Eagle stencil is roughly 12.8in x 14.8in.) Most photocopy machines and centers offer this option. Choose a piece of poster board or felt that will a border of at least 4” around your Eagle graphic. Attach the photocopy to either the poster board or felt using a light dusting of spray mount, making sure to center the design inside the 4” border. This will help you keep from getting the textile spray paint on other areas of your T-shirt. Using an X-acto knife and a cutting mat, carefully cut away all of the black area which will leave a negative imprint of your Eagle. Be sure to cut exactly on the line that you remove the entire Eagle pattern from your stencil.

DIY Pleated Skirt

Although it’s almost winter in these parts, I’m still craving skirts and dresses. I love a simple skirt you can mix and match with colorful tights and cute boots. So, the moment I saw this gorgeous navy blue fabric at the discount section of a local fabric store, I knew it was meant to be my new skirt. The pleated skirt is a classic, and, thankfully, very easy to make, which makes it perfect for seamstresses of all skill levels.

  • Fabric – measure your hip circumference, multiply that by 1.5, and add seam allowances to get your skirt width (look at the diagram below).
  • Wide elastic – the length of the elastic equals your waist measurement.
  • Zipper – I left my zipper exposed and used a metallic one, but you could also use an invisible or a normal zipper.
  • Sewing machine
  • Thread, pins, tailor’s chalk or a chip of soap, ruler, scissors