Upcycling, my new crafting adventure

Tommy must think I have ADD. I can't seem to pick one craft and stick to it for any length of time. I guess I just like to have variety and today's flavor is denim!

Tommy played basketball for the William Jewell Cardinals. This lovely denim number was one of their team "dress up" shirts. Even though we love our Cardinals, it wasn't hard to part with this shirt, especially when its destiny was as pants for our sweet little girl.

Upcycling children's clothes has become my recent obsession. I've been trolling Etsy and several blogs lately learning the tricks of the trade. I bought a book at JoAnn using a 50% coupon with a 10% bonus coupon and picked any easy pattern to start. Positioning the pattern on the shirt was the trickiest part. I wanted to preserve the Cardinal logo and the pocket. It is going to be hard to keep these components as the kids grow (if I stick to this craft) because the pattern for 2-3 years old barely fit between the buttons and sleeve.

I had a little mishap when labeling the patterns. At least this wasn't the first scratch in the table. And knowing my kids, it won't be the last.

And now for the finished product:

My model is asleep so you'll just have to wait for a photo of her wearing them!

The logo ended up a little higher than I wanted but that is a lesson learned for next time. The pocket looks like it will be pretty usable but it will wrap around her leg pretty far. Lots of room for treasures!

This was such a fun project, I am lining up other old shirts for more! And stay tuned - baby booties are currently being constructed from the leftover denim fabric. Nothing is going to waste!