Well, I guess I spoke too soon. The sun was shining like crazy yesterday. So, I snapped some pictures for the next several posts, just in case it decides to hide again.
I made these pom pom flowers out of some old t-shirts. It's the coolest thing. You just cut 'em all up and stitch 'em back together in a new way. I used a couple of George's old undershirts and a few of my old maternity t-shirts. I love the idea of recycling them into something fresh and new. {I mean, how many dust cloths do I need, right?}
The idea and instructions came out of the wonderful Alabama Stitch Book. I love it! It's full of ideas, inspiration and plenty of sewing instruction. The book's focus is on transforming cotton jersey t-shirts into all sorts of other apparel and decorative projects including a good deal of applique and reverse applique.
I've long been intrigued and fascinated with the culture of the Deep South, and bought this book not only for the sewing aspect but because I had heard that, throughout the book, Natalie Chanin shares tales and stories of her life in the South and the generations of stitchers she comes from.
So, anyway, the pom poms were the first thing I made. When I saw the photos in the book I gasped. And I even used a mason jar to hold the flowers, just as they do in the book. Love the simplicity of that. I filled my jar with baby Lima beans to support the flowers because these are some heavy pom poms!
I took a trip to the grocery store with the sole mission of finding something off-white to fill the jar. At only $1 a bag, the beans are an inexpensive and pretty option. I look at beans a whole new way now! The color, the textures, the possibilities...
The brown stems are bark-covered wire from the floral department of Michael's. You can buy them as long straight stems or as a coiled spool of wire.
I still have to add some felt or jersey leaves (completely forgot!) to each stem, but that should be quick. You know I would normally share a little tutorial with you, but since this project and instructions are published, it's not right (or legal) to post it on the Internet. So, if you like to sew, go grab a copy of the book from the library or hop over to Amazon. So many great projects inside!
How you can make a stack of plain old t-shirts look fantastic is beyond me. Love the project. Book has been added to the Wish List for when I can shop again!!
Posted by: Andrea Villarreal | January 09, 2009 at 11:40 AM
Wow, I don't think I will ever look at an old t shirt the same way! Looks like an amazing read, I better go check it out! THanks for sharing with us too..
xoxo, Tiffany
Posted by: Account Deleted | January 09, 2009 at 12:08 PM
:)
These are the cutest! My little Devyn will love them and do I have a multitude of maternity shirts sitting in the garage. DH would fall over if I took one of his t-shirts (he is a hoarder)! Off to put on my wishlist.
Being a transplant from NY to the Deep South~~this was fun to find.
xo Kris
Posted by: Kris | January 09, 2009 at 12:08 PM
Your pom poms are so cute! LOVE them and your blog.
The Alabama Stitch Book is incredible, I'm glad you are enjoying it.
http://amyowensphotos.blogspot.com/2008/10/wish-list-wednesday-alabama-stitch-book.html
Posted by: Amy Owens | January 09, 2009 at 12:24 PM
Those are so adorable. The possibilities are endless.
Posted by: Hope @ The Queen Of Re | January 09, 2009 at 03:02 PM
WOW! These flowers are amazing. Love them!
Nancy
Posted by: Nancy ~ Fete et Fleur | January 09, 2009 at 03:04 PM
These are so pretty! And I love how you've arranged them - what a beautiful composition!
Posted by: jessica | January 09, 2009 at 03:37 PM
I never knew I could love old t-shirts so much! I think what you created is beautiful. Perfectly recycled pom poms.
Posted by: Jeni Carlson | January 09, 2009 at 04:30 PM
Wow, those are gorgeous!!!
Posted by: Rachel | January 09, 2009 at 05:51 PM
Hello Andrea,
Wow...amazing pom-pom t-shirt flowers! Oh soo pretty and oohlala! I can see other decorative additives to those sweetie's for sure...smile!
Keep Shining!
EJakesta~Pink Diamond Girl
Posted by: Elaine Jakesta | January 09, 2009 at 05:51 PM
Looooove your pom-poms. They came out beautiul. Thanks for sharing such a great idea.
Posted by: SONIA | January 09, 2009 at 06:19 PM
You always have such beautiful inspiration. Thank you for sharing with us :)
Nerissa
Posted by: Nerissa | January 09, 2009 at 07:35 PM
Those are just gorgeous, Andrea! Love that idea. And the colors you chose are lovely together. :)
Jennifer
Posted by: Jennifer Stewart | January 09, 2009 at 11:32 PM
What a lovely idea!! And I love how you put them on such cool twisty stems!
Posted by: Melissa Nyveld | January 10, 2009 at 01:25 AM
Well, aren't they just the most darling things! Who'd have thunk it! ;-) They made me smile!
Diane
Posted by: Diane Knott | January 10, 2009 at 08:34 AM
Who would ever believe that these beautiful pom pom flowers were once a stack of old t-shirts destined for the dust rag pile! Amazing!
Posted by: Belinda | January 10, 2009 at 11:16 AM
These are so sweet. I love your color combination, and even though the maternity shirts are long gone, I am looking for other shirts! I am partial to nice rags, but I would much rather have pom-pom flowers. This book is so on my wish list. Blessings for a creative day!
XO~Hope
Posted by: hope ellington | January 10, 2009 at 12:46 PM
Those are too cute!
Posted by: Andrea | January 10, 2009 at 02:29 PM
The poms are fabulous! Great colors too.
Posted by: Ele atabitofpinkheaven | January 10, 2009 at 05:51 PM
Such beauties Andrea! I'm going to have to try these, I got the book today! xoxo
Posted by: Gabrielle | January 10, 2009 at 07:19 PM
Total Gorgeousness...oh my!!
Posted by: Charlene Austin | January 10, 2009 at 08:41 PM
I love these. The colors are so soft and sweet.
Thanks for sharing, Jennifer
http://blog.jenniferlorton.com
Posted by: jennifer lorton | January 11, 2009 at 11:33 AM
I just wanted to let you know that I just tagged you with a blog award. You can pick it up at my blog site:
http://www.vintagerecreations.blogspot.com/
I hope you enjoy the sparkly butterfly!
Thanks,
Renee
Posted by: Renee Kyweriga | January 11, 2009 at 05:05 PM
That is such a cool idea! Helps if you have t-shirts in yummy colors to begin with! :) Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: psmullican | January 11, 2009 at 09:59 PM
Wow, they're great. And a "green" craft to boot. Mimi
Posted by: mimisue | January 11, 2009 at 11:22 PM