Sports Bras From Tank Tops

 You know all those layering tank tops with hidden shelf bras that you have way too much of?  The ones that look like these?  Well, when you don't want to spend $10 for a set of 3 at Walmart for new sports bras, you can just turn a tank into one.  And it's so easy - just one cut and one seam.  Here's how:

 Turn your tanks inside-out.  See the shelf-bra?  It's basically just an extra layer of knit fabric sewn to an elastic band that gives you extra coverage and lift.  So just cut the whole shirt off about an inch or 1 1/4" below that elastic band with scissors or a rotary cutter, and fold it over the elastic.

 

 Sew that extra inch or 1 1/4" up over the elastic band with a zig-zag stitch.  We use a zig-zag instead of a straight stitch because you're going to be pulling this over your head, and if you use a straight stitch that has no give, the seam will pop right out.  Don't worry about finishing the edge; this is knit fabric we're working with here, and it doesn't fray in the wash.  It simply rolls.

 Now you have a whole slew of sport bras that fit you whether you're pregnant or not.  They're also great for working out, though they're probably not to be worn alone on those who have been blessed in the chest; the spaghetti straps could cut into your shoulders.

 But for me, they're awesome for wearing under low-cut tops.  Modesty without the binding fabric around the big belly.

Toddler Shirts from Adult T-Shirts

 I was totally going to call this post "Toddler Shirts from Old Adult T-Shirts" but I realized that sounded like I was re-purposing old people clothes.  I made each of these tops from a shirt a friend gave me.  I can't wear them because I'm too pregnant, but Autumn needed new clothes, so dehr you go.

Ruffle Detail

 Making kids' clothes (boys and girls) from your old clothes is super-easy. No really, it is.  Just take a shirt of the kid's that fits him/her well, lay it on top of your shirt, and start cutting.  I like to line up the hem of the shirt and sleeves when possible.  Cut 2 identical pieces for the shirt body, and cut the small sleeves out of your big sleeves.  Sew it all together with straight stitches and don't worry about finishing the edges; it's knit, so they won't fray.

Shirred Neckline Detail

 This one was cute, with a sun and cloud and trees.  I used shirring on the neckline because I cut it too big, and only one line of shirring stretches really easily, so though it looks like it chokes her I promise it doesn't.

Here's a picture of Autumn wearing a shirt that used to have a delicate bird on the front.  In re-sizing it and giving it an empire-waist, I accidentally cut the bird's head off.  I don't think he felt it, though.

Who says having kids is expensive?  (I know I'm going to eat those words one day...)

Maternity Shorts

 I found these shorts at Ross for just $9, though the non-maternity name brand tag said $32 original price.  I figured the fold-over cotton stretchy waistband would make them the perfect maternity shorts.  They're made of slightly stretchy fabric, and they don't make me look like I have diaper butt like all the real maternity shorts do.  I also decided to lay them out flat and make a pattern of them so I could have more than one pair of shorts. 

 

 And here's what I made from that pattern!  I already had the khaki fabric on hand, thanks to a friend, and the stretch fabric I used for the waistband as well.

 You can see how the fold-over waist band is super-comfortable around the belly.

 I added pockets in the front and little pocket flaps in the back for appearances only (non-functioning), and had planned to sew some cute buttons on the flaps.  One day.  Probably not though.

 So for $9 and two nap-times, I got 2 pairs of shorts.  Now that I have the pattern I made from the store-bought pair, I can make as many pairs of these as I want!  I'm going to make some olive green ones next.

Would you like to learn how to make your own shorts from your own pattern?  Come back later this week for the step-by-step tutorial on how to make your own pattern for these!