Sweeter Hours: Sweet Makes: Save that Sweatshirt

We have a plethora of shirts/ sweatshirts/ sweaters that are stained due to the fact that I don't feel like employing a bib every single meal little Giraffe eats ( messily.) Instead of turning them into dishrags I like to breathe in a little life....

I found this cozy toddler hoodie at Savers for $1. It is super soft. Sadly when I brought it home I noticed it has suffered the same fate as many of our tops, stained!
( Thrifty Tip: Bring items in the thrift store near a window to check for staining as fluorescent lights often don't pick up stains.)

Save That Sweatshirt

Materials :
A sweatshirt
A favorite fabric
Sewing Machine
Thread
Scissors
scrap paper

1) First be sure to wash and dry both your shirt and the fabric you will be using to cover marred areas. I chose a fabric that I bought from Purl Soho.( On a side note: I am in love with this fabric. Its Echino by Etsuko Furuya. I was only able to only able to purchase a tiny amount as it was astronomical per yard. I bought for a special occasion, such as this!)

2) Cut a piece of fabric to fit the back of your sweatshirt then pin. Don't worry about rough edges, we will be sewing over them -plus the raw look is in.

3) In order to make a little pattern for the front of the sweatshirt you will have to do a little trial and error. Cut some brown paper down to fit the area of the front. I basically just felt around and was able to get the approximate shape and then tailored it a bit more once I laid it down cut. Then pin.

4) Repeat for other side . Just turn your pattern over and cut and pin away.
You should now have the back and sides pinned like this:

5)Sew a zig-zag stich right up on the edge of the fabric. Go over the edges twice. We want them to look rough but not too rough.

6) Remove the zipper pull and customize your own. Cut ribbon or sewn bias tape long enough so you have will have enough to grip to work the zipper. Pinch the fabric and sew closed.