DIY: Polka Dot Shirt


Last week when I posted these Gap outfits, I couldn't get this look out of my mind. I really wanted that polka dot sweater. There were two problems. I didn't want to pay for it, obviously. Also, I don't believe in owning sweaters - it doesn't make any sense to own them where I live. My solution, a lightweight long sleeve tee & a little fabric paint.

supplies:
fabric paint (I used this style)
freezer paper or cardboard
circle "stamp" (I used a water bottle lid)
small paint brush

Placed freezer paper or cardboard between the layers to ensure the paint doesn't bleed through. Use a "stamp" to place the dots, this gives a boundary to work in. Use a small paint brush to fill the dots in.

Wait a few hours for the front to dry before tackling the back.


I think I nailed the vibe. I do not think I nailed the pose. Hyper extended knees are not a good look. There's always next time. Maybe. Probably not.




old navy tee / refashioned - $6 | similar here | and here (great option)
plum skinnies / walmart - $12 | similar here | and here
gold belt / j.crew - $1.50 | similar here | and here 
floral flats / target - $12 | similar here

If I were doing it again, I might do larger dots and an imperfect pattern like this adorable option

What do you think?

21 comments:

  1. Too cute. You're a wonderful "DIYER". I don't even have the skills to do any of these things you do. Question if you can help: do you have any idea how I can salvage my leather shoes. I spilled detergent on them and they are no longer wearable
    Thanks

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    1. I don't know anything about leather! Wish I could help.

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  2. VERY cute. What sort of fabric paint did you use? Did you use a dot brush? or stencil? I'm guessing you had to do one side and sleeve, allow for dry time and then finish? Details details. Cute as always. I'm in love with that gap sweater, but also live in Texas.

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    Replies
    1. Katie, I used tulip soft fabric paint (I got mine at Joann's aged ago). I placed freezer paper between the layers (any kind of paper or cardboard would do) to endure the paint didn't bleed through. I used a "stamp" (it was really a water bottle lid) to place my dots, and give me a boundary to work in. I then used a small paint brush to fill the dots in.

      I did have to wait a few hours for the front to dry before I could tackle the sleeve (it would have been a much faster process if I hadn't had to wait.)

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  3. Love it! How did it hold up in the wash?

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    Replies
    1. I haven't washed it yet! Hopefully it does ok. I plan to wash it on delicate and lay flat to dry just in case :)

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  4. So cute! I love all your DIY projects recently! Also, I love your hair longer, it looks great!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks! I think I'm due for a cut, but I won't go short this time. :)

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  5. This is great! Also, I was looking at these pictures and thought, hey, I thought she was growing her bangs out. And then I read that they were those clip ins. They look so real!!

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    Replies
    1. Yep. I'm still growing them out, but I have found myself wearing the clip ins almost every day :).

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  6. Love this! I did a similar thing with pants and they have held up great in the washer and dryer! Plus it's softened up the dots a bit!

    ~C
    http://ohshedabbles.com

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  7. I think you nailed the vibe and the pose. So cute!!!!

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  8. Wow, you did an awesome job! I've always wanted to try using fabric paint, but now I just might :)

    -Haylie

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  9. Your version is great! Love that shade of gray for the dots. Really nice!

    Sidenote, I think you can fabric medium to any normal acrylic paint and it will work the same as fabric paint. They sell the bottles at Michaels, Hobby Lobby, even Walmart, I think, in the same aisle and for almost the same price as the regular little bottles of paint.

    You've had some really fabulous tutorials lately. Keep it up!

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  10. I just found a sweater at Ross for $6 that I am totally going to try this on. I'll link to you when I do :)

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  11. Um, I LOVE your model pose. The fact that you put it up even though you didn't feel like you nailed it is awesome to me. It's like you're sitting on my couch and we're going through pictures you just took together.

    Your shirt looks awesome! And I love the whole outfit together. One of these days I'm going to get my act together and buy a pair of colored skinnies.

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  12. This is super cute! I'm going to have to try it out. And I commend you on being strong enough to not buy sweaters. That's one of my favorite things to purchase, I love them. Even if I can only wear them for a few months.

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  13. Your DIY projects are seriously fantastic! This one is so cute!!!! Next time I think you should try a mix of large and smaller dots, randomly placed. I've been wanting to make a DIY lace front sweatshirt, tee shirt or cardigan and have been searching the thrift stores for the perfect white or off-white bargain find to try this project. Please consider trying this so I can see your take on this currently trending look.

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