“Jot It Down” Tshirt Tutorial

September 8, 2012

When I was making this shirt, I kept asking myself who I would like to receive a quick note from or who I would write a note to. I thought about writing something witty to Jane Eyre. Dear Jane, … you’re great. And, up until the last minute, that’s what I was going to say, but I looked out the window and saw my boys…one climbing a tree, the other digging his way to China.

And for them, I wrote the words of Henry David Thoreau’s Walden

”I went to the woods…”

Walden is one of my favorite books, and his “simplify, simplify, simplify” always comes to my mind when I begin to feel normal: busy, cluttered, stressed–when I feel like a machine run ragged.

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HOW TO make your own “Jot It Down” Tshirt:

I use a sheet of smaller notebook paper from one of those writing tablets. This is about a 5×7 size.

I tape my white T-shirt to the window so the light can shine through. Make sure you position it as straight as possible.Center and tape the notebook paper inside the front of the shirt. Using a fabric pencil, fabric chalk, or fabric marker, trace the outline of the paper, the blue lines, and the read indention lines.

You can machine sew or hand-stitch:

Sew blue lines first. I suggest beginning a new stitch run for each line. (It’s more time consuming, but it looks better since you do not have overlapping stitches when you sew the outline of the paper.) Next, the red lines and then with a light grey thread, sew the outline of the paper. The stitching is all done!

Stamping:

I used this rubber stamp set that I got at Hobby Lobby. This small size was perfect for the lines on the notebook paper.

And for ink, I used the VersaCraft that can be used especially on fabric.

I suggest practicing your stamping before you place them on your tshirt. Get a feel for how far apart they need to be and how to line them up. Go slow and get eye level with your stamp if you need to. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect…it’s handmade!

Would this not be the BEST baby shower gift?

I’m sure you have plenty of things to say…jot it down!!

14 Comments - Categories: Fashion/Hair/Beauty, Tutorials/DIY

Simply put, be more like you! (or Elizabeth Bennet–either or) [Guest Post]

March 27, 2012

I have a husband, two dogs, and a fun job to fill up my days. I love to read and to write. I always dreamed of publishing a book, being a professional chef, singer, ballerina, and probably an astronaut, too. For now, I am content to have undiscovered talent in these areas and to just pretend.

My mom and I love everything about Pride and Prejudice. We watch it together every year, and by the way, I mean the A&E version. That’s five hours of lovin’ Mr. Darcy–wishing I lived in a time when I had someone to fix my hair every morning–with a day’s purpose of flower picking and falling in love.

My parents are the type to turn absolutely anything into a learning moment, so you can imagine the life lessons I’ve learned from Elizabeth Bennet. Now, if you aren’t familiar with the story, watch the movie. Seriously. Okay, I really can’t sum up that amount of literature in a few sentences, and by the nature of the life lesson I’m about to impart to you, I really shouldn’t try.

Now, Elizabeth is the type of girl I want to be. She does what she wants, but what sets her apart is that she is uninhibited while going her way, and makes no apologies for it. There is a scene in the movie where Elizabeth’s sister, Jane, is very sick and is staying in the home of Mr. Bingly. Among their company is Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth goes to see her sister and chooses to take the three-mile road on foot. A peculiar decision in any time period, but remember the clothes in the eighteenth century? Now remember the beaten ‘roads’. By the time she gets to Mr. Bingly’s house, she is a hot mess–covered in mud up to her knees. Just as she is rounding the last bend, she comes upon Mr. Darcy, a very handsome, classy, rich man, and overall the type of person you would like to impress. Here’s the dialog:

Elizabeth: “I come to inquire about my sister.”

Mr. Darcy: “On foot?”

Elizabeth: “As you see.”

Here’s where my mom turned to me and said, “Meredith, be like that. Elizabeth didn’t say, “I felt like walking, I’ve been stressed about my sister being sick, and anyway, there’s nothing wrong with walking here on foot, right?” She didn’t need to explain herself. Remember who you are, and be confident in it . I’ve always remembered that, and I guess I always will. -Meredith Terrell

In case there is someone out there that has not heard the Pride and Prejudice soundtrack, this sample song is for you. I listen to the entire soundtrack at least once a day– letting it play sweetly while I write, read or well, let’s be realistic, corral the kiddos. Jean Jves Thibaudet just does it riiiight!

Oh, and I found this on my doorstep this morning. (Ahem, a little much? Oh c’mon!) -OHBYGOLLY

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“Jot It Down” Tshirt Tutorial

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