Do you have a drawer, closet, or box that is stuffed with basic crew neck T-shirts saved from a special event, or toted home from a favorite vacation destination? T-shirts like this often stay hidden away because the occasion or memory is precious, but the common crew neck T-shirt just isn't quite stylish enough for you to wear it often. Or, perhaps you prefer a slightly scooped neckline.

I myself have a closet and drawer stuffed with sentimental T-shirts. Recently I've developed an easy way to update the look of these crew neck Tees. More about that in a minute . . .

I've collected several shirts after having had the privilege of teaching and participating in recent embroidery events sponsored by Allbrands in Baton Rouge LA, November. As you can see from the photo above I have a shirt to commemorate one such event in 2015. After returning home from this event I took my colorful yellow T-shirt, hung it on a hanger and tucked it away. In fact, I have collected and stored several of these alligator embellished Tees from related events. 

Prompted by my participation in yet another Baton Rouge Bash last weekend, I took a bit of time (less than an hour in fact) and re-styled a previously worn pink shirt before I left home. You see, I already had an event T-shirt that matched the pink one attendees would receive so I decided to "transform" it before I left for the event.  This created quite a sensation when I wore it on day two. It seems I wasn't alone in wanting a shirt that looked more like a top that a T-shirt.

So, by popular request for instructions I transformed my yellow Tee when I got home and wrote a complete tutorial with each step. 

Download a free PDF file with complete instructions HERE. Let me know if you decide to re-style your own crew neck T-shirt. I'd love to know how yours turned out!

The May/June issue of Designs in Machine Embroidery is in print now! Ask for it at your local sewing machine shop or CLICK HERE to preview the magazine and order online. It's full of embroidery inspiration, fresh new ideas, and some free machine embroidery designs for you to enjoy!

Designs magazine regularly includes articles about In-the- Hoop, (aka ITH designs). Who doesn't love the foolproof results you get when stitching machine embroidery projects in the hoop? They are always so perfect!!! In this new issue my friend Marie Zinno shows you a set that will have you doing  a  hula dance! 

Beginning on page 26 of Volume 98 you'll find my article titled It's Official! You're a Designer. The project is aptly called a Project Planner. It's designed as an organizer for Machine Embroidery, Sewing, and Quilting projects. Initially, my idea was to make a personalized embroidered notebook of sorts. I needed something to take on a shopping trip to securely hold my "what to buy" list. Has this ever happened to you . . . you get to the store and "think" you remember the exact color of thread you need or the name of that stabilizer your are short on? You try to rely on your memory and sure enough upon returning home you remember what you really needed but neglected to purchase! 

​I thought a little more about planning my planner and decided it would be handy to carry fabric swatches, perhaps a spool of thread or buttons I needed to match, time sensitive coupons, etc., so I added an ordinary zipper bag to hold all of the above. This project planner is multi-purpose and compact.

I suggest you keep it handy for aha moments while you are stitching too! Jot down ideas and machine settings you don't want to forget. Keep notes of design modifications. This list could go on and on. This little notebook can be modified for many different uses! You're sure to have lots of great ideas of your own.

I created a mini version of the Project Planner in the article and you'll find this offered as a free design download.

While the larger version was "digitized" on the Brother Dream Machine™, I used the Brother PE Design® program to create the mini version. Digitizing right at the machine is fast, fun, and easy, but with full-featured computerized digitizing software the possibilities are endless!

CLICK HERE to go directly to the magazine's website. Scroll down to look for the title of the article and this picture and you can download your own mini planner design. It comes in all major machine embroidery formats, and includes additional instructions for embroidering a mini planner from start to finish.

I suggest you CLICK HERE to visit the magazine's website for this free download before time gets away from you. You'll love making one for yourself and find that these make great gifts for friends. Enjoy!