As I’ve mentioned before, the summer kickball season is upon us. With that said, I’ve been trying to come up with a way to transform my kickball t-shirt into a somewhat cooler article of clothing. Let’s face it, a darkly colored cotton t-shirt isn’t the most comfortable thing to wear compared to, let’s say, a nice tank top?
I would wear one of my nice gym tank tops that has Dri-Fit technology (the fabric keeps you dry), but alas, kickball rules state that all team members must wear their assigned WAKA t-shirts with the logo intact. Other than the logo, you can do with the t-shirt as you please. However, I don’t want to just cut off the arms. That looks a little too…uncreative. Plus, it makes for silly looking tan lines. I clearly don’t care all that much about tan lines, since I have a very noticeable set currently on my back. But let’s at least make them interesting! No farmer’s tans for this girl please! (Yes, I was pleasantly surprised that Wikipedia had an entry for “farmer’s tans”. Though a little sad for the man in the picture…)
So after some online research, I found this nice little website. Which then led me to the creator/author’s wonderfully crafty blog/website. Not that I want clothing design to be one of my hobbies, but I was very intrigued by the Generation T books and ideas. With all these lovely crafty ideas in my head, I sat down with a pile of old t-shirts and started snipping. Here’s what I’ve come up with…
Option #1: Tested on my 2009 spring season’s WAKA Kickball t-shirt, which incidentally I got bleach on while scrubbing the shower. So, the redesign happened to cut off the bleach stain! Point for newly designed workout t-shirt!
I followed the instructions exactly (there's a very bad pun that could have been made, but I refrained. You're very welcome). However, the armpits still turned out a little wacky.
I had problems with keeping this design even on both sides, as I'm sure you can tell. It seems my scissor skills are still quite lacking, despite my kindergarten teacher's best efforts.
Angela’s pros: I’m pleased with the overall shape of this design. Plus, I like that it shows off the shoulders and part of the back. Oh! And it hides my aforementioned dark tan lines very well. But…this will also make said tan lines even darker, perhaps not a good thing. It also keeps most of the front and back designs intact.
Angela’s cons: I dislike that it’s so hard for me to keep things symmetrical on both sides. (Yes, I used a ruler and sewing chalk!) Also, I’m not entirely sure what to do about the baggy armpits! The pattern specifically says to cut the arms off on the inside of the seam. This makes for a rather large hole! I suppose both problems can be solved with a little more care and attention. However, this is a kickball t-shirt redesign, not a prom dress fiasco. I simply don’t care that much to take more than an afternoon on this project.
Option #2: Featured on my Race for the Cure 2009 t-shirt.
I have no idea why I'm making such a funny face. I'm not very good at posing...
And here are the tan lines I suffered from one measly hour of gardening in which I forgot to put on sunscreen. No, I didn't burn...I got these permanent reminders instead. 
Angela’s pros: Actually, I really like this option. I love that I can use ribbon for the neck piece, I like that symmetry isn’t as much of an issue, and I don’t have to fuss with this design as much as the other.
Angela’s cons: Half of the back has to be cut off, which I’m checking with the league coordinator whether or not that’s okay with the rules. Sports bra is kind of an issue, and I have yet to come accross a strapless sports bra (which would probably be quite worthless, to tell you the truth). But in the end, let’s face it, I’m not exactly a full contact kickball player. I think a well made, fully supportive strapless will do the trick. (Sorry if there are boys reading this, but it was a legitimate concern!)
Option #3: Modeled on my 2001 BVNW High School Senior T-shirt
I am not wearing any makeup for this particular photo shoot, as I'm about to hit the gym. Sorry for the hideousness!
Since Andy's out on a date with his buddy Rick, I had to use the self-timer mode on my camera to get this shot. Not the best picture, but you get the idea. And side note: I can't wait until my hair is long enough for an actual all inclusive ponytail!
Angela’s Pros: The ties on the top of the sleeves help adjust the width of the arms, therefore solving the gaping armhole problem.
Angela’s Cons: I’m just not impressed with this design at all. There’s nothing special about it, and it doesn’t really flatter anything. It’s not necesssarily bad, just not a wow either.
There we go, all three options displayed for your viewing pleasure. While I wait for an answer from the kickball league telling me whether or not I can hack apart my shirt, let me know which option you prefer! I think I know which one I like…but I’m interested to see what y’all think!
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However, I’m still happiest indoors with the air conditioning!
