CRAFTS

Megan Nicolay's new book "Generation T: 108 Ways to Transform a T-Shirt" offers a collection of stylish ideas to help convert the ubiquitous T-shirt into a personal statement.

Nicolay, who learned to sew from her mother, a professional clothing designer, shows how to turn ordinary shirts into trendy clothing and more - a basic tote bag, leg warmers, drawstring purse and pillows, just to name a few - with ample illustrations, clear diagrams and suggested pattern variations. She also provides a wealth of "Tee Trivia" - did you know that "the T-shirt was originally worn as men's underwear. Not until the 1970s was the T-shirt allowed as outerwear in schools."

Projects are graded 1-5 according to sewing experience required (Level 1 can be handled by beginners) Non-experienced tailors will also find something of interest here, too; one-third of the projects require no sewing.

Try these two Level 1 projects - Shoulder Chic and Ready Made - from "Generation T," reprinted here with the kind permission of the publisher, Workman Publishing.

	INGREDIENTS 1 T-shirt (S, relatively fitted) scissors chalk ruler
	1. Lay the T-shirt flat and cut off the sleeves just inside the seams.
	2. Measure and mark 2" along the neck band from where the neck band and shoulder seam meet. Draw a line from each chalk mark to the bottom of each armhole. Repeat on the back.
	3. Cut along the chalk lines from the bottom of the armholes to the neck band. Then cut around the edge of the neck band (through the shoulder seams on both sides) until you reach the corresponding chalk marks on the back.
	4. Cut along the two chalk lines at the back from the neck band to the bottom of each armhole.
	5. Remove excess fabric and try on the tank to show how chic your shoulders can be.
VARIATION For a no sew halter top version, cut through the fabric still connected to the back of the neckpiece. Then cut from the bottom of one armhole across the back of the shirt to the bottom of the other, creating a slight scoop.

	Ingredient 1 T-Shirt(XL)
	1. Arms up! Let the shirt slide down as you stick your arms and shoulders through the neck hole.
	2. Rotate the T-shirt around your torso so that the back of the shirt is in front. 3. Tie the sleeves together over your chest in a double (square) knot. (A granny knot won't hold.) Tie the bottom two corners of the shirt together in a dobule knot at your waist.
	4. Rotate the tube so that both knots are bustled in the back. Like magic!
VARIATION Skip the second half of step 3 and leave the bottom untied - it's a very cute option to wear with jeans. When shorter gals wear this variation, it can actually pass as a dress.