several friends have asked me for instructions on how to make this sweet little summertime shirt that i'd posted pictures of over on our family blog.  there was no picture of the back of it, so it wasn't apparent how easy it is to make!

here heron models the back of the shirt.  she's obviously been hard at play... look at that dirt on her elbows!

ah, what i wouldn't give to be able to romp around in this shirt + bloomers all summer long! 

this is just a rectangle of fabric with straps.  for heron's size at one year old, the raw fabric size is 9 in long x 19 in wide.  the finished size is 11 in long x 24 in wide.  the raw edges are turned under 1/2 in, then 1/2 inch again + sewn, on all four sides.  add straps (2 in. wide raw, then fold in half + iron, then fold raw edges into center line & sew to make finished 1/2 in straps).  overlap 2 inches at the back of the shirt.  sew button on, & to keep it super-easy use a loop of thin elastic to avoid making a button hole.  easy!

i often pair this shirt with a simple little elastic skirt, instructions over at oliver + s (click on the "free patterns" link on the sidebar over on their blog).  the entire shirt + skirt outfit can be finished during the morning nap!