Today would have been my grandfather’s 84th birthday. While he is so, so, so missed, he lives on in our family in so many ways. I catch myself quite often saying things to Andy that he used to say to my sister and I when we were growing up. The phrases just slip out and suddenly I realize where they came from and my heart swells.

My sister (L) and I (R) with our grandfather in May 1993. Our grandparents were avid square dancers (hence our attire). Also, LACE SOCKS (my grandmother has gifted Andy several packs of them & my heart melts putting them on her little feet!).

A few months before he passed away my sister and her husband announced that our nephew was on the way, and soon they asked our grandfather for permission to share his name. My grandpa was over-the-moon not only about a little one on the way (he couldn’t wait to bounce him on his knee), but also that they’d both be known as “Guy.” Less than two months before Little Guy’s arrival, Big Guy passed away unexpectedly.

At the beach in 1993 (my sister on the left; me on the right). I’m so glad overalls are making a come back.

We still feel the loss and wish (out loud) that he were here for so many of the special moments, but I do believe the timing was nothing short of proof in a higher power (the loss of Big Guy was going to be tough on our family regardless of the timing. Having Little Guy come into our lives after such grief was truly a blessing). I also believe that there’s no mistake that the paths of the two Guys crossed. There are things that Little Guy does that remind me so much of Big Guy. Our family was and is so blessed!

Halloween 1994.

Aside from it being my grandfather’s birthday, I share this with you because he contributed to my latest make for Andy!

For a few years, my husband coached lacrosse at the high school that my grandfather attended. My grandparents never missed a home game and wore their team shirts to every single one.

After my grandfather passed away, my grandmother passed several shirts on to my husband – this being one!

When I received an email from Heather Handmade with a call for testers for a pattern designed to upcycle an adult t-shirt, I knew this was what I wanted to use!

The pattern is designed to upcycle a t-shirt into a romper, A-line dress, or gathered waist dress (3 options!).

I chose to make the gathered waist dress and included the optional pocket. I am crazy about how it turned out!

One of my favorite things about the pattern is how Heather walks you through reusing the original neckline AND hems!

I repeat: NO HEMMING!

I absolutely love the neckline – apparently my family breeds big-headed babies so sometimes RTW shirts are a struggle to get over Andy’s noggin’. The overlap of the neckline adds a professional look with the added benefit of easing over a big head.

The pattern was really easy to follow and a quick sew!

I love the opportunity to use materials already on hand.

This pattern is the perfect opportunity to rescue t-shirts gathering dust in your drawer because you can’t bear to part with them but they no longer fit. I have so many plans for more!

Andy is at a very “busy” stage right now so taking proper pictures of her is a struggle 😀 This is the best I could do!

She is wearing mostly 12-month size clothes in RTW so I made her the 18-month size in the pattern for longevity. She has some room to spare but it fits her quite nicely. She is clearly built like me so what should be a regular sundress is more of a maxi dress on her, but I think it’s adorable!

I am planning to shorten the A-line pattern to make a few t-shirts for Andy soon. Her closet could use some basic t’s 😉

PS: You can see another shirt of my grandfather’s I refashioned (for myself) two-years-ago HERE.

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{Disclaimer: I was provided the pattern for free as one of the testers. All opinions shared in this post are authentically mine – it’s true: I really DO love this pattern!}