Recently, I was inspired by a $900 Tsumori Chisato dress, and figured I could create my own version for much less.
A recent find of a huge bag of antique quilt and floursack squares at one of my favorite thrift shops worked perfectly for this project.
Supplies:
A recent find of a huge bag of antique quilt and floursack squares at one of my favorite thrift shops worked perfectly for this project.
Supplies:
- Target Cotton Tank Top – $6
- Men’s XL or XXL Fruit-of-the-Loom Cotton T-Shirt – $5
- Thrift Store Quilt Squares, Floursack – $1
Directions:
- Pre-wash and dry tank and t-shirt
- Cut tank top straight across just under chest.
- Cut t-shirt straight across just under arms.
- Gather t-shirt on raw edge to fit tank top.
- Pin tank top and gathered t-shirt, right sides together and stitch.
- Affix quilt squares and floursack materials using a decorative top stitch or hand-embroidery stitch.
Total Cost: $12
Style Tip: This smock can be worn alone as a cute little summer dress or over your favorite pair of slim-fit jeans or leggings.
IT'S ME, SERENA!
I bounced through the first years of my life in a hippie gypsy wagon, hand-built by my father, wandering the back roads of the U.S., Canada and Mexico. My family eventually settled into a tiny cabin in the woods on property that was once inhabited by Native American Indians.
I spent my childhood days searching for arrowheads, teaching myself to sew on a treadle sewing machine and to bake in a wood-burning stove, with no running water, refrigeration, or electricity in our home. My family lived frugally and early on, inspired by my parent’s thriftiness and style, I gained a knack for thrifty creativity and turning ordinary objects into something useful. And I dreamed of the home I would create for my own family someday.
Now I’m married to my husband, Colin, and our children are all grown. After 24 years of producing The Farm Chicks Vintage & Handmade Fair, I'm spending time visiting other markets around the world. You can watch episodes of Serena Goes to Market here.
I share more about my life story from time to time, here on my blog. You can also find me on Instagram, and Facebook.
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THE FARM CHICKS
P.O. BOX 9866
SPOKANE, WA 99209
COPYRIGHT 2026
THE FARM CHICKS
P.O. BOX 9866
SPOKANE, WA 99209