Hoooo's there? And a tutorial

I've been itching to craft something but everything I want to work on seems to take too much time and setup. Or I'm just being lazy. Sophia was rummaging through my catch-all box of sewing supplies and found this cute owl I bought from the thrift store ages ago. It was in a bag of random seiwng supplies. (It's a bit washed out from the camera's flash.)

As she ran around the house with it, yelling "Owl! Owl!" inspiration hit me. My daughter, my muse. Instead of complaining of how I can't find cute, non-grandma-looking plus sized clothes, I could applique this guy to a t-shirt! It took me not even 10 minute including taking pics as I went along.

I'll show you how I appliqued this cutie on my shirt. Now I have another excuse to go thrifting. Especially since my muse wants one!

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You'll need a t-shirt (or whatever you want to embellish), applique, scissors, thread (color can match, complement or highlight your applique), hand sewing needle, straight pins (or safety pins work too), and an embroidery hoop (optional but very helpful). I also recommend that you wash your t-shirt before you begin. That will take the sizing out of it and help it finish shrinking. That way, there won't be any surprises later.

Next position where the applique onto your t-shirt. Pin it to your shirt after you've decided where you want it. The next step is very important. If you pin the applique over your lady lumps area, try the shirt on before moving on to the next step! (Don't ask me how I know to do this). You don't want the applique to, ah, accentuate your nipples or anything like that! Be careful of the pins! Keep the pins in until you're done stitching.

I put my shirt in an embroidery hoop. This part is optional, but if you're using stretchy material, I highly recommend it. Just make sure you're not stretching the shirt when you put it in. Just make sure the fabric is taut. Thread your needle. Here I opted to go with the light blue thread--not a match at all but I thought it worked.

Decide what stitch you want to use. I used a blanket stitch because it's pretty secure. This stitch is visible so make sure you're happy with your thread color. Neatness won't matter as much since everyone will be blinded by the sequins. The split stitch is also a good one. Handsewing tip: Don't cut your thread too long. It will tangle and make you say *(&$%^#, especially when you're almost finished with your work. To use the right length of thread, , hold the end of the thread in your sewing hand between your thumb and forefingers and unwind it until it reaches your elbow. If you're doubling your thread over, do it again. There, wasn't that easy. Repeat after me: I will not thread my needle with thread longer than I am tall. Even if you're not tall, like me.

Pick a place to start and stitch! Here's me trying to take an action shot by myself. Let's just say these lady lumps come in quite handy. You might have to undo your hoop and reposition the t-shirt so the fabric stays taut. If you notice your hoop is leaving impressions in your shirt (only be scared if it's a Mary or Jesus impression--or you can just stop where you are and put it on eBay).

Once your stitching is complete, take the hoop out. You'll notice that the hoop might have left impressions in your shirt. Mine left several as I moved the hoop a few times. I forgot to take a picture of it. With a warm (not hot!) iron, carefully, I do mean carefully, iron around your applique. If your applique is looking a bit funny, put a presscloth (or in my case, hubby's clean t-shirt was the first thing I saw) over it and quickly iron it. Here's what my stitching looked like in the back. Usually I'm a bit anal retentive with my hand stitching but I just wanted to get it done so I could wear it today. If you are usiing something heavy, I would recommend interfacing your shirt so it doesn't sag.




Then you can proudly show it off! This picture I got hubby to take. Thank goodness you can't see the cat hairs! Okay, there's ONE! Just one. Ignore it.


I hope you decide to give this a try. It's a good way to embellish some fun clothes that's all you! Heck once you get good, you can make your own applique instead of thrifting it!