Stamped Poetry Applique Shirt Tutorial [A Gift for Daddy]

 So, remember how Jeff and I thought that Father's Day was two weeks earlier than it actually was?  And then when I was so graciously given a second chance to actually do something more than just a card for Jeff?  

....well....

I did something!

I'm really pleased with how it turned out although I was a bit nervous going into it.

 

This is one of the many reasons why I LOVE our kids' names!  They fit perfectly into poetry.  For those who know them well, you will notice that each phrase not only has their name in it but describes their character and personality all while still representing the literal context of those words.

Would you like to know how to make something similar?...the possibilities are endless!

What you'll need:

 -a shirt

-scrap fabric (I used un-dyed muslin)

-tear-away stabilizer (I used Tear-Easy by Sulky, available at Jo-Anns)

-fabric paint (I *think* mine came from Michaels)

-alphabet stamps (available at any craft store)

- flat ended toothpicks

-piece of paper

Not pictured:

 -fabric scissors  

-straight pins

-sewing machine (preferred) or hand sewing needle

-thread

(I apologize that I don't have pictures of every single step, I was doing this late the night before, trying to finish secretly while Jeff played games downstairs...this also explains the quality of some of the pictures)

Part One: Making the Applique

First things first.  Pre-wash and dry your fabric and shirt.

Make sure you have a flat surface to work on.  Have out and ready your scrap fabric, paint, stamps, toothpicks and piece of paper.  Oh, and make sure you have written out what you want to "say" before hand so you don't make any mistakes.

1.) Squirt an M&M sized (or less) dollop of paint on your piece of paper.

2.) Take the flat end of your toothpick and swirl it around in the paint to spread it out some.  Wipe off excess paint from the toothpick.

3.) Dip the flat end of your toothpick into the paint and gently apply it onto the letter stamp, covering it completely.  You may have to dip the toothpick more than once per letter.  

4.) Carefully "stamp" the letter onto your piece of fabric

5.) Repeat steps 3 & 4 until you have completed your "phrase".  You may need to repeat steps 1 & 2 if the dollop of paint dries up (I had to several times).

6.) Use your fabric scissors to cut out your phrase to the desired size and shape.  

7.) Heat set your letters using an iron with a layer of fabric in between your letters and the iron.

 You now have your applique.

Part Two: Sewing the Applique onto Your Shirt

1.) Figure out how you want your lay out to look on the shirt

2.) Cut out a piece of tear-away stabilizer that is larger than your applique.

3.) Use the straight pins to pin your applique onto your piece of stabilizer.

4.) Pin your piece of stabilizer to your shirt at the desired location.

5.) Use a zigzag stitch to sew the applique onto your shirt. (If you do not have a sewing machine, you can hand sew it, although it may be quite tedious)

6.) When you have finished sewing the applique onto your shirt, gently tear away the stabilizer.  Use your finger to hold down your applique where the stitches are to avoid ripping or pulling the stitching.

And.... Waa-La!  You're done!  

(yes, I know it's voila, but when I say it, it sounds more like waa-la)

This was actually a very easy project, just a bit tedious with all the letters I had to do (took me maybe a couple hours) .  And, in case you are wondering, I washed the shirt and it looks even better!

-Tiffany

P.S.  This is my very first tutorial, feedback is welcome!  Too long?  Too short?  Not enough info?  Confusing?  Please let me know :o)  

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