Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Plenty O'Luck Shamrock Shirt Tutorial

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I created today's project especially for my 6yr old son, Declan.  Even though we're not Irish, we gave him a very traditional Irish name, so St. Patrick's Day is a special day for our little guy. Now he's got something special to help celebrate: the Plenty O'Luck Shamrock Shirt.


The applique shamrock is made from smaller shamrocks for a fun, textured feel.  And who couldn't use the extra luck from so many four leaf clovers?  Here's how to make it - 

You'll Need:
- White t-shirt
- Green felt
Sewing Notions (matching thread, pins, shears, sewing machine, ball point needle, disappearing marker)
- Optional: Cuttlebug/die cutter machine & 4 blossom flower die, hand sewing needle


First draw out the shamrock design on the shirt.  I used a glass and traced it with my disappearing marker to make four connecting circles like this:




Next the shamrocks need to be cut.  I cut about 55 shamrocks that were 1.5in in diameter.  This can be done by hand, but using a die cutter like my Cuttlebug makes this go A LOT faster.


I used a die for a four petaled flower and just rounded off the tips:



I also hand cut a curved stem out of felt:


Lay out the shamrocks, starting at the outline and layering edges until reaching center, so the shirt can't be seen underneath:


Pin shamrocks into place and add stem, tucking the top end under the clovers:


Stitch the stem into place close to the edges:


Now there are two options for sewing the shamrocks in place with matching colored thread:  

  • Hand sew each one on with a few stitches in the center.  
  • Machine stitched with ball point needle.    

I wanted these to really stay on well, and do it quickly, so I used my machine. Slide the front of the shirt over the free arm and starting at the outer edge of one side, stitch 3 straight stitches & backstitch over them on each shamrock.


Doing it this way gives a nice layered look that isn't too "patterned".  I also added a single light green clover in the center for a little extra detail:


Perfect for adding a bit of extra luck to the day!  





Sharing this with my FAVE LINK PARTIES too - click HERE to check them out!

19 comments:

  1. This is really cute. I'm a sucker for anything green.

    Mommy Sauri~
    http://casadesauri.blogspot.com

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  2. This is a great and original St. Patty's Day idea. Kids of all ages would love it!

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  3. I LOVE this idea with all those 4 leafed clovers!! Great job!


    Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
    Hope you have a fabulous week!
    Jill @ Creating my way to Success
    http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/

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  4. so cute!!!!! Hope to see you at the Thursday linky party this week. xo

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  5. PartyBalloonsInMyHairMarch 14, 2012 at 9:48 AM

    This is amazing. It's like a breastplate of luck, or some sort of amazing mega lucky super powers. Love it. Cuttlebug, you say? Love the direction you took that die-cut image, wonderful! Time to look into picking one up for myself, great ideas!

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  6. This is just too cute!! I love the texture from using all those mini clovers. I'd love for you to share this (and anything else you want) at my link party. It runs Tues-Sat. http://adventuresofadiymom.blogspot.com/2012/03/terrific-tuesday-6.html
    Rachel

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  7. This is just adorable!! Great job!!

    Katie @ Little Becky Homecky
    http://littlebeckyhomecky.blogspot.com

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  8. I love this! This would be a perfect shirt for my daughter. Great tutorial! I would love for you to link it up to my first link party. I know my readers would love it too! http://weliketolearnaswego.blogspot.com/2012/03/what-i-learned-wednesday-1.html

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  9. I'm so happy you linked up this post! Hugs and happy weekend wishes!

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  10. Thanks so much everyone. Have a very happy St. Patrick's Day!!

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  11. Fabulous! I love all of the texture! Thanks so much for linking up to The Creative Spark - I'll be featuring this tomorrow. Happy St. Patrick's Day!
    Jenn :)

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  12. Wow, that's so cute. I'm not sure I'd have the patience for all those pins! :) Thanks for sharing on Made for You Monday.
    Jessica
    www.clipwithpurpose.com

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  13. This turned out so cute! I bet your son loved it! Thanks for sharing! :)

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  14. This shirt is so cute! Thanks for being a part of our "Strut Your Stuff Saturday." We loved having you and hope you'll be back! -The Sisters

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  15. Love how these little shamrocks can be punched. Great for a Spring flower pillow when created from white felt... Love it

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  16. I think I need one of those Cuttlebugs :) The shirt is adorable! Thanks so much for sharing at Mom On Timeout!

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  17. What a fun shirt! Thanks so much for stopping by to link up!

    ~Angela

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Getting your comments brightens my day. I'd love if you left one:)

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