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Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Past Holiday Projects: The Plenty O'Luck Shamrock Shirt



Lately I've spent most of my time on spring-themed projects, family birthday/wedding commitments and cleaning up our garbage dump lovely home for Easter.  Poor St. Patrick's Day has kind of gotten neglected this year.  When I pulled this shirt out of the closet for my little guy to wear this year it reminded me how much I loved this project, so I thought I'd re-share it.  Everything old is new again, right?  I didn't totally forget you St. Patrick's Day!

I created this shirt 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.


It didn't really take that long and the effect is so worth it.  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!  


I'm also sharing this project with my FAVE LINK PARTIES.
Click HERE to check them out!

3 comments:

  1. Cute! I want one for 3/17... lol!
    I found you today on Adventures of a DIY Mom's Linky. I hope you can stop by my blog and leave a comment, too!
    ~ Megin of VMG206
    www.vmg206.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Really cute shirt for both big and little leprechauns. I want one!

    ReplyDelete
  3. this cute shirt is a definite yes for ST Patty's Day. Thank you for sharing your lovely blog at the Thursday Favorite Things blog hop xo

    ReplyDelete

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