How a controlling perfectionist plans a birthday party: Octopus Tee

This octopus design came to me when I was sitting at my friend's baby shower a couple months ago.  Hearts are one of the themes that run throughout many of my designs, so making two of the tentacles outline a heart was a must.  These are available in my Etsy shop PinkyBleu and I have affectionately titled them Lincoln HEARTS Octopii!  I like to use American made organic cotton tees by American Apparel so my costs are higher but you could find some pretty cheap tees and keep your costs relatively low.

Tutorial:
Supplies: Octopus pattern, 8x10" felt, pins, thread and shirt
Time: 1-3 hours (depending on skill level)

First, create your octopus pattern and cut it out.  Then pin your pattern to the felt to cut.  Using the shiny side of the felt will help keep the felt from balling up over time.  This octopus pattern is hand drawn by yours truly but you could easily just print one of from a number of children's coloring sites and use that as your template.  As long as you are not selling them you are not violating anyone's creative rights.

Position onto tee and then pin again.  If felt has a wrinkle then gently low heat iron...felt melts...trust me, I found out the hard way out!

Put some thoughtful consideration into your thread color and match thread and bobbin color for the cleanest look.  Since I was working with orange and brown I kept the thread brown to avoid any mistaken identities of my octopus, in particular with a Halloween arachnid! 

Use one continuous stitch for the entire octopus, backstiching at beginning and end.  Go slow and be careful as you stitch through each tentacle.  Try not to get too close to the edge because the felt will pull out from underneath the stitching.

Once you have completely stiched the octopus to the tee knot thread together for extra security and durability.  Knot both the top and underside of tee when you get back to your beginning stich.

This makes for a great birthday boy shirt at his Octopus Party or if you are overly ambitious ... as a party favor!  It ended up being perfect for Maggie's mermaid party because her dress had little octopii all over it!

Make 'em

Gift 'em

but please don't sell 'em if they infringe on my heart tentacle idea!

Thank You and a Happy Octopii to You!

This is the second in a series of five blog entries on how to plan a children's birthday party. Click here and scroll down to bottom of entry for series links.