Appliqued Heart Shirt

I have wanted to try more hand applique techniques and improve my sewing skills. In the past I have only done machine appliqued projects and various cross-stitching. Recently a friend was turning one so I thought a little appliqued heart would be fun plus give me the opportunity to try hand turned applique. Instead of using a pattern I just free-handed a heart shape out of some of my favorite fabric. Then I pinned it directly to the shirt and started stitching it on. Some of the tutorials I looked at suggested using a heat n bond to hold the project in place while stitching. I did not use any this time and didn't have too many problems. I think if I did anything larger then this I would definitely use it to prevent any bunching or pulling of the fabric.

Overall, I like how it turned out. And as a bonus it looks super cute on the recepient. I would love to do more of this in the future. I think with more practice my stitches will become more uniform and less noticeable. I have a couple other little projects in mind that I might be able to do while holding an adorable baby in the evenings. So hopefully there will be more applique practice in my near future.