small hearts

[kberii]

I everyone.  I was wondering if anyone has had success with small hearts?  I was able to do a large heart and it came out nice, but on the same shirt I tried to do 2 little heart and the bottom of the shirt -- those did not do well.  They did not have good shape.
I had my shirt folded, so I was going thru 4 layers, could that have been the problem? 
Also, I tried doing a butterfly, mine came out a bit less defined than I wanted it to BUT for those more experienced it really is a cute idea for little girls!

I feel that I am always asking for help and advice (which I always get and I am greatful for all you experts!!!!), so this is my newbie find and I thought I could share!
thanks

[Anna]

Hi Kberii,

I put tiny hearts on an infant jumper and little baby hats.  I tried a couple of times and they came out like blobs.  Then I used needle and thread to really pull the top of the heart around, and they came out great.  I'll put pics in the gallery for you.  Since then, I've hardly done any shapes without sewing, I find they are much more defined.  Maybe I just dont have the hand strength or something, I don't know. 

Hope this helps,
Anna

[kberii]

Thank you so much Anna, it helps alot!  I will try to sew them.  What do you use as your thread?
Keri

[Anna]

No problem, Keri, I just use cotton thread, really whatever I've got leftover from sewing projects.  I think a butterfly is a great idea that my daughter would love.  I'm going to give it a try!

Thanks,
Anna

[ecilA]

You could also try tieing with a waxed thread (I use artificial sinew), were you using rubber bands on the small hearts and butterfly?

[tiedyejudy]

Also, I tried doing a butterfly, mine came out a bit less defined than I wanted it to BUT for those more experienced it really is a cute idea for little girls!

I have only done one butterfly, and it was tied, if I remember correctly.  I used eye-droppers to apply the dye, since it was a small area. 
I really want to try more, but think the next ones will be discharge dyeing with thickened bleach, then overdyed. 

Keep at it!  It does get better....

Judy

[kberii]

That butterfly looks amazing!  I think I need to use a dropper for the dye next time so I have more control.
I have cotton string, artificial sinew and dental floss.  I have tried all.  I really liked the dental floss because it was thin and I felt I had more contol, but my knots did not stay, I guess loosened by the dye?  So much for control!!!
Could I sew with the floss?  My thread is not holding when I pull it tight, it breaks.

I bet a colorful butterfly on an otherwise black shirt would be wonderful, eye popping!
Thanks all, AGAIN

I had an after thought... When you are all doing small designs they are for one side of a garment only, right?  I did the dress folded in half and them through essentially 4 layers of cloth.  Too much? hhhmmmm...

[tiedyejudy]

Could I sew with the floss?  My thread is not holding when I pull it tight, it breaks.

I have sewn with dental tape, and it works fine on t-shirt material. Also, it doesn't pick up the dye, so it's easier to remove it afterward

When you are all doing small designs they are for one side of a garment only, right?  I did the dress folded in half and them through essentially 4 layers of cloth.  Too much? hhhmmmm...

Yes, I only do the designs on the front side of the shirt, for that very reason.  You could replicate on the back if you wanted, but I tend to think it looks better just on the front.

[kberii]

Thank you.  I tried the dental floss and less layers and it worked.  I still need practice to do better but I think I am on my way.
I will soon post to the gallery, or something!  I have to wait to get that part explained to me (my husband usually is the computer techie in the family) but I wan to share and get feedback.
Thanks all