How to Applique and Embroider a t-shirt

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have tried several ways to embroider on an t-shirt and have found the following way to be the most effective at keeping the t-shirt from stretching during sewing and also to keep embroidery from blending into the fabric too much.  The first thing I do is I iron the t-shirt to make sure the area that I will be embroidering on is flat and wrinkle free.    Next I flip the t-shirt inside out and apply an iron on cut away interfacing.  I use the Inspira brand.  I have not seen another brand available.  This interfacing makes sure that the t-shirt does not stretch out while it is being hooped or embroidered.  It makes a big difference in how well the embroidery looks when finished.

 

For appliques I take the fabric that I will use to applique onto the t-shirt and I will use a light or medium weight iron on interfacing on the back side of the fabric.  Prior to applying the interfacing I iron the fabric to get rid of any wrinkles.  A wrinkle in an applique will not make the finished product look neat.

 

In order to see the center of the shirt well I like to very lightly press a line down the exact center of the t-shirt.  This helps me in the hooping process.

Here is the shirt hooped and ready to attach to the machine.  Each machine has it's own hoop style.  Carefully experiment with yours.  One thing to remember is that you do not want your t-shirt to be stretched while it is hooped.  The iron on interfacing should help you keep from pulling the fabric too much during the hooping process. 

The first stitches that will be sewn of the applique typically are marking stitches.  These will show you were to place your prepared applique fabric.  Once they are sew carefully place your fabric making sure that the entire placement area is fully covered then.  Occasionally I like to tape the fabric in place on the edges but I find that it is typically not necessary.  The next stitched that will be sewn are the tack down stitches. These stitches will sew your fabric to your t-shirt with a double stitch.  (occasionally I have seen applique patterns that do not have the marking stitches as part of the pattern.  Then you will have to know how large the pattern in for placement of your applique fabric for the tack down). 

 Once the prepared applique fabric is tacked down you will have to remove excess fabric.  Most of the time this will require removing your hoop from your machine but DO NOT unhoop the t-shirt.  Carefully remove hoop from your machine and using sharp curved scissors clip away excess fabric.  Take extra caution not to clip the t-shirt or the stitching.  Then place the hoop back on your machine for the final step of the applique. 

The last step of the applique will finish off the edges of the applique.  Typically a satin stitch is used.  It will also add any design to the applique.  

If you would like to add on a name or some words to your design be sure to use a Wash n Gone interfacing on TOP of your t-shirt.  This keeps the stitches from falling into the t-shirt.  Once you have completely finished your design unhoop and cut any jump stitches that remain.  Then trim away as much of the Wash n Gone interfacing as possible.  

Turn t-shirt inside out and gently pull loose the iron on/cut away interfacing.  Trim excess. Clip lose threads.  Flip t-shirt again and dab off the remaining Wash n Gone with a damp sponge.  Any remaining interfacing will wash away with the first washing.  Sometimes I go ahead and rinse the area then toss it in the dryer for a couple of minutes to dry.

I hope you get good results with this method as well!  The extra steps are well worth the time, money and effort.

Happy sewing!

Equality

Equality seems to be a hot topic right now but really if you look at history it has been a hot topic for a long time.  Back in 1848 a campaign started for woman's rights.  Several woman and some men too started the movement working toward equal treatment for women.  In 1920 some 70 plus years later woman finally gained the right to vote with the 19th amendment.  One more step toward equality.  But even today when most might say that women have equal rights woman still earn 77% of what men earn.  That is not equality.

African Americans gained freedom from slavery in 1865 with the Emancipation Proclamation.  In 1870 African Americans' rights to vote were given with the 15th amendment but only if you were male....woman would have to wait 50 more years.  Equal rights in the USA are protected....or are they?  African American men make only 72% of what white men make.  That is not equality.

In 1967 the supreme court decided that interracial couples could marry.  It was their right.  Wow, that baffles me because it seems like a no brainer and yet until then it was not legal  It seems asinine.  Why should two people who really love each other not be able to get married. 

So today as LBGT ask for their unions to be recognized as marriage I remain hopeful it will happen.  There are so many against it for religious reasons but I hope that they can remember that our great country was formed with a separation of church and state.  LBGTs rights to marry should not be based on anyone's religious views.  It should be based on equality of all people.  And unfortunately the right to marry will be only one step to gaining that equality that many of us Americans are still waiting for.

Sin Carne, Sin Queso, Sin Leche

In about 2 weeks my husband, fellow Mas Loco Chris Rios, Guadajuko and I will be making our way back down to The Copper Canyon's of Mexico.  As I prepare all the happy experiences from last year's trip floods me with joy.  Last year as I readied myself for the trip I was nervous about traveling by vehicle to Mexico.  I was nervous about the race and worried about how rusty my Spanish was.  Last year I thought the trip was about getting there and running a cool race,  The Caballo Blanco Ultra Marathon.  But before I got to Del Osso at the top of the canyon I had learned the the trip was about the entire experience, the people, the Raramuri, the locals, the Mas Locos and about me.  I immediately felt at home at Del Osso.  Surrounded by friends that I had already known and ones that I was meeting for the first time.  As cliche and funny as it sounds there is a peace in the canyon areas that I had not experienced before.  I believe it stems from the Raramuri spirit of "Korima".  It is the belief of sharing what you can without expectation of anything in return.  It is the lifestyle of random acts of kindness.  I am looking forward to feeling that peace again. 

Traveling into the canyon is not easy.  By foot it is about an 18 mile hike and by vehicle you experience a narrow, steep, twisty turning bumpy dirt road.  But once into the canyons you are welcomed to a small village where you can buy handmade tortillas or huaraches right from someones front room.  There are several hotels to choose from and a wonderful hostel of sorts called Entre Amigos owned by Keith. In the canyon internet and phone service are difficult and suddenly seem unnecessary.  More enjoyment is found by a day long hike and a plate of food and a beer at Mama Tita's restaurant.  One does not need to tell Mama Tita's what to bring, mostly you just order a plate of food.  You get what you get and it is all good.  I am a sometimes vegetarian so I order un plato sin carne, sin queso y sin leche.  Then I feast on all I can eat beans, rice, cactus, tortillas, pasta...or whatever is brought to me.  The food, although good, is secondary to a meal on wooden picnic tables and plastic table cloths surrounded by friends...eating, drinking and sharing tales.  Love and korima abounds and meals are bought for the Raramuri who have traveled long distances by foot to be at the race.  Warm food fills their bellies and peace fills your heart.  Korima.....

This year there is no worry because that peace is already creeping into me.  There is a sadness that the beloved Caballo Blanco (Micah True) is no longer running the Earth with us but at the same time a joy in knowing that his mission of preserving the lifestyle of the Raramuri (The Running People) lives on.  I look forward to seeing my fellow Mas Locas and sharing more time and tales together.  The Copper Canyons are calling me.  I am excited to be answering that call.

Korima!
La Roja

5 Reasons that Running and Ultra is like Battling Cancer

5 Reasons that Running an Ultra is like Battling Cancer


Several things got me thinking about how running an ultra is similar to having cancer.  One of my Facebook friends David Murphy https://www.facebook.com/runlikeamug?ref=ts&fref=ts recently mentioned in a status that he never dreamed he would run 100 miles or that cancer would affect his life.  David raises money for Relay for Life during his runs.  I shared his status with a link to donate as well as mentioning that I also never dreamed that I would run 100 miles or that cancer would affect my life 4 times.  After writing that status I knew that I had more to share on the topic  

1.  The race/fight is tough but it will make you stronger. 


For me the thoughts of this started last summer.  I have an old friend who I worked with as a teen whose daughter had been diagnosed with cancer and it looked like she had a rough road ahead of her.  I like to focus on people and run with them in mind while doing ultras so during a 50 miler I ran with my friend’s daughter in mind for my 3rd loop (3 loops=50 miles).  I talked to her like a crazy woman.  I shared with her my first realization on how her fight was like my race.  I told her I knew it was tough, just keep going.  “You got this girl.”  Thankfully people were well spread out by the 3rd loop and my sanity did not become in question.


Realization on how awesome it is to be alive


While doing ultras and when I went through cancer treatments there were times that I could not get a smile off my face if I tried.  I guess during a run it can be explained as a runner’s high.  But for me both occasions seemed to be driven by the thought that life is precious.  Everyday is a gift.  Just like the smiles there are tears as well because again life is precious.

Dealing with despair.

Sometimes it feels as if you are trying so hard and that it might not be enough.  You are using up every bit of energy that you have and it might all be for nothing.  Yes, in ultra running and in fighting cancer there are times of despair.  What gets one through that time of despair is remembering that it will pass and the smile will return.

Friends, family and faith help you through.

Friends, family and faith were so important to me during the time I was dealing with cancer.  My husband was my number one supporter.  He felt a tremendous amount of fear and uncertainty but also knew that I was tough.  He never shared his fears with me but instead supported my tougher side as much as possible while still being a shoulder for me to cry on when I felt like taking a pity day.  Other friends and family called or visited to check up on me.  They let me know that they were there if I needed them.  Their support meant a lot to me.  They were all encouraging me to stay strong.  They sent prayers and good vibes.  They were all a part of it.

During an ultra you lean on your crew and pacer.  You also lean on the others supporting you.  No matter how tough you are the support is something that can make a difference between finishing and a DNF.  During the JJ100 this past year I was so blessed to have Carol and Tim pace me and to be able to fall into my husband’s arms at the finish line.  Also support from the aid stations of people that I knew and from complete strangers all meant something.  They were all cheering for me to finish.  They were all a part of it.


Not everyone makes it.

Despite your best effort, sometimes in an ultra you DNF.  My first attempt at JJ100 I dropped down to the 100K when I was 77 miles in.  I considered that a DNF.  I did not do what I set out to do, I failed.  It was a wise decision for me at the time and one that I do not regret making but still....I failed.  Despite months of training and planning I could not complete the 100 miles.  Regardless of my efforts a finish was not a guarantee.

Despite eating well, exercising and great medical technology not everyone who has cancer beats it.  regardless of their efforts a remission or healing is not guaranteed.



TODAY is a blessing.....nothing but love!

Fear

Fear can be one of the greatest motivators.  People can run faster, lift more weight and do other great feats when they are in fear of being hurt or having a loved one hurt.  But fear can also hold people back; the fear of the unknown and the fear of failure are huge obstacles for some people.

As the Javelina Jundred race gets closer I have been dealing with fear....the fear of failure.  I do not like failure and frankly I am not used to failure.  Please don’t take that wrong but most things I do I can do with a certain amount of confidence because I work hard to accomplish goals.  Unfortunately I have to face another reason that I am not used to failure....I do not push myself to do things that I am not sure I can do very often.    This is the conclusion I have come to this week: I am afraid to fail.  That fear is holding me back. 

I have been wishy washy about the Javelina Jundred race since registering.  It is a 100 mile race with a drop down of 100 kilometers.  I bounce back and forth from shooting for 100 miles and from doing the 100 kilometers.  I have confidence that in the 30 hours given I can get in 100 kilometers with time to spare.  It would not be easy but with the hours given it is something (excluding injury or sickness) that would not be beyond what I can do.  I am not confident that I can do 100 miles in 30 hours.  I have never done that distance nor have I ever been on my feet running, fast hiking, crawling (lol) for that many hours.  That distance scares me.  For the last couple of weeks it has been the last thing on my mind as I fall to sleep and the first thought in my head as I wake up. 

I need to face it.  I need to overcome the fear of failing and push to accomplish the 100 miles.  I could fail......but I could succeed.  I am strong and I have trained hard.  I need to trust that training and put it all on the line.  That is what I am going to do.  This year I did my first 50 miler.  It scared me, so much so that 9 miles into the race I got all emotional.  Tears and running equal hyperventilation.  Not a good thing while running.  But with my husband by my side I pushed on and kept going.  Since then I finished 2 other 50 milers and they are not all that scary any more.  Now it is time to dig deeper, push harder and go for the 100 miles.

I have running buddy Carol and my son Zac to pace me late in the race.  Knowing that gives me more confidence.  But please send me prayers, good thoughts and any other motivation!  I can use it all.

If you want to follow my adventure next weekend there should be live feed updates at:
http://www.javelinajundred.com 

24 The Hard Way

Michael and I like to find any excuse we can to do a couple of things.  One of those things is to visit the grand children and the other is to participate in cool races.  When they come together like it did for us last month it makes it even all the more enjoyable.  We participated in this race in Oklahoma  http://24thehardway.com/ 
on our way to see the grand kiddos.  Michael did the 12 hour (Hard Way) and I participated in the 6 hour (Hard Way).

Both of the races were held on a 1 mile paved loop with the aid station at the end/beginning of each loop.  The track was fairly flat and pretty easy to run.  The race itself was well organized and fully staffed with great volunteers.  The temperatures were pretty mild, maybe low 70's for a high.  Great day and conditions for a race in my opinion.  The nice thing about a loop track is that you get to see and talk to so many different people-great social running.  The tough thing is that it is so much easier to be too social and let that hurt the pace.  I tried to focus early on in the run knowing that I do tend to over socialize.  I kept my music on and smiled at fellow runners and cheered a few on but other than that concentrated on getting in the miles. It was great seeing Michael occasionally as well.  He continued a nice solid pace despite having started 6 hours prior to me! And rumor was that he was in first place! My plan worked well for me for about 20 miles then with tired legs and so many people to talk with I did a bit of walking and talking in between running.  Enjoyed talking with some veteran runners who inspire me to continue pushing on even though I am not getting any younger.  About 1/2 hour prior to the end of my 6 hours I got a little burst of energy and picked up the pace ending the race with 29 2/3rds loops.  I felt that with all the running/races I had done recently that it was a good run.  Not spectacular but good.

Both the 6 and the 12 hour races ended at the same time and as they ended the rain started.  I was thankful that we did not have a rainy run but felt for the 24 hour runners who were still mid race and dealing with rain.  The award ceremonies were held under the warmth and dryness of a tent and we had stayed because I was excited to see Michael take 1st place in his race.  Not first place in Masters (over 40) and not just first place in his age group both of which are really great finishes but he took 1st place over all!  They started the awards with the 6 hour winners and as they came to my race and the first female winner over all I was floored to hear my name announced!  I had taken first female!!  I got a nice bag of goodies/gift cards/plaque.... and then they announced Michael and he got his bag of goodies and win as well. 

I run hard, I am committed and push myself to do better but despite that F1 is just not a title that is applied to me often.  It felt really good to have gotten it that day.  It also felt good to have our race behind us but our grand children to look forward to!

Slickrock 50/Moab The good, the Bad and the Beautiful!

Slickrock course picture

When I first found the webpage for the Slickrock race- http://www.runmoab.com/Home_Page.php  I was enchanted by the course pictures.  Since I am married to a trail runner who is even nuttier than I am it was easy to get him to agree to the race.  He signed up for the 100 miler along with a running buddy of ours, Mark Hellenthal.  I registered for the 50 miler.  As the race day came close and our excitement increased it was mixed with a splash of concern due to the rainy weather the Moab area was getting.  We planned accordingly and on Friday set out for our adventure.

The packet pick up and pre race meeting were scheduled for 5 pm on Friday evening.  It is a bit late for us because we like to eat very early and get into bed early as well on the eve before a race.  We had planned on picking up our bibs and ditching out before the meeting.  As we picked up our numbers and t shirts we were told that important changes that affected our drop bags would be discussed at the pre race meeting....so we stayed. 

As Aaron, the race director started the race meeting it was apparent that he had been lacking some serious sleep and was noticeably concerned about what he was about to say.  Come to find out the day before he was out checking course flags (markings) and his jeep go sunk up to the windows in quick sand!  As he tried to get out of the vehicle he too was caught and only quick thinking and a small branch saved him from a muddy death.   As he started his 15 mile walk back to his RV he also crossed through a creek that was chest high...in the almost freezing temperatures.   The rain had caused havoc on our race course.  With less than 36 hours until the start of the race all courses had to be changed to avoid that area.  This would mean that drop bags, crew, and aid stations  all would be adjusted as well.  Not to mention water only aid stations that would now be for the most part removed because of vandals.  Now there would be longer stretches with no aid.  Those who do not run or run ultras may not think of all of the ramifications this has but one such ramification is lighting.  As the evening falls over the desert course you must pick up your flashlight or head lamp from a drop bag.....where should that drop bag be now?  The course is changed, 5000 feet of elevation added so that would have to be taken into consideration as well.  But we were still very excited because the area was just amazing. 

Race day morning the sky was falling....or perhaps it was rain :)  Michael and Mark had to start at the original start spot but my start had been changed which meant me being dropped off early to allow them to get to their start.  Because of the rain Michael did not want to ditch me at an unmanned trail head but thankfully a very nice couple were waiting as well in their warm car and let me sit and wait with them.  Even with all of the changes and confusion the race started just 8 minutes late and we were off into the awesomeness! 

The rain made for some challenges with the rock already being slick but a slower pace and plenty of fast hiking kept me safe.  I was feeling pretty good until about mile 20.  Because of the cold (it was 39 degrees at start time) I had decided last minute to wear 2 pairs of socks.  I was also wearing my waterproof Hoka One One-Mufates.  The combination made my feet warm and cause excessive friction.  I could feel the hotspots on both big toes and pinkie toes.  I had also taken a small fall and landed on the top of one of my feet.  By about mile 24 I was in pretty bad pain.  Thankfully I had found another runner who was about my same pace and he kept me company and our chatting kept my mind off the pain.  When we got to mile 27 aid station I asked the medic for some blister care and took off my shoe.  Both socks were a blood mess.  Mark Hellenthal came by the aid station about then and I showed off my sock of toughness to him.  An incredibly nice medic taped up my toes and sent me on my way.  My feet felt so much better!  The next 7 miles or so were easy and on a very flat paved road (again a change of course-normally I am a trail girl and would prefer the trail but with the earlier conditions which included rain, jumping across crevasses and navigating areas where vandals removed flags the paved area was a welcome break.  Then came the climb.  It was about the time that dusk was creeping in and as I climbed I would occasionally stop to look back.  When I did it reminded me exactly why I was there.  Not many people get to see such incredible views, I am blessed indeed. 

Dusk turned to dark and the running buddy I had met (also a Michael) and I continued our trek.  It was difficult in the dark to find the flags and again some flags had been removed.  We had a couple of miles added due to getting off track but kept going.  The evening brought back the cold weather and I was feeling desperate to get to the finish.  At the final aid station there was some hot soup and some hot cocoa.  I got my second pair of gloves out of my pack and put on a disposable rain slicker just to add an additional layer of warmth.  We probably stayed too long eating and getting warm under the tent-weak spot of mine as I get tired.  We set off on what would be our last 10 miles (we expected less but the new course ran 5 miles long plus we had our almost 2 miles of being lost).  Hubby, Michael passed us again about 5 miles into this leg.  He was looking strong and solid!  Seeing him gave me a boost that I needed, that lasted about a mile....then I was beginning to feel desperation, cold and exhaustion set in.  I wanted to sit down near a bush and just ball up and rest.  I knew that was a very bad idea and trudged forward.  The Michael I was running with was very tired as well and was feeling the same way.  We just kept pushing each other to continue.  The additional miles mentally messed with me.  I was so done!   But this 50 miler (almost 57 miler) came with a finishers buckle so I pushed on :)  As I crossed the finish line I felt great.  My third 50 miler for the year completed.  My second buckle in my hand.  A warm sleeping bag in the back seat of the truck waiting for me and stories to tell.  It was a race I will never forget, views that will fill my dreams and some of the smiles that cross my face at random times will be memories from this event.  Awesomeness!

My husband Michael and Mark both finished the 100 miles.  Two incredible trail runners with plenty of stories to tell as well.  Michael took 4th place overall!  My man is bad!!!  Mark got a great prize for most determination (or something like that)-he got quite lost and put in a half marathon of extra miles but still finished the race! 

So the good.....all the people I met and were part of my experience.  The couple that let me sit in their car, the running buddies I ran with Michael and for a while Justin, the medic that taped my toes, the views, the aid station volunteers, the race director and his wife that made the race happen despite the conditions and changes they had to make, seeing my husband twice during the race, seeing Mark.........the list goes on.  The bad-me.....I think that was pretty "bad" of me to be able to complete this race-it was TOUGH and the beautiful....Moab.  Run Moab...... look for the Slickrock race next year, it is an experience you will never forget.

This is not nail polish....