Cat Appliqué!

Because the beasts love beasts and are especially crazy for the feline variety, I decided cat appliqués were the answer to using up fabric scraps, revamping stained white shirts, and making an aquired orange backpack a lot more desirable. Meow, eh-hem, we now, are decorated to our hearts content, and both the Dreamer and the Caveman are pleased.

To make your own cat appliqué gather some fabric scraps and follow the photo tutorial below: 

Fold a small swatch of fabric in half (this piece will serve as the cats head and will be the largest fabric piece needed. Choose a size to meet your needs accordingly. Our finished appliqués were approximately 8" wide by 6" tall.

Cut out half of a cat head shape on the fold--or, if uncomfortable freehanding this shape you could draw and cut out a pattern from paper first in order to ensure a shape of your liking--In this case, I was not overly concerned with perfect symmetry, but instead, was aiming to use up some scraps to create a whimsical creature to adorn ruined clothing and a backpack.

Unfold fabric to view and edit your cat head shape until pleased.

Next, cut 2 small (about 1" in this case)  oval shapes to serve as the cat's eyes and a triangle for a nose.

Cut out 2 tiny dark pieces to serve as the vertical pupils.

Arrange features on the face with a spacing that suits you and pin into place. 

Sew features onto face using a blanket stitch or zigzag stitch on your sewing machine (I recommend sewing the eyes first as they are the most detailed part with their inside pupil).

Sew the nose onto the face in the same fashion used for the eyes.

In order to reinforce the shape of the head prior to final attachment, I chose to send my cat through the serger, but a zigzag or baste stitch done on the sewing machine would be an alternative option. 

Pin cat head onto the fabric that you wish to sew to with several pins in order to avoid movement and a wobbly loose result.

Using a blanket or zigzag stitch, sew the feline to the fabric.

Complete! Meow!

The Caveman so kindly modeled both the Dreamer's shirt as well as his own! Why people ever chose to gift children white clothing is truly baffling to me; however, the stains are hidden for now! 

And what could make a backpack more personal than the addition of a cat!