Applique - step by step

I have had a lot of fun trying this new applique thing.  I'm pretty good at getting obsessed with something for about a week and getting over it.  But here we go, this is what I'm currently into!  PLEASE don't look too closely at all the weird things I do and many, many mistakes I make - this has just been a very fun thing for me to do!

Step one --- I bought some iron-on applique material (I found it at Walmart - so it's most likely at any craft/fabric store).  I also washed the t-shirt and fabric.   My Mom and SIL BOTH said I should also get Wonder-Under -- for stabilizing the fabric when I sewed it, but I was impatient and didn't have it RIGHT THEN, so I skipped that step.  : )

Step 2 --- I picked out my applique design.  I've been using my cricut to make the pattern - when it's something I have - otherwise I have just used Word images or searched the internet.

Step 3 --- Put the applique pattern backwards on the applique material - paper side up (I've messed this step up... lots...) -- and cut it out - you can be generous with the size - you'll be cutting this down exactly later when it's already on the material.

Step 4 --- Now, with paper side up, iron applique material to the wrong side of your material.  Read the directions on your applique material - mine said to just press it down for about 3 seconds.

Step 5 --- I'm sure there's a better way to do this, but then I just trace my pattern (backwards still!) onto the paper part of my applique material.

Step 6 --- Carefully cut out your pattern (for the middle parts of this one, I (and by "I" I mean... JJ....) used an x-acto knife) and then peel off the paper.

Step 7 --- Now, with applique pattern right side up (sticky side down), decide where you want it positioned and iron it on.  Again read the directions - mine said to hold down my iron for about 7 seconds for this step.

Step 8 --- Admire your work, and show it off to your hubby/mother/friend - whoever is close by.

Step 9 --- Last, but not least, sew just inside the pattern.  I tried to do the freestyle sewing on my machine and it just wasn't happening.  So, I put the feeder foot back on (I think this is the right terminology... I'm sure real sewers are having a good laugh!).  Some of the curves proved to be a bit tricky for me, but I think having a homemade item look not quite perfect has a certain charm of its own!