I am super giddy to share this hot air balloon tshirt with you! I have been waiting a loooong time to get my hands on a Silhouette cutting tool and I finally got my chance! Silhouette America gave me one of their awesome Cameo machines so that I can share projects and ideas with you! I’ve used other cutting machines over the years, but I was especially excited about the fabric-cutting capabilities of the Silhouette machines AND the flexibility with the design software. I am just scratching the surface here today – sharing my very first Silhouette project! If you don’t already have a machine, you have the chance to win a Silhouette Portrait at the end of today’s post – EXCITING!!!!
Setting up my new Silhouette was pretty simple. There was an instructional video that I watched once and then, when I started on my first project, I would say I figured out the software, purchased the hot air balloon and quote templates for 99 cents each, began and finished my entire project (including the stenciled design on the back of the shirt) within 2 hours. Not bad at all!!! So…to make a hot air balloon shirt….you can do a search for “hot air balloon” in the Silhouette library – you’ll get lots of options – I liked this vintage hot air balloon, with the fun flags! I loaded the template into the design window on my computer, and decided to separate the parts of the balloon amongst three different fabrics.
Using the fabric interfacing was pretty much identical to using a standard fusible web. You cut your piece of fabric, cut the interfacing a little smaller, iron it onto the back of the fabric, then peel off the paper and stick the fabric onto the Silhouette cutting mat. The machine cuts through the fabric so smoothly. At first I thought it didn’t cut because there were no pulls or snags or anything, but it actually cut it without a problem. The ONLY issue I had was when I was removing one of the hot air balloon overlays that had really thin lines. The lines were maybe only 1/16″wide and a couple of them tore. I went ahead and just matched them up when I ironed it down and no one will ever know. Once I had all the pieces cut, I simply centered the first piece on a tshirt and ironed it down. Then the next layer, and so on, as you can see in the pictures above. It turned out absolutely perfect! I’ll have to hand wash this shirt because I used the NO SEW interfacing that you don’t machine-stitch through, but the other type of interfacing CAN be machine-stitched. If you don’t want to do the machine-stitching on such a complex design, just wash it with caution or iron the design onto non-garment items.
On the back of the shirt, I couldn’t resist stenciling this cute quote – it’s one of my favorites and I thought it was so appropriate for this end of the school year season. I’ll save a tutorial for another time, but basically, I just slapped freezer paper down on my Silhouette cutting mat, expanded the size of the downloaded file within the Silhouette software on my computer, and cut it out. Then, I ironed the freezer paper stencil onto the shirt and painted with fabric paint. Peel off the freezer paper (carefully!) and there you have it!
If you would like to try using this special fabric interfacing to cut fabric with your Silhouette machine, there are some great deals available right now! You must go through my affiliate link to Silhouette America and use the code GIRLINSPIRED to take advantage of these great deals. And, the current deals are:
- Fabric Bundle for $29.99 – 1 of each fabric interfacing, fabric blade, $25 Silhouette Online Store download card
- Silhouette Portrait fabric bundle for $129.99 – Silhouette Portrait, 1 of each fabric interfacing, fabric blade, $25 Silhouette Online Store download card
- Silhouette Cameo fabric bundle for $269.99 – Silhouette Cameo, 1 of each fabric interfacing, fabric blade, 12″x24″ cutting mat
And the fun doesn’t stop there, because today, I get to GIVE AWAY a Silhouette Portrait cutting tool to one of YOU!!! I’m really pretty excited about that because I kinda think these machines are awesome! This giveaway ends at midnight on May 27! Just wait for the rafflecopter to load and you can enter!!
Robin Marshall says
I would love to win a Silhouette to make quilts, cards and maybe this hot air balloon shirt for my daughter! Thanks for the chance!
amy b. says
I’ve been dreaming & hoping of having one of these for a long time…fingers crossed that I win!
mjb says
I love the potential of the silhouette for text!
Gretchen Gilmore says
I love crafting so much! I just started making shirts for birthdays! And to see the smiled not only on the parents faces but the kids is heart warming!
Allison says
That hot air balloon is too cute. Have you seen how Cheri from I am Momma Hear me Roar used them to decorate her new baby girl nursery.
It seems hot air balloons are on the rise….get it?
Kari VanNoy says
You are truly inspiring! 🙂
Talitha says
Ooo! Pick me! I want one! Everyone seems to have a silhouette but I still don’t!
Alyssa H says
I send a photo text of these drawings to my husband every time, saying “oh i hope i win” so that if I dont, then he’ll get the hint for my birthday. If i DO win, then HE’ll be happy 🙂
jessica says
With a house full of girls, I love all the girly stuff on your blog! I would love to win one of these machines.
Raimi Krupp says
That shirt is super cute!
Nati says
Thinking of the places I have been and the places I will go this week as I just finished some art wall displaying pictures of places we’ve been. Now I must win this amazing giveaway so I can make something as cute as you did… maybe a little wall art to complete the project!
Rachel says
ooo I’ve been dying to have one of these forever! Every once in a while, hubby suggests buying it, but we’re both so cheap! It would be wonderful to win it.
Jess M says
I have been wanting this for so long and can’t justify it as an expense in the family budget!!
Emilee says
I would love to try out a silhouette! I have a cricut now and its so bulky!
Jen - Ava Pot Pie says
I have been coveting one of these for a long time now. Everywhere I turn on the internet someone is creating something fabulous! I love the shirt you created :o)
Courtney Ahrenholtz says
Iced Coffee!!! 🙂
Kari says
I would love creating cards, scrapbooks, and applique if I won this! Thanks for the opportunity to participate in this giveaway!
Julia Lyssand says
Your creative ideas are so inspiring, I love seeing your creations!
Mary Lee Danielson says
I already have a thousand projects in mind for a Silhouette Portrait! Really! I’m keeping my fingers crossed… 🙂 Thanks for sharing the darling hot air balloon project with the Dr. Seuss quote on the back. So clever!
Vanessa B says
If I win this then I could send you pics of my creations…that would surely make you smile 🙂 Thanks for the chance!
Gina Florencia says
Love to have one!!!! Thanks….Gina F
Barbara Martin says
Oh My Gosh! That is the cutest thing I’ve seen done with the Silloutte. I would love doing things like that for my Grand Girls. Hooray for the contest!!!
twelve30 says
It’s a 3 day weekend! YAY!! Enjoy, Thanks for the giveaway.
twelve30(at)gmail(dot)com
Andrea N. says
That is one of the cutest Silhouette projects I’ve seen yet! Soo cute!!
Shannon says
I would love this to make some wall art.
Linda says
I have been wanting one of these forever! Such a fun giveaway!
Kathy Wilson says
I have some wonderful grand daughters who would love all the things I could make for them. They just love their Nana!
Kathy says
That looks really cute! Thanks for sharing how you did it.
Karen LePage says
I Looooooooooooooooooove your shirt, and I cannot believe a machine exists that does such a beautiful job with cutting fabric. It’s now on my dreamy-dream-wish-list. I’m totally in love with this Silhouette.
AnnaMarie says
You do the cutest projects!! You inspire others. Would love to join you in some of these projects.
Lee says
I have never been a hot ail balloon fan but I have found myself loving them recently. I just adore that little shirt you made. 🙂
Would love to win the give-a-way.
Debora says
This looks so totally cool! I am dreaming of all the things I could do with this
Erin says
thanks for the giveaway. I always love seeing the things you create!
Gina says
So jealous you have one!! It has been on my wishlist for some time now! At least you live close by if I need to borrow it 😉 Or maybe I will get LUCKY and WIN!!!
Jewel says
This would open so many new areas to me.
Tiffany says
I would love to have this! There are so many times that I think one of these would make my life so much easier!
fenna says
that shirt is really neat! great job!
Vernagrace says
Thank you for the giveaway, and the great introduction to this lovely machine. Nice job on the
t shirt.
Sue l. says
Would love to win this. Thanks for the chance..
Heidi says
My daughter and I were playing tea party and she said, “I’m only making two gallons of tea- it will just take a few seconds.” 🙂
Ajaire says
I love that hot air balloon. So cute!
Maria says
Love this shirt! You did a very good job. I always like everything you do 😀 Thanks for the giveaway too!!!
Tina L. says
I would LOVE to win this! So many fins things to make are already brewing :-).
Debbie says
I have always dreamed of owning a Silhouette machine. Love your designs and inspiration. The vintage balloon shirt and quote are amazing! Thank you for the opportunity to win!
Shannon says
Such a cute shirt!
Heather B says
The shirt turned out GREAT! I have had this machine on my wishlist!! Thank you for all of your beautiful projects and inspiration!
Michelle says
Oh my! What wouldn’t I make with a Silhouette? I have been wanting a cameo forever!!
Susan Toloczko says
That shirt, as well as your daughter is so cute. I want to win so bad. I love appliques and doing wall plaques. There are so many projects I would love to do if I won. So glad I discovered your blog
Nicola says
I love the idea of printing a quote on a shirt. Would be great to experiment with!
Jill L says
Love watching my daughter playing and using her imagination.
Maureen Altman says
That is a fun shirt, I have three granddaughters that would love it.
Laura says
The hot air balloon shirt is so cute! Thank you for all of your inspirational projects!
Rebekah Stockton says
Your hot air balloon is gorgeous!
Martine Antoniou says
I love to sew a lot and I like looking at your ideas. I think this machine would be fun and give me a new project to do.
Susan H. says
I love the shirt…so cute. I would love to make cute shirts too. Thanks for chance to win.
Amy Reed says
Like you, I also have 3 daughters… I’m jealous that you find ANY free time to create let alone create such lovely pieces of art!
Holly says
I would love to learn how to use a Silhouette proficiently. Your shirt is adorable!
Ellen says
I’d love to make cute hair accessories with this!
sabra says
SUPER cute hot air baloon shirt!
Carly Butler says
Wow! I would love one of these, I was wondering how to get more of a professional finish on cut outs on my kids t shirts etc. This is it !
Gemia says
You are very inspiring to me and you made my dad when you commented on my blog. Thank you!
stacey says
I have been wanting to try fabric with my cricut. It really seams like the Silhouette makes cutting fabric super easy! Love the balloon design and thank you for the chance to win a Silhouette! Keeping my fingers crossed!
Amanda Eason says
I would love to win the Silhouette as it can be used in cake decorating, and it would be wonderful to have one
Heidi says
I’d do the chicken dance if I won 🙂
Tonya S says
I love your hot air balloon tee, and I couldn’t even tell where the lines tore.
Michelle says
OOOOOH I have wanted one for a long time now~ this would be FANTASTIC!
~Michelle
Theresa J says
Today my son came home from school and said that he learned out weird stuff at school..
They learned about puberty
Sandra says
I LOVE the shirt! Fingers crossed I win so I can make one for my daughter!
Marina says
I love the shirt you made! I’ve never used a Silhouette but it looks like you can use it for some pretty cute girl projects, and that’s what I’d use it for!
Holly Dapore says
I’m here from Sew.Craft.Create. Can’t wait to look around some more! It’s 4:20 am and my son with autism is up WAAAY too early for me to write something funny to make you laugh, but I appreciate the giveaway and a new blog to check out this morning. ~Holly
Brianna @ craftandrepeat says
“SMILE!” 🙂
Kelly Brown says
I have been wanting one of these machines since FOREVER! If I won, you would just make my year! Thanks for the chance!
aeti says
Why Moms r d best?A young man tells his mom he’s fallen in love & wants 2get married.He says,”Ma,I’m gonna bring over 3 women & u guess which one I’m goin 2marry.”Mom agrees.Next day,he brings 3 beautiful women & sits wit them on d couch & they chat 4a while.Later,he says,”Ok Ma,guess which one I’m goin 2marry.”She immediately replies,”D 1 on d right.”Boy:”Dat’s amazin,Ma.u’re right.:) How did u kw?”Mom replies “I DON’T LIKE HER”
Zenaida says
Cool Tee, would love to win a Silhouette, Thanks for the chance to win.
Michelle Frame says
What a great shirt! We have hot air balloons land in our back yard all the time! Would love to win a silhouette so I can make something awesome like that!
Bonnie Brewster says
cute shirt. I especially love the quote on the back 🙂
Rh says
I’ve never heard of this machine before, but it looks awesome! I would love to add this to my ever expanding craft area!
ellen casper says
Winning this would make me smile 🙂
RachelC says
Love the shirt and the cute model!
Helen B. says
I love this shirt and the quote on the back–so cute!! And thanks for the chance to win 🙂
Julie says
I would love a chance to win a Silhouette! Thank you!!
Randi S says
Your blog is absolutely wonderful, and you are uber talented!! Seriously! 🙂
Hope that makes you smile 🙂
Sue McRae says
A rabbit has given birth to some baby bunnies in a corner of our backyard. They are the sweetest and tiniest things all huddled together in a heap. I know that made me smile…Thanks for a chance to win this fab prize!
Janice says
So NOW I know what the heck to do with these machines! So cute!!!
Jess Z says
Having our first addition to the family in two weeks! I need a silhouette to make some appliques for onesies and all sorts of projects I’m thinking of making for her. Thanks for hosting and all the great ideas! 🙂
Tamara Asher says
I have wanted this machine for soooooooooo long!! Have a good holiday weekend!
Elizabeth M says
Knock Knock!
Who’s there?
Norma Lee.
Norma Lee who?
Norma Lee I have my key.
Patsy Desautel says
I would love to try out a Silhouette for my quilt projects. The details you could make!!!
Vera says
Absolutely LOVE the back of that shirt… Just adorable!
Vera
Arielle says
It would be GREAT to have a silhouette to try all of the fabulous ideas I see on blogs!
Katie R. says
Would love a Silhouette! Thanks so much for the chance to win one! 🙂
Laura B says
I work in physical therapy with little kids with developmental disorders and yesterday one of my little 2 year old kiddos that I’ve been working with for 6 months was finally able to take his first steps! I cried almost as hard as his mom 🙂 Definitely one of the most rewarding moments of my career so far!!
Emily says
I woulde LOVE a Silhouette to make some goodies for my 2 nuggets!
Kristie says
The shirt is adorable! I love the unexpected quote on the back. It is uber cute. I’ve been eyeing a Silhouette for a while now & will totally put it to good use if I win!
Amber M says
Very fun! I’ve always wanted a Silhouette. Thank you for hosting lady!
Melanie says
New to your blog- it;s lovely!
Callie Sitek says
I stumbled onto your blog today and absolutely love everything on it. I would so love to win this!
Briana Richardson says
I would love to win!
Brady says
Thanks for hosting! It’s almost summer time! And hopefully you have some Memorial Day plans =)
alice says
i found your blog on pinterest and i love it~ even though you make clothes for your daughter, a lot of the ideas are really cute that i want to do my own 🙂
Jean Bullock says
You did a great job on that cute balloon T. The little girl (your daughter?) is cute as can be and you did a good job on the tutorial. Did that make you smile? I hope so because all those things are true.
Sara d says
Your tshirt is amazing and if that is your first project I can’t wait to see what comes next!
Kelly P says
The little girl modeling your hot air balloon shirt has the cutest dimples!!
Grace says
I love the detail! Most die cuts are so flat, but this is lovely. Thank for a chance for me to win something that will help do that. Ta!
Valerie says
I like your ideas! I also like how detailed the balloon is. it makes it super cute!
Erika says
Wow! Great giveaway!! I would SOOO LOVE to win the silhouette portrait, as it would bump my party planning and crafting up to the next level! It’s been on my “wish list” for some time now. 🙂 Please pick me!!
Jennifer Thompson says
I would love to win one of these, thanks for the opportunity and your site!
Kristin PG says
Wow, my daughter would LOVE that hot air baloon shirt! Thanks for sharing!
Sandra Jackson Bozeman says
Very cute tee shirt!
Isabelle says
I’d love to win a Silhouette! It would be so useful for all the projects I have in my mind!
Laura Donohoo says
I would love to win a silhouette! I would make banners and onsies with this machine if I win!
Julia says
I looove hot air balloons! What a neat tee! I’d totally knock that off for my own daughter if I won the Silhouette! =)
Rebecca says
I would like to win this for my friend!
Manuela Fieckers says
would love to get a silhouette! greetings from Germany!
Kaitlyn Huber says
What a great giveaway! Thanks!
Jessamyn Hawkins says
Awesome giveaway! I have never commented, but have been reading your blog for a couple years now! Love your vintage sweet style.
jessamyn.hawkins(at)gmail(dot)com
Jennifer says
So cute. You make it look easy to do.
Baye says
When I asked my three-year old son what color his eyes were (many years ago, now), he quickly said, “brown and white.”
Beth Bolton says
Your shirt turned out super cute! And how nice to have a machine cut it out, I bet it saved a ton of time from hand cutting.
Jane m says
Love this! So cute and easy too! Would love this in my craft room.
Cheryl says
I would love to win and use my Silhouette for quilting!
Alexandra Williams says
I love that hot air balloon design! Very cute shirt!
Morgan - Modern Mommyhood says
I love the shirt you created! I would love to win so that I could create an applique for my quilts. 🙂
amanda says
As the only girl in a house of all boys (3 of them are under 8yrs), I try to add a little “pretty” wherever I can — the silhouette would definitely help — and it would make me smile.
Rej T says
My little one’s birthday is just around the corner. Silhouette would be an awesome tool to use for party stuff. 😉
nicole says
my daughter saw this shirt and decided my first sewing project in june will be this one for her! LOL
Margaret says
I would love to use this to cut quilt pieces for the quilt that I am planning to make this summer!
Nichole says
I would LOVE the chance to own a Silhouette Portrait!! What an excellent giveaway! Thanks!
Amy E. says
I LOVE the shirt! I grew up in Albuquerque, which is home to the largest international hot air balloon races in the world. You reminded me of home for just a moment! Thanks!
Aubrey says
Hoping to win this one!!!
crystal moyer says
thank you for the awesome giveaway!!!!!
Robin R says
Very pretty hot air balloon shirt!
I would love to make some wall art for my 9 yr old daughter’s room that we are about to update soon, and I have a little whipper snapper/cuddle bug of a 21 month old baby boy whom I would love to make a snazzy appliqued shirt for. Then this mama would like to get her decorating “Swagger” on by embellishing some pillows and maybe even framing our family name : )
Thank you for hosting this lovely giveaway! : )
Medbie says
Thanks so much for hosting this wonderful giveaway!
I love the shirt you designed. The colors are stunning together! 🙂
Sowmya Viswanathan says
The shirt is so adorable! I would love to win!!!
Agus says
Your shirt looks adorable!! thanks so much for the chance to win (:
Becky Greene says
Your attention to detail is amazing! I love that you used multiple layers in this project – it certainly paid off in the final impact your design has!
Linda Armenti says
Your picture of your work on a little girl makes me want to force my son to get married and give me grandchildren already so I can sew for them!
Margilyne Williamson says
I love your shirt that you did. Even if I don’t win, I’m glad I found your blog. Your pictures are so beautiful and inspire me to want to create something. Thanks for opportunity.
fancygrlnancy (Nancy Partin) says
Cute shirt.. i’d love to make something like that for my boys.
Julia Mooney says
My husband has seen me tweeting all about winning a silhouette and he tweeted back at me saying, “hint received”. Mission accomplished. Seriously though, would love to win one!
Carmen says
It’s almost strawberry season (hopefully you like them)
Amanda Pierce says
Love the shirt!!! Oh…I want this BAD!!
ivin says
Im going to win this like a champ
Suzanne says
I would love to make some cute onesies for the little bun baking in my oven. Ya know, he’s got to be cute from day one! 😉
Mandy says
Smile– being a mom makes me smile– what a blessing!!!
Emily says
Love the great shirt! Just lovely!
Krystal says
OOH I really NEED a silhouette now!!! This shirts is SOOOO stinking cute!!!
Renee says
I keep saying I need a fancy cutting machine! This would be awesome!!
Robyn says
I love that shirt! I have 4 boys though so no pink and polka dots over here lol. It would be adorable in navy and yellow on my little guys.
carol says
I love the hot air balloon shirt. You did a beautiful job!
Bernadette says
I broke down and bought one. Your post on the ease of applique won me over. I have many applique skirt ideas and this machine will more than pay for itself after i make them 🙂 Plus, I have a crafty son who is excited about the possible uses of this machine. Thanks for sharing the code 🙂
Diane Porter says
Wow, I’d love to have a Silhouette machine and applique the tons of tshirts in my/my family’s cupboards.
Shannon Connors says
Hi! I just revisited this site and read that Shannon C. was the winner. Did I win??!! Really!!?
Please email me to let me know – THANKS!
Shannon Connors
girlinspired says
Hi Shannon, Since this was over a year ago, I’m guessing, but I think it was likely a different Shannon C.; I would have sent an email directly to the winner and Silhouette would have fulfilled the prize. Prizes not claimed within 24 hours are forfeited. I do have a cool giveaway for a full set of Bridgestone tires going on right now!