Top-Toberfest: Man of Steele Graphic Tee Tutorial

It's day three, of our Top-toberfest celebration!  Today I've got an idea for a simple graphic tee.

Around here we are pretty much t-shirt and jeans type people.  90% of the time we are running errands, or doing things around the house, so getting dressed up doesn't happen too often.  Graphic tees are fun and practical.  My regular readers have heard me go on and on about how I'm not crazy about most licensed tees.  I don't think that a superhero t-shirt, or any t-shirt for that reason, needs to have multiple images superimposed on one another.  Simplicity is just fine with me.  I prefer graphic patterns. I could have a closet full of polka dots and be perfectly happy. My four year old on the other hand, has his own ideas.  To find a happy medium, we created a simple freezer paper stencil, to create a mom approved Man of Steele t-shirt.

To make the shirt I created my own small superhero emblem.  I wanted it to be small enough to sit inline with some diagonal running stripes.  I cut out the emblem, adhered it to the t-shirt, and then used two larger pieces of freezer paper to create a bold horizontal running stripe.  They sit just above and below the emblem.

I then cut 1/4" strips of freezer paper, and followed the diagonal lines of the emblem to create the diagonal lines. For more information of freezer paper stencils, see this tutorial.

Using some metallic fabric paint, I created a worn effect by lightly covering the open spaces.  My paint is a little old, and it actually worked perfectly for this project. 

Here's a look at the amount of paint coverage that I had.

I love the way it turned out, and so does Clark.  Big bonus, since he's pretty hard to please these days. I intentionally left the S blue.  I wanted the stripes to play just as big of a role in the shirt as the emblem, They do a pretty good job competing for your attention.

So when you create your next graphic tee, consider hiding an image in a repeating pattern.  

Love him!

Iron Man Arc Reactor Inspired T-shirt

If you've been reading for a while, then I'm sure that you know that Clark loves superheroes.  The other day I asked him who is favorite super was, and to my surprise he said Iron Man.  Iron Man does not wear a cape, instead he has a high tech suit that he engineered. In the center of his suit is the glowing arc reactor that keeps Tony Stark (aka Iron Man) alive.

Rather than make an Iron Man cape for Clark, I decided a t-shirt would be more appropriate. I prefer subtle nods to superheroes, and so the Iron Man Arc Reactor shirt was born.  I'm guessing that 95% of people that see this shirt on the street won't immediately know that it is intended to represent the arc reactor, but those that know Iron Man, might just pick it up.

One thing is for certain.  Clark knows that it is his Iron Man shirt, and he LOVES it.   I used a freezer paper stencil to create the arc reactor, and then (per my husbands suggestion) added the Stark Industries logo to the back of the t-shirt.  For the arc reactor, I started with a base layer of a light blue fabric paint, then added a second layer of white in the center of the stencil shapes.  It gives it a bit of a blue glow.

I'm really pleased with how the shirt turned out.  It's been done for about a week now, and Clark has worn it at least 3 times (washed between wear).

Does your little (or big) super need one?  You can find the ARC REACTOR TEMPLATE  here.

Minnie Mouse Template

My husband comes from a Disney loving family, and last week his sister threw a lovely little Minnie Mouse birthday party for her daughter.  I couldn't resist making her a simple little freezer paper stenciled onesie.  I'd planned on using a polka dotted ribbon, but the width I had just wasn't working for me.  So, I mustered all of the self control I had, and used some plain grosgrain ribbon that I had on hand.

A little bit of trim around the neckline added a little something extra to the simple top.

Want to make your own Minnie/Mickey mouse stencil?  Here's a Minnie/Mickey Mouse Template that you can transfer to some freezer paper for a quick little project.  I've added four different sizes of the template...just in case you want to throw a little Minnie Head on the bottom of your baby's onesie bottom.

You can find more information on freezer paper stenciling here.

White and Purple Sweet Pea

So, I have my new sewing machine part.  I'm thrilled to have my sewing machine back.  I missed it, but was glad that it's absence coincided with my kids illnesses.  I had a baby shower that I was supposed to be to on Saturday.  The boys were still sick so I couldn't attend, but I did whip up a little dress to go with the car seat canopy that was the cause of so much stress.

You'll be happy to know that the recipient loved the canopy.  You were all right.  People have different taste in fabric. She didn't mind the hearts or the heart rainbows one little bit.

Some of you suggested that I throw in something that was a little more me. I did.  I love this little purple and white sweet pea dress. I only did a single layer on this dress, but I love it still the same. You can read more about my stenciling technique here.

The little knit diaper cover was made out of the shirt sleeves of the turtleneck that I repurposed.  I used Dana's Perfect Diaper Cover pattern and tutorial, it was great.

Painted Pattern Fabric Border

I've been in love with all of the stamped and painted fabrics that I've seen around blog-land lately.  Isn't the idea of creating your own custom fabrics fun?

I recently picked up four turtlenecks at Wal-mart for a dollar a piece.  There was a woman there stocking the shelves, she told me "This is a great deal if you're into turtlenecks".  Well, I'm not really into turtlenecks, but I am into inexpensive fabric. I've been wanting to make some more Sweet Pea Dresses, and I thought that these would be perfect. They did need a little dressing up though.

I didn't have all of the supplies on hand to create my own fabric stamps, but I did have some freezer paper handy.  I decided that I could create a fun little  print for the fabric border using my freezer paper and fabric paint.

To start with, I cut a piece of freezer paper that was as long as my t-shirt was wide.  I needed to create two stencils, so I folded the freezer paper in half width wise (shiny sides together). Next I folded the paper in half two more times length wise, dividing my paper into eight sections. Folding the paper would allow me to create a repeating pattern; and eliminate a lot of cutting, as I could cut multiple sections (layers) at once.

Lil' Boy's Christmas Shirt: Mistletoe League

Pucker up Ladies! It's Kiss-mas time.  

Clark decided that he really needed a Christmas shirt this year, so I whipped up this little number.  I LOVE it (hopefully you do to).

The material for the shirt came from two t-shirts that I picked up at Wal-mart on clearance a few months back. I only paid one dollar a piece-that's cheaper than our local thrift stores charge for t-shirts.

I used the existing hems for both the sleeves and the bottom hem, doing so saves so much time.

I then created a simple little pattern for the text of the shirt.  I used a freezer paper stencil, a sponge stencil brush, and fabric paint to create the wording.

I also added a little number detail for the shirt as well.  Each number has a layer of red felt topped with some matching knit fabric.  I then stitched them to the shirt with a triple stretch stitch and some contrasting thread.

He doesn't really love the shirt.  He think that it needs some Christmas lights on it. I'll probably give in and add one to the back of the shirt, hopefully that will be enough for him.

Christmas is less than a week away.  I still have 3 Christmas project to finish up, and I'm hoping to make a new dress or skirt for myself before Sunday as well.  We'll see what I can accomplish.

Top-Toberfest: A Shirt for Thunder by guest contributor Janine

 A Shirt For Thunder

Today I'm thrilled to have a guest contributor for Top-toberfest: Janine.  Janine is a work at home mom that loves to craft.  I'm so appreciative that she was willing to share her talents, and these great boys tops with us today.  She uses a variety of techniques, including: freezer paper stenciling, hand stitching, bleach, hand painting, and bubble wrap, to create some custom tops for her son Thunder.

My son’s name is Thunder Jason and I thought it would be neat to have fun with it and make him an original shirt. I find that boy’s clothing seems to be all the same and if you find something with words, pictures, etc it’s usually too over-the-top for me. I’m not a huge fan of  all the cartoony pictures and cheesy sayings.

I bought a plain, grey shirt from WalMart. First I washed it in case of shrinkage, then I sprayed some bleach on it. I would have used a bleach pen and done a more ’tatoo’ looking design, but I couldn’t find bleach pens anywhere in my town. After washing the bleach out and drying it I made a freezer paper stencil like this. I followed Cheri’s instructions and used red Tulip fabric paint as recommended by her, painting in the stencil with a small paintbrush. I made a large "T" lightning bolt and the small letters spell 'Thunder J.' When the paint dried I painted some bubble wrap and stamped it randomly on the shirt.

 And finally I did some embroidery. I made some tiny lightning bolts, ‘x’s on the wrist, collar, and bottom hemlines and embroidered “Made By Mama” on the shoulder.

   I’m SO happy with how it turned out! I‘ve also included pictures of 2 other shirts I made.

 The red shirt says, “You’ve been…Thunderstruck” and was made using the same freezer paper stencilling and bubble wrap technique.

   The blue one says, “THUNDERIFIC SO TERRIFIC!” and was made by hand painting with fabric paint and a paint brush. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do! Be careful, freezer paper stencilling is very addictive :)

Thanks so much Janine.  The tops turned out great, and I'm sure that your son loves them. I especially love the hand stitched details that you added, they really add something special.


  Want to share your custom tees or tops with us?  Link up all of your shirt related projects in our Top-toberfest link party. I'll be featuring some of my favorites from the party come November.

Sweetie Pi Baby Onesie and Piped Skirt

One of my favorite sections of Etsy to browse is the section labeled "Geekery".  It's not that I am necessarily drawn to anything from the section, but I love to see what others add.

I recently attended a baby shower for my cousin's wife and baby.  My cousin just graduated from college with a degree in mathematics.  I thought that it would be a bit fun to make a onesie that was just for dad. Who knows if Mama will actually let the little girl sport the onesie, but I had fun coming up with the onesie, and finding my own little spot in the world of Geekery.

The ones itself is freezer paper stenciled.  If you happen to have a math geek in your family, and want to make a similar onesie, just email me, and I'll send you the file. Obviously the reference to mathematics comes from the Pi symbol.  I had originally planned on stenciling on "Daddy's Sweetie Pi", but I thought I'd make it as simple as possible.

I wanted to make a skirt to go along with the onesie.  I came up with this little number.  It has actual pockets with piping around the edges, and several buttons set inside.  I used the same white pom pom trim that I used on this shirred sundress.

One of the things that I really like about the skirt is the fact that the front is flat, and the elastic gathers the skirt between the pockets.

I can't wait to try out this skirt again.  I still have some gray corduroy left, so I may do a gray and yellow version a bit later.  Anyone interested in a tutorial? 

Thanks for reading.  I'll be sharing a few other simple baby shower gifts a little later.

Happy sewing!

The Amazing Spiderman Shirt

Thsssss....You've been webbed, by The Amazing Spiderman...okay just by Clark, but webbed just the same.

Before our trip, I set out to make Clark a short sleeved shirt for the warmer weather.  Sadly, I didn't get the shirt finished before our trip, but it's all finished now.

                            

I mentioned earlier that I prefer subtle references to licensed characters when it comes to clothing.  I'll give in when it comes to pajamas, but if my child is going to be wearing clothing in public, I'd prefer that he not be a walking advertisement. So rather than coming out and slapping "Spiderman" on his shirt in red and blue, we referenced a lesser used name for him, added a small version of an older logo, and tried to mimic the type face and design of the lettering after some of the more vintage titles. Clark and I are both pretty pleased with the results.

I used a freezer paper stencil to transfer the images to the shirt.

I used a brick red knit for an accent color, but stuck to gray, black, and charcoal for the shirt. 

The pattern was made using an existing article of clothing as a guide.  It was my first five pattern piece t-shirt that I've made, and I quite like it.  Both the front and the back of the t-shirt have two separate pieces.

The sleeves and the bottom of the shirt are hemmed with a blind hem stitch.  I am still trying to figure out the best way to get the blind hem to lay completely flat when it is pressed out.  I'm guessing that I probably need to play with the tension on my server.  Any recommendations?

Clark really likes the blind hem detail, he thinks that they look like railroad tracks.

This poor boy has been sick with a stomach bug for a week straight.  He's a trooper and rarely complains, but I am ready to get out of the house.  Hopefully he'll be feeling better soon, I don't know how much more either one of us can handle.  I'm just relieved that I'm through the worst of my morning sickness-it would have been awful if this bug struck three weeks ago.

Thanks for reading.

Top-Toberfest Day Five: 'Bot Top

Today I'm sharing this raglan sleeve robot shirt that I made for Clark.  He loves this shirt and lovingly refers to it as his "bot".  I'm sure that it is a lot of fun to dress up little girls in ruffles and lace, but there is something about robots and dinosaurs that warms my heart. I love my little man, and am so pleased that he loves this top.

I had found a free downloadable image of a robot.  I was pretty excited and I showed it to my husband.  I was sure that he'd be pleased that I was going to make a robot related shirt for his boy, but to my surprise, he seemed less than enthused.  As it turns out he was not impressed with the image itself.  He said to me "You can do way better than that", so I set to work and sketched out this quick little robot.  I think that he's pretty cute.

I also made this little BEEP word block.  I placed it on the back of the top, and love the way it turned out.  I transferred the image to the shirt using a freezer paper stencil.  The gray paint is a mix of a white and Night Sky Pearl soft body textile paint from Tulip.  The gray paint had the slightest bit of glitter in the mix, but I think that a bit of sparkle is fitting for a robot.


I added some embroidery floss stitching around the heart, head, and the word block.  I think that it adds a bit of dimension to the top and ties in the colors of the shirt itself.

Because I ended up liking this robot so much I thought that I'd share it with you.  You can access the printable version here.  It is available for personal use only.  I hope that you enjoy it.  I have two little nephews on the way and am planning on making some little robot onesies to welcome them to the world. You could use this image for an applique or a stencil, whatever you need it for.

Thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to read.  I enjoy your comments and feedback so much.

I'm partying here today.  Don't forget to link up your top related projects to the Top-toberfest show and tell.