Cathie Filian wrote a whole book (101 Snappy Fashions) on upcycling baby Onesies/snapsuits- but this version wasn’t in the book. (go figure!) So today I’m sharing MY version of Tie-Dye Onesies/Snapsuits. Except that it’s not really tie-dye, it’s much neater and easier– it’s Simply Spray! (Review coming soon!)

This first version is all about ‘tude…. attitude, that is!  The little dude who will wear this one has a daddy who is a rocker…so of course, that was the theme I chose.

I am lucky enough to have  Slice Machine by Making Memories, and it’s my tool of choice to cut stencils. Because I am lazy. BUT! If you don’t have one of these awesome machines, never fear! You can trace and cut a shape by hand, or trace a cookie cutter (another lazy-gal’s fave) or try my friend Vicki O’Dell’s trick and use vinyl stickers to create your image.

The secret to my “Onesies with ‘Tude” is freezer paper. Yup, the stuff from the grocery store. It cuts really well, and the “waxy” side allows you to iron your stencil/mask right the fabric!

If you are using the Slice, make sure you place your freezer paper waxy side “up”- the waxy side doesn’t stick so well to your sticky glass mat. Now, it may not matter if your images faces left or right, but it DOES matter with letters- so remember to reverse them if you are making a monogram:

Make sure to use the "mirror" option for monograms

By the way, I used “Just Chillin’ Teen” card to make the rockin’ onsies pictured above. For more info on ideas to cut your own freezer-paper stencils, read my post HERE. It also gives you another version of snapsuits to make!

So, just a quick note about terminology here. If we are using the actual image to keep an area from taking the dye/paint, we are making a “mask.” If we are using the negative space around the image, then it’s called a stencil. Just thought you’d like to know!

Once you’ve cut your mask, just iron it on to the snapsuit (waxy side down, of course!) using the cotton setting on your iron- no steam. It only takes a minute or two. Place your snapsuit on newspapers or paper towels to get it ready to dye!

I like to lightly mist the onesie with water before dying to get a more “tie-dye” effect. You can also mist with water after your dies are applied, but be careful- too much water and the dye will seep under your mask. Which kind of defeats the purpose!

Next, start spraying with your Simply Spray. You can make bull’s eyes, rainbows, or just a cool mottled effect. Since I’m impatient, I flip my snappies over and spray the back side right away. I don’t mind if the colors bleed through a bit. I forgot to take a pic of my onensies in progress, but here’s some camis made the same way, out in the sun to dry:

Love the saturated colors!

Let your onesie dry, and then I like to press with a hot, dry iron to set the inks. Because these are intended for babies, I then wash them with baby-specific detergent, like Dreft & dry them in the dryer. Simply Spray is great because there is very little fading or bleeding in the wash!

So there you go- SO cute! AND…this is a great technique for recycling onesies, too. I had a lovely fresh batch of them, all crisp and white for my son….but then when my daughter came along, they were a little dingy and stained. A little Simply Spray later, POOF! Good as new. Better than new, in fact!

OK, kids! That’s what I’ve got for today…

So…..I love Shiva Paintstiks! I’ve had my set for years now, and I pull them out again and again when working with fabric. They are SO easy to apply, are low on the mess-ometer, and they feel smooth and soft on the fabric, almost like there was nothing there at all. (Unlike traditional acrylic paints for fabric, which sit on TOP of the fabric, the paintstiks sink in like a dye.) And even though they are oil-based, they are so heavily pigmented that they don’t leave an oily ring! Hooray!

OK, enough about my love affair with Shiva. Let’s make some super-cute personalized baby onesies! (Or t-shirts, or receiving blankets, for that matter.)

For this project, I’m using my Slice Machine to cut stencils, but you can used ones that are commercially purchased or hand cut. If you want to make your own stencils, you can always free-hand draw or trace a shape using a cookie cutter, and then cut it out with an X-Acto blade. We’re using my old stand-by, Freezer Paper, for this project, so it’s super easy to use.

I cut my stencil using my Slice Machine- so here are a few pointers if using one:

• Make sure the waxy side of the freezer paper is down on the glass mat- the waxy side won’t stick well.
• Remember to use the “mirror” option for monograms, or if it’s important that your image faces a certain way. Since we’re cutting the stencil up-side down, it’s worth paying attention to.

After your stencil is cut, just iron it onto your snapsuit using the cotton setting and no steam.

Using "Animal Crackers" Design card for the Slice

Peel off the “skin” on the Paintstik- it’s rubbery and will peel off if you use a plastic knife. Then just rub the moist part of the Paintstik through your stencil. I like to start ON the freezer paper, then rub to the fabric to get a crisp line and to keep the image from distorting. Knits have a tendency to do that!

Keep a rag handy to wipe your fingers if they get smudgy!

Peel off the stencil when you're done.

Give your paint 24 hours to dry & set- you don’t need heat for oil paint, just time… and then if you want to add a second layer, you’re paints won’t blend. Unless you’re into that. Or if you’re adding a darker color on top, as I did, you can proceed right away. Just be careful of smudges!

Done!

So there you are! Cute, easy and fun! No heat-setting required, either- just let it dry 24-48 hours before you wash or wear it!

If you liked this post, I did a similar one last fall- Baby Onesies for the Cure. (Because babies love boobies!)

Have fun, and  check back in to see more baby gifties coming up!

Disclosure

(c) CraftTestDummies, 2010

Little known fact: my #1 search term that brings people to my blog is “Necktie Crafts.” Really. And I don’t know WHY I have such a fascination for old neckties…but well, I do. And here’s another craft to get you scouring your grandpa’s closet and thrift stores!

These coffee cuffs are  also a NO-SEW project- hurray! You can whip up a slew of these in a 1/2 hour or less…and all you need is neckties, Fabri-Tac, and a few embellishments.

First of all, I want to say that actually skinnier ties work better. Not those 80-s type skinny ties, but not the jumbo fat ones Uncle Tony used to wear, either.

You’ll start off by bringing home a t0-go cup from your favorite coffee shop and use that to loosely guide you as to where you’ll want to cut the tie. I just wrapped it around, and left about 2 inches to tuck into the back:

So I just cut off the excess with a pair of scissors, then laid it flat on the table. To get that tapered shape that most coffee cups have, you’ll want to line up the bottom edge of the tie-point with the top of the other side. Take a look:

It makes a little “mountain” on the top of the cuff, but I like that- it gives it interest and reminds you that YES, this is a tie. (By the way, we are not de-constructing the tie because it has that nice liner in it that gives it body and acts like insulation.)

So after you line up the edges just so, make sure that the raw (cut) end is tucked nicely into the folded portion on the back of the tie point, then peel back the edge and add a line of Fabri-Tac glue:

You also will want to add some glue to the inside of the tie, where that raw end is tucked in.

Now for the embellishing! This is all about YOU, now. I stamped one of my favorite quotes onto some bleached muslin, then glued it to the front. I added a few drops of dimensional fabric paint, too.

For the other one, I traced monogram, then used the dimensional fabric paint to create a “pearl-like” effect.
Other ideas:

• add a yo-yo
• photo transfer of your favorite kids or dog
• felt flowers
• use an old brooch or funky pin
• Iron-on appliques

Really, that’s where YOUR creativity comes in. I think these will make fun Father’s day gifts, and well as making a cool “Earth Day” statement. Have fun!

And if you liked THIS post about neckties, here are my others. Knock yourself out!

• Sewing Recycled Tie Bags/Purses
• Necktie Daisies
• Tie Bag Swaps Received
• Necktie Scarf

Disclosure

Head over to Craft Critique to read my review of the Glitz-Up (disclosure), and then follow this link to read my review of the Crystal Crafter (disclosure) to compare!

Glitz on!

Easy-sew Valentines Chair Covers

Fun Felt Chair covers: some felt yardage, two seams, and you’re DONE. You can glue on the hearts or use felt stickers to make it go even faster…

Heart "felt" needle books

These are little needle cases or mini sewing kits you can sent as a “heart-felt” thank you! Full post HERE.

Heart Shaped Yo-Yo Hair Clips

Sweet little hairclips you can make in a snap- what could be cuter? Full tutorial HERE.

Valentine's Day Juice Box Sleeves

Make your kid’s Valentine’s Day even a little sweeter by dressing up juice boxes for the class party. They can double as Valentine’s cards, as we did here, or you can just make up one or two to tell the children in your life how special they are. Read my full post HERE.

Cricut-cut vinyl stickers dress up plain vases

This is craft I made using the Cricut and some craft vinyl- when V-day is over, I just peel off the stickers and re-dress it for another holiday. Read how HERE.

Foil-covered candy treats await inside the tissue-paper roses

I know these tissue-wrapped candy Kisses(tm) are an oldie but a goodie, but really- they are a great craft to make with kids for teachers, class parties…all those special folks in their lives. Step-by-step directions HERE.

Hearts in Bloom wall decoration

I literally made this craft for CraftsUnleashed (where I serve as the managing editor & craft concierge) with left-overs from other projects. (You can also recycle those heart-shaped candy boxes & make these for next year!) See how HERE.

Sparkly Crystal Heart earrings

I love me some crystal, sparkly earrings…so I whipped these up in no time. You can, too! Read the instructions HERE.

As you can see, I’ve been a busy girl…now go get busy yourself making some great crafts!

]]> http://www.crafttestdummies.com/crafts-for-kids/valentines-day-craft-round-up/feed/ 0 http://www.crafttestdummies.com/fabric-arts/baby-onesies-for-the-cure/ http://www.crafttestdummies.com/fabric-arts/baby-onesies-for-the-cure/#comments Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:00:41 +0000 Jenny http://www.crafttestdummies.com/?p=538

It’s October and time for breast cancer awarenss month. This year I’m crafting for the cure by making baby onsies that sport a super-cute and blingy pink ribbon.

This is also a super-easy craft to do, with few simple items. I made mine using the Memory Makers’ “Slice” to cut out my template, but you could do that by hand. So here’s what I used and how I did it:

Materials:

Baby snap-suit (Onesies is TM’d by Gerber, BTW) or t-shirt
Shiva Paintstiks (pink iridescent here)
Hot fix crystals and/or setter
Freezer paper
“Think Pink” Cartridge and Slice machine OR
Template/coloring book/freehand drawing to size (wikipedia has one)

You will also need some scissors, a hot iron, some paper towels, or glitter fabric glue.

First, I cut a few pieces of cardboard to slip into the Onesie. It’ll keep the paint from bleeding through, as well as stabilizing the knit material.

Yay, Slice! I have the Breast Cancer Awareness edition!

Next, get your freezer-paper stencil ready. Since I’m using a machine, I selected the pink ribbon image. I then put the freezer paper SHINY SIDE UP on my sticky mat, so that it wouldn’t slide around.

(Since my ribbon is the same either way, it doesn’t matter. However, if I were doing an initial, I’d have to be careful about this and make sure that my image was going to print as a “mirrored” image…but I digress.)

Now, the funny thing here is that even though I just cut OUT the ribbon, I don’t WANT the ribbon. It’s going in the collage box. What I want is the negative space- the out line an that little teardrop-thingy. Don’t lose it!

If you are cutting out your stencil by hand, don’t fret it: just free-hand it in pencil, then use an exacto knife to carefully cut out the outline, and then use scissors to cut out the tear drop thingy. You can slice right through the ribbon, because we don’t need it, remember? Just the negative space left on the paper!

Next we’re going to take that freezer paper stencil and iron it (shiny side down) right to our little Onesie. That shiny stuff is actually wax, and it will adhere nicely to the cloth. Get it good and ironed down (usually a few seconds on the cotton setting, but you know your iron better than I do.) Then position the teardrop-thingy and iron it down, too. It’ll kinda look like this:

All ironed down, ready to go!

Since I use Paintstiks (under the brand names of Shiva or Markal), then next part is fun and easy- just scrap off the film on the oil stick and start coloring in! I recommend starting on the paper part, and then dragging the paintstik down into the cloth. It will want to distort because it’s a knit, but just be careful and firm in your strokes. Also, watch those fingers! I got some paint on my fingers on one I was doing, and didn’t realize I left little blue fingerprints all over that bad boy!

Now, if you AREN’T using Paintstiks, no worries.You can color in with fabric markers or fabric crayons just as easily. I don’t recommend fabric acrylic paints for this project, though, because it dries kinda stiff and crunchy, not so good for baby undergarments.

The nice thing about Paintstiks is that thy are oil-based and dry nice and soft and shimmery…but it will take a day or two for it to completely dry. And never fear, intrepid crafters- even though they ARE oil-based, they will not leave a yucky oil halo on your garments. PROMISE!

All colored in..

After this, you should let it dry for at least a day. (Of course, I didn’t.) Then you can attach hot-fix crystals or outline it with fabric marker, glitter glue, whatever makes your crafty heart happy.

SO, friends, there it is! Easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy, and it took LESS than a half hour. Now I’ll let it dry and it’ll be good to go! And I’m sure the baby momma will be pleased, too. Not just because it’s “stylish-with-a-message” which is so au currant in fashion; but because this lil’ number is washable. No dry cleaning here, folks!

One las parting shot- I did a layered version for new baby Benjamin (and Momma Lisa), and I did a great big gold star for that boy.

By the way, if you are looking for other “Pink Crafts” for the cure, check out these other posts from last year:

• Cross Stitch for Breast Cancer Awareness
• Pink Ribbon Quilting for Breast Cancer Awareness
• More Breast Cancer Awareness Crafts

Happy Crafting for a Cure!

Thread, Floss, and Yarns

Thread for sewing by http://www.made-in-china.com

I LOVE glow in the dard threads…all of my Halloween wall-hangings have quilted spiderwebs for quilting. You can also do rockin’ machine embroidery or monogramming with this cool thread, too. And it’s not just for Halloween anymore- with these sweet pastel colors, you can use it for baby quilts, books, appliques, etc.

Most major thread companies have glow in the dark thread, including Coats, Guterman/Sulky, Madeira, and YLI, so take your pick of your favorites! What a fun and inexpensive way to add a bit of magic to fairy wings, superhero masks, and personalized tote bags.

You hand-embroiderers, don’t despair! DMC has a GITD embroidery floss, as well as this cool kit from Sublime Stitching:

Photo Courtesy of Sublime Stitching

Paints and Decoupage

Oh, how we love GITD paints! I used the Stickles version on a black Halloween banner that I got at the closeout store. So for that little $1.25 tube of paint, I really tricked out my sign!

I could go on for DAYS about paints, but here are a few name brands that have glow paints- and a few notes:

• Decoart- Acrylic, sold in 2 oz. bottles, and can even be used with Styrofoam for your science projects!
• Palmer Prism- Acrylic, comes in mulit-color strips of 1/2 oz each, or 2 oz. bottles.
• Mod Podge- Our favorite glue/sealer comes in GITD. Glowy paper mache, anyone?
• Glo-Paints- Spray paints in numerous colors. Great for skateboards!!
• Tulip Fabric Paints- sold in neon/glow sets, for pimping our your threads & sneaks.

One last breath-taking thought: buy luminescent particles and make your own “glow”- I’m thinking about adding it to resins, maybe? At Glow Inc, they’ve got numerous colors, and let you know if the particulates are compatible with water-based media or solvent-based media. I think I’d feel like a mad scientist playing with these!

And let’s not forget the wiggly eyes..

From S&S WorldWide

Or pony beads…

From Oriental Trading Co.

Or Alphabet beads!!!

From S&S Worldwide

OK, enough is enough already. But feel free to leave a comment letting me know what your favorite GITD craft or product is, especially if I left it out! Happy Crafting, y’all!

You know I’m a fan of up/cycyling and recycling, so I was thrilled to see a product that allows you to silk screen directly onto fabric, shirts, tote bags, etc,  without one of those expensive machines.  Simply Screen Silk Screen by Plaid was doing live make-and-takes at the CHA (consumer) Supershow,  and just HAD to try me some of that!

Head on over to CraftCritique to read my review and see the demo video I shot of the Simply Screen. What would YOU do with it?

I received my quilt kit from Stitch Simple, so it’s time for part two of the review!

First, a bit about the unboxing. The kit came in a simple cardboard box, but as soon as I opened it, it was a kind of like opening a present. All of the quilt pieces are individually labeled and shrink-wrapped, laying in a little bed of crinkled-paper packaging.  Oooooh!

The kit consisted of all of the pre-cut quilt components (which were individually labeled and shrink-wrapped), the instruction book, a practice template, and the “master map” of my design. I realized that it was actually a screen-shot of the quilt I’d designed online.  Very handy.

You are given extra “practice” pieces and are instructed to sew them together according to a pattern. You are then asked to check it against the practice template. If your finished practice block is the same size as the template, you are ready to go! If it’s slightly bigger or smaller, you’re advised on correcting the size of your 1/4 inch seams. This is a simple, yet crucial step for new sewers– accuracy is key for a good outcome. I’m impressed that they thought of this step, and give it a big thumbs-up.

After you open your pattern pieces and lay them out according to which is “A”, “B”, and “C”, you are basically ready to sew. The step-by-step instructions are REALLY easy to follow. There is even a diagram on EACH PAGE to keep you on the right track. It’s only later- when you are joining blocks into larger and larger strip-sets  that it can get a little  confusing. (I ended up labeling my sets with Post-it notes to keep myself straight.) However, the instructions are clear, and you tend to be an organized sewer, you’ll have no problem.

I’m about three-fourths of the way through the quilt top, and have had to take a hiatus from sewing while we move. When I get it done, though, I’ll make sure to post some pictures.

I recently re-visited the Stitch Simple site, and was pleased to learn that they are now offering two different kits at a time. Their fabric selection continues to be impressive, and I am glad that there is more than one choice of kit at a time.

To read my “Part One” of this series (navigating the website and designing the quilt) click HERE.

(Photo from One Inch World)

First off, I LOVE Twitter. I’m getting crafy info from all over the place, and this tasty morsel was shared first by WhipUp…. and now I’m passing the goodness onto you.

These cute-and-clever fabric eggs are the brainchild of One Inch World which has some great felt-crafting ideas. To get the specifics, surf on over.

She supplies the pattern pieces, which you cut out of felt and whip-stitch together. There is one tricky bit adding the button, but it’s all simple hand-sewing. For you adventurous machine-sewers, she also includes a version for the machine and using stiff interfacing.

Any way you do it, this is a really cute idea…. and who wouldn’t love a little spring giftie tucked inside one of these cute eggs? Puts plastic to shame!! And since they are reusable, you can create a whole dozen family heirlooms.

Craftastic!