"So cute": the only thought in my brain

For a long time I've been thinking of stenciling some onesies for my friend who is pregnant (and due any day now). And, like making ice cream, it seemed like fun summer entertainment. I got a little discouraged by all the stuff I had to buy and the fact that the new Michaels did not have non-puffy fabric paint, and I contemplated not doing it at all. But I couldn't get the itch out of my system and finally bought everything I needed yesterday.

The basic procedure: cut a stencil out of freezer paper, iron it onto the prewashed fabric (shiny side down), paint (I did more than one coat), wait for it to dry (this is the most difficult step), peel off the stencil, and set the design by applying heat (if the paint says you should). I also ironed a square of paper onto the underside of the fabric before painting to provide stability and to ensure the paint wouldn't seep through to the other layer of fabric. Links to more-detailed instructions will be at the end of this post.

I've made two so far and they're just so cute!


(That's Oregon if you're not sure.) The puppy is from Anna Maria Horner. Any spots in the photo above are because the light was coming through a dirty window. And I need sunglasses just to look at that picture. Too bright! I messed up the Gerber baby's face on the puppy onesie with some careless ironing, and a few flecks of the logo are now staining the neck, but it's not too noticeable. And now I know not to iron there.

I'll be making more (I have three onesies left), but I think these two will be my favorites. I plan on washing them before giving them to my friend, and I'm nervous that they'll fade. Paint is Jacquard Textile.

For more on freezer paper stenciling:
neitherhipnorfunky.com
artfulparent.wordpress.com
unwindknitting.net
kneek.wordpress.com
grumperina.com
bittycakes.wordpress.com