Sunday, April 6, 2014

Birch shirt

It's Project Run and Play week 3, and I managed to sew along this week as well. The theme for this week is 'design your own fabric'. I love designing my own fabric, and have tried out different techniques (more about that in a later post). I had lots of ideas, but started with a simple project; another color-blocked pocket tee (see my previous -very different- versions here and here). Obviously, I'm not yet bored of those shirts.

For this shirt, I designed the fabric of a small, but significant part; the pocket.
I was inspired by the birch forest surrounding my office. Two shades of grey, a graphic pocket and some bright green details, to give it a fresh, spring-y look. Again, a very simple upcycle, using an store bought heather grey shirt for the top part.
The pocket was freezer paper stenciled in two steps. First, I simply painted stripes (about 1/2 inch wide) in different shades of light grey. 
When paint was dry, I ironed on the freezer paper stencils. These were just long strips with some notches cut out here and there. I painted over the stencils with dark grey.
And here is the result... Looks like birch trees, right?
 

18 comments:

  1. So very cool!
    I know I don't comment nearly enough, but I seriously love everything you make. I am always watching and learning from you. I still am awed by your triangle sweatshirt discharge sweaters (which were over a year ago) and your most recent leaf stencil painting.
    I love the birch trees. Those were the only trees my parents could get to grow on their property and so part of the front yard is full of them. The kids call it the forest. Lol.
    Keep being great. And thanks as always for the inspiration.
    With Love,
    Al @ Shaffer Sisters

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  2. oh saskia - that's another great one! and a birch forest next to your office? it's a done deal: i got to visit you some day!

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    1. Hi Annika. I'm afraid you would be a bit disappointed in the birch forest. It's just a small planted forest (nothing comparable to your German forests). Nevertheless, it provides a nice green work environment, and it reminds me of Scandinavia every day!

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  3. I love this! I am always looking for boy projects and I love the color block T's!

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  4. So creative! Love the simple method you used to get the birch look.

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  5. I love all your work--your style is very cool :) and I am loving these pocket tees! Need to make some for my boys!

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  6. That's so beautiful! I love your birch trees.

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  7. That's such a great shirt and interesting detail.

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  8. I've loved all your color block tee's, and didn't think I could like any one more than the one with puffins, but this one tops my list now!

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  9. your birch effect is amazing!! WOW, lovely on that color blocked shirt. fun theme!! Emily@nap-timecreations.com

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  10. yey for being featured on the KCW blog!!!

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  11. I absolutely love this!! Amazing job, I might copy this (and give you credit, naturally ;) )

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  12. Another fab print! I really want ot try this

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  13. What type of fabric paint do you use? This shirt is great!

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    1. Hi Betsy, I used regular (opaque) fabric paint. It's Talens Decorfin, bought at my local craft shop. But I figure any fabric paint would work.

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