Want another fun, easy way to dress up a basic tee? Look no further than this week's tutorial! Use your favorite city's skyline, plus some dye, to make an ordinary tee spectacular!
You'll need a black fabric marker, some dye, an old paintbrush, and fabric (or a pre-made tee).
I'm starting from scratch with this project, mostly because it's easier to embellish a flat piece of fabric than a finished garment. (It's also a lot easier to start over if you make a mistake.) And, I really wanted an excuse to make up the Liberty Jane baseball tee...
First, I cut out the front of my tee. Then, I used chalk to mark off the bottom of my skyline, making sure to leave some room for the hem later on. I marked the approximate top of the skyline with a pin.
I found a picture of the Seattle skyline on the internet, and started drawing it on the tee. It's a good idea to practice first on a piece of scrap fabric!
If you don't feel like freehanding, you can also lay your fabric over your inspiration skyline, and trace. Tape both the image, and the tee front, to a window, to give yourself a little helpful backlight.
When you are happy with your skyline, protect your tee front with a press cloth, and iron it to heat-set the ink. (Your fabric pen probably came with directions about how to do this, but 30 seconds at a med-high heat is usually a good bet.)
Next: the ombre wash!
I got my tee front thoroughly wet, then daubed on very concentrated dye with my paintbrush, and let it sit for a while. It looks really dark and intense in this photo, but a lot of it rinsed out, giving a very delicate look instead. How dark a color you get, depends on the fabric you use, how concentrated your dye is, and how long you let it sit.
In any case, be sure to give it a gentle wash in detergent, to get out any remaining dye molecules, before drying and heat-setting it again.
Finally, all that's left is to sew your beautiful new shirt front to the other pieces of the tee.
Thanks for following along, and have fun with this!
For Pixie Faire, Melinda
100 Comments
Dorisanne
June 16, 2017
My favorite city is Pittsburgh and the Oakland area is my favorite city scape.
Beverly
August 21, 2015
My favorite city is San Diego; sunshine, ocean, palm trees….
Gracelin
January 04, 2015
Kewl you should come up with that. Exelclent!
Indy
January 03, 2015
I guess finding useful, reliable inotfmarion on the internet isn’t hopeless after all.
Nana Mary
December 04, 2014
My granddaughter loved Disney World so I might try the outline of the Disney Castle.
Lorraine
October 25, 2014
Philadelphia, Pa the birth place of our nation, if you are heading north on I95 from the airport twoards center city in the fall just before sun set. The city sky line is beautiful. I live here and,this is one of the things that I love to see.
Paris,Fr. The Ifle tower at night when they turn the glittery lights was beautiful too.
Sharon in Spain
October 10, 2014
I know the giveaway is finished, but I still have to say that London is my favourite of all skylines! It has to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with such a fantastic history and such wonderful buildings…..in my opinion, there aren’t many that can beat it!
Carlena
October 07, 2014
Even though I now live in Kansas City area my favorite skyline is Houston.
Jeannie
October 06, 2014
My favorite city is Chicago because I love all the tall buildings, the White Sox, and places like Millenium Park and the Shedd Aquarium!
Lesley from NE
October 05, 2014
My favorite city really isn’t a city, but I would have to say Colonial Williamsburg. I visited there several times as a teenager, and just loved it. It is really beautiful and just so interesting.
Sho
October 04, 2014
One of my favorite cities that I have lived In or visited would have to be Mitchell, Indiana; not only because my one and only dearest aunt lives there, but because of the memories & the rich culture. There is a wonderful National Park where you can walk daily and enjoy nature, with a beautiful Mill that was turned into a restaurant and one of our Astronauts – Gus Grisham is from Mitchell – there is a small museum there honoring him. They have an annual Persimmon Festival and believe it or not, they still come out to your car to pump your gas and clean your windshield for you. Yes, Mitchell would be my choice of favorite city _.
Marilyn
October 04, 2014
My favorite city is Seattle because my two lil’ grand babies live there.
Meghan
October 04, 2014
My favorite city is Williamburg, VA! It’s very clean and nicely kept, not to mention the historical town there! So fun!
Aaliyah
October 04, 2014
Another one of my favorite cites is Boston. I’ve been there before and its very beautiful! One reason is for the american girl place, colleges, and tons of the places it has.
Aaliyah
October 04, 2014
My favorite city is Washington D.C, because it has a lot of historic sites, and lots of places to go to, to learn about history.
Judith
October 04, 2014
My favorite city is Colorado Springs, CO. So many fun things to do. What a fabulous project for a unique looking shirt!
Marilyn
October 04, 2014
Tokyo- lived there 3 yeas and just loved the city, the people and the experience! New and old side by side and not many cities have a castle complete with moat within its borders.
Marion Callahan
October 03, 2014
My favorite city is good old Boston. It’s fairly easy to navigate and is filled with history galore. The ice sculptures in midwinter give way to the duck boats in summer. And right on the ocean! Hop the express boat right from the city across to Provincetown. Wow is that a fast boat. Just always happening and the city is clean. And of course, 1//2 hour away is Natick where I was born and there is the American Girl store that I average about 2 hours in each time I go. Love taking my two granddaughters there. It was for the hair salon this last trip up from Florida. They did such a wonderful job!
Maxi Mueller
October 03, 2014
Need to take her to the space needle for dinner.
Tasha
October 03, 2014
My favorite city is Franklin, NC because it has special memories for my husband and I and it is a fun little place to visit.
Helen
October 03, 2014
Seattle! The shirt is perfect!
Ellen Barth
October 03, 2014
Detroit!
mj munden
October 03, 2014
city,? Chicago for the skyline Kalamazoo,MI for the family. Jackson,MI because I make it home.
Barbara
October 03, 2014
My favorite city is Lexington, Ky. Not only do most of my children and their families live there. If you love horses this is the place to be.
Stephanie
October 03, 2014
This shirt is pretty awesome! My favorite city would have to be Toronto! My husband took me out of the country for the first time a couple of years ago! It was a pretty great 11 yr anniversary trip! We only stayed for a couple of days, but I could have stayed way longer! We went to the Hockey Hall of Fame while we were there. I could have spent a couple days looking around at all the great history! Toronto doesn’t just have one skyline, but multiple! I can hardly wait to go back now that I live a lot closer than before! By the way, I love the Freebie Fridays! Thanks a ton!
LH
October 03, 2014
My favorite city is New York City… just so much to do!
Bethsews
October 03, 2014
My favorite city-love Venice, Italy! The canals, the duomo and all the history there.
Bella
October 03, 2014
My favorite city is New York City because of its diversity and shopping! Other than the amazing attractions and people in New York there is also an abundance of shopping. My favorite, the American Girl Store! After going there I can rush to my sewing machine and sew new beutiful doll clothes using the affordable pixie faire patterns!
DEBRA
October 03, 2014
My favorite city is St. Louis because it is in the middle, and you can go in any direction to get any were you want. Plus I can’t wait to do the archway on the baseball tee.
Sue
October 03, 2014
My favorite city is London, England. So full of history!!
Claudia
October 03, 2014
Chicago is my kind of town!! Beautiful skyline day or night!
Ann W
October 03, 2014
My favorite city is Boston because it’s my hometown. It’s where I grew up and had a wonderful childhood. Rich in history, great for citizens and visitors alike.
Ruth
October 03, 2014
Right now, my favorite city is Branson, MO. Moved here and love the four seasons, the friendly people and hills and hollers!
Elizabeth
October 03, 2014
My favorite city is St. Augustine, Florida, because whether you want to explore the 500 year-old city, or swim in the sea, there’s something for everyone! I love the onbre look, by the way.
Karen
October 03, 2014
My favorite city is Hutchinson, Kansas because it is my home town and. It is a small city pretty much in the middle of the USA with great friends and family!
Donna
October 03, 2014
My favorite city is Chicago because it has the best skyline.
Lori Morton
October 03, 2014
My favorite City has to be Greensboro, NC…because my Daughter lives close in lil’ ton…and when we visit her…we get to visit her fave beaches & see the Ocean! Looove it!
Shirley
October 03, 2014
Favorite City-Moab, UT. not far from Arches Nat’t Park. fantastic scenery and lots of good times with my kids.
Tricia
October 03, 2014
My favorite city is Tokyo, because it never sleeps, there is always something culturally exciting to see, and it is clean and safe.
Heidi
October 03, 2014
My favorite city is Devils Lake, North Dakota because that is where my granddaughter lives!
EG
October 03, 2014
My favorite city is LA because of their fashion district, and all the cool fabrics, notions, and embellishments that can be realized for a god price from all the import export merchants. It was really cool to hop the Blue-line for $2.35, in Long Beach, be dropped right in front of LA Trade and Staples Centers, and shop ’til I almost dropped without fighting freeway gridlock traffic.
Jessie
October 03, 2014
My favorite city is Santa Cruz because ocean is my favorite place to be, and the Boardwalk is so fun! :D
Janice
October 03, 2014
My favorite city is Jacksonville, Fl because of the great weather and beaches.
Carol Derby
October 03, 2014
My favorite city in Duluth, Minnesota. It is the most relaxing city with the beautiful lake, quiet little shops, wonderful food and beautiful Fall leaves.
Maria
October 03, 2014
Philadelphia is my favorite, like the history and cultural opportunities. AND while I have lived lots of places, I’ve lived here the longest.
MarjoryW
October 03, 2014
My favorite city is Providence, RI because I grew up in RI and now they have done such wonderful things to update the city.
MarjoryW
October 03, 2014
What a clever idea!
Diane
October 03, 2014
My favorite city is Cody, WY because it is a beautiful little town, has a rodeo and is close to Yellowstone National Park.
Aimee
October 03, 2014
My favorite city is Prescott, Arizona because it is has all the small town charm and family friendly options along with a lot of big city amenities plus it’s just a cool place to hang out.
Sherree
October 03, 2014
My favorite city is Berlin because my daughter was born there :)
Kirren
October 03, 2014
My favorite city is Denver, because it isn’t too far away, the Rockies play there, and there is also an AG store and an awesome zoo. :D
Peggy
October 03, 2014
My favorite city is St. Louis, MO. The skyline with the Gateway Arch symbolizing the starting point for the Western Movement is beautiful. It looks great in all colors, but I can see a sunset color used with it to symbolize the westward moving wagons!
Carole Schneider
October 03, 2014
My favorite city to visit is Charleston, SC. Not only is it a beautiful city on the water but there is so much southern history there. We love Seattle too and think the skyline you did on the shirt is great. Both my husband and I grew up near there, our first child was born there before we moved to the South. Wasn’t our choice at the time but we love it here now.
Nancy
October 03, 2014
Really cool idea and Charleston SC has a skyline that will look great. What color to use could be a hard decision as we have a lot of collages here. Since I am pulling for the Grandson to go to the Citadel I guess I will use blue… Go Bull Dogs.
Gail
October 03, 2014
My favorite city is St. Louis, Mo. Our youngest daughter lives there and they have so many things you can do with your children and grandchildren.
Tamara G.
October 03, 2014
My favorite “city” just might be the town of Cannon Beach on the Oregon Coast. It’s my happy place! A bit of everything — beach, sky and water, cute shops, good food, and art galleries. I particularly love stepping outside in the morning and heading off to the nearest coffee shop. Sipping a latte while the fog burns off is a treat!
Margaret Haffner
October 03, 2014
Vancouver, BC, for many of the same reasons you all love Seattle! Ocean, mountains, proximity to nature and recreation, shopping, and family.
kerri
October 03, 2014
Love London. This is a great tip and I will for sure be using it to create skylines and other things.
Irene
October 03, 2014
San Francisco! Born, raised and still living here. Changed skyline over the last 50+ years but, still home! Looking forward to trying this with our skyline. Many visitors have " Left my heart in San Francisco" .
Jody
October 03, 2014
Being from MN, I’d have say, my favorite city is Minneapolis. It’s so pretty sitting on the river and so many lakes in and around the city. Such a beautiful city!
Jane W
October 03, 2014
My favorite city is also Seattle. After traveling the world, we chose to live here because of the great climate, all of the fantastic cultural activities, mountains, and ocean. It has it all for me!
Marian Covell
October 03, 2014
My favourite city is Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. It is full of character, great seafood, a deep year round harbor. We have lots of nightlife, sailboats, navy ships, commercial and cruise ships. Students come from all over the world to attend the universities and a gateway for tourists to see the Maritime Provinces. The best is being able to walk our downtown boardwalk day or night and not fear being robbed or attacked. One of the safest cities to live. I love my city!!
Sue
October 03, 2014
My favorite city is Colorado Springs, CO. I was born and spent the first 21 years of my life there. With Pikes Peak in my backyard and the Garden of The Gods just a horseback ride away life doesn’t get any better. I will make this tee using the beautiful Pikes Peak, the inspiration for the phrase Purple Mountains Majesty, as my skyline.
Bea
October 03, 2014
My favorite city is Chicago – love the activity & restaurants!!!
Mickey
October 03, 2014
My favorite city is Pittsburgh. It’s fun to go to all the different places and such a great sports town.
dorrie
October 03, 2014
Centennial, CO is the best city for me. It’s quiet, safe & beautiful, near the foothills of the Colorado Rockies, just a few minutes from all the excitement of Denver, and has a wild variety of weather. I also like Seattle, where my daughter now lives, with its lovely botanical interest.
Alice Carskaddon
October 03, 2014
Chelan WA – Beautiful clear lake perfect place to spend the week or the whole summer. A wonderful place to get away from everything.
Patricia Clark
October 03, 2014
My favorite city is Laguna Woods because of the wonderful people; it’s in a beautiful part of Orange County in SoCal; nature abounds with horse trail just outside my front gate, squirrels, rabbits running free; and, a short walk to a beautiful creek with mallard ducks & egrets.
Karon
October 03, 2014
I love the area around Seattle. It’s one of my favorite vacation spots. It would be great to win the T. I would give it to my grand daughter who recently moved to Raleigh,NC. I miss her so much.
Brenda
October 03, 2014
My favorite city sky line is Houston. But I would love to win this t-shirt. Don’t think I could do a decent job of drawing its skyline. Plan to use this pattern to make the T with lace sleeves and solid body.
Raina DelRio
October 03, 2014
My favorite city is Pensacola FL. We have mild weather in the winter and gorgeous beaches for the summer. A plus is that all my family is here too!
Winter Boomershine
October 03, 2014
My favorite city is Seattle! Our son lives there and we miss him terribly. It’s also a lovely city for a vacation.
Julia
October 03, 2014
My favorite city is Asheville, North Carolina because it is a city worthy of favor.
In the present, it is known as “The Paris of the South”, embracing culture, diversity and still keeping the integrity of it’s history.
Misty mornings give way to bright Carolina Blue skies. The Appalachian Trail and Smokey Park highway lead through the peaks and valleys that look much as they did when the first people settled among them.
Biltmore Park and Grove Park Inn marking the changes brought in at the turn of the century
People born and bred as mountaineers mingle with people of all cultures and diversity.
Artist and authors past and present inspired by it’s beauty and mystery thrive and share.
All this and so much more makes it a city worthy of favor
Marcia
October 03, 2014
It has to be San Diego, CA for me. Although I don’t live there anymore, it is where I was born and raised. The skyline there is incredible and very picturesque. And I have to agree with Chris that the SD skyline with yellow and blue hues for the Chargers would make an awesome shirt.
Barbara
October 03, 2014
My favorite city is Salt Lake City- it’s beautiful at night from the Avenues or going to Park City. Love your creativity. Thanks for sharing!
Nina
October 03, 2014
My favorite city is Paris. It’s just so darn beautiful. Love the architecture.
Tammi
October 03, 2014
My favorite City is SF. There is so much to do and the people are great!
Jen_A
October 03, 2014
My favorite city is Anchorage because you are surrounded by beautiful mountains in nearly every direction.
Tammi
October 03, 2014
I love the Liberty Jane clothes and so does my grand daughter. They are so much fun!
Dori B.
October 03, 2014
My favorite city is Boulder City, NV—I have a wonder friend that lives there and the town has many nice shops—and we can view Lake Mead right from their upper deck—very beautiful.
Taffy
October 03, 2014
Very useful tip. Simple yet elegant…
carol
October 03, 2014
My favorite city is Chicago. The buildings are so beautiful, great sport teams, and people are so friendly.
Lisa
October 03, 2014
My favorite city is Saint Paul because it’s where I can get all my crafting done!
Lezlie
October 03, 2014
Tho I live here in the Twin Cities (Mpls/St.Paul) with all it’s rivers and trees which is beautiful and clean, my favorite city is Jerusalem. I spent 6 yrs in Israel and Jerusalem has a rich history and exciting places to shop in the Old City. Lots of small vendors and tons of great aromas thru out. I love the bartering and interactions with each purchase, or just roaming to take in the character of diversity.
Merida
October 03, 2014
Columbus is my favorite city because of the shopping!
Linda
October 03, 2014
There are many great cities in our world but New York tops the list for me. Nothing can beat the famous skyline. What a beautiful sight to see when sailing the harbor! It makes me so proud to be an American. God bless the USA!
Laura B.
October 03, 2014
My favorite city is Los Angeles, there are just so many things to do.
Susan
October 03, 2014
My favorite city is BOSTON because that’s where it all began…
CM
October 03, 2014
My favorite city is London, England because of its history, diversity and so much to do. As Samuel Johnson said: “… when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.”
JR FrugalMom
October 03, 2014
I love the effect on this shirt.
My favorite city is St. Augustine, Florida, because this is where I spent my high school days, I have so many great memories from there, and the city’s architecture is stunning. Oh, how I miss it…..
Kate
October 03, 2014
My favorite city is… Seattle, I know it sounds cliché, giving that the giveaway is about Seattle, but I have such positive memories surrounding all our little excursions there, a great place to walk around and take pictures, shop at the market and hang out!
janet
October 03, 2014
My favorite city is Auckland, New Zealand. What a beautiful area and wonderful climate!
Marilyn
October 03, 2014
I love Toronto. It is clean, very safe, very beautiful. Toronto is built with greenbelts circling most neighbourhoods, and with ample bike trails. Public bike rentals are readily available. It is a multicultural city with Greek Town (the Danforth), Korean Town (southern Bathurst Street), Kensington Market (Ashkenazi), China Town (Spadina), the Beaches (Bloor East), Textile Distroct (Queen and Spadina), Contemporary Jewish (Bathurst north of St. C.lair), lots of Arts and Crafts opportunities and great museums. (ROM, AGO, and the TEXTILE MUSEUM) make mean one doesn’t need a car. I love Toronto, where there is a surprise at every corner. In addition, there are lovely residential areas.
Lori
October 03, 2014
Love this shirt. My favorite city is San Francisco! Beautiful weather and GREAT shopping. : )
Joy Candrian
October 03, 2014
My favorite city is Cannon Beach, Oregon because I love exploring Hay Stack Rock & I adore the beach even in the fog, rain and especially on a clear day!
Joan
October 03, 2014
My favorite city is Seattle. Just like your shirt. I love it because it is situated close to lots much natural beauty. In one day you can go to the mountains and then spend time hanging out on the beaches of Puget Sound. Pike Place Market is always a great way to spends the day and ride the new Wheel. Then take the monorail to Seattle Center and go up to the top of the Space Needle and watch the sunset. So many great things to do and explore.
Bonnie
October 03, 2014
My favorite city is Orlando because it’s got theme parks and people from all over the world. This lets me to meet and make new friends. AND it’s going to have an American Girl store opening before the end of the year. I can’t wait.
Lisa
October 03, 2014
My favourite city is Toronto because of the people, things you can do and it is relatively safe.
Nancy
October 03, 2014
My favorite city is Chicago because it is the first trip I took my granddaughter Isabella on. It was the first time she rode in an airplane and we had a great time! We made so many memories I will treasure for a lifetime and I hope she will too! We rode bikes along Lake Michigan and went on the sailboat Windy- also went to American Girl for their awesome dinner and shopping. Loved it!!!!
Liz
October 03, 2014
My favorite city is Kansas City Mo because I grew up close by there and my mother and brother still live there. I go back every chance I get and would love to be able to go the the American Girl store there.
Dorisanne
June 16, 2017
My favorite city is Pittsburgh and the Oakland area is my favorite city scape.