A New Chapter:
My Illustrations Now on Textiles

There is something magical about seeing an illustration leave the paper and come to life on something you can touch, wear, and carry close. For years, many of you asked me:
“Sonja, can you put your animals on textiles too?”

And every time I smiled and said: One day… soon.
I just needed the right moment - and the right reason.

That moment came after the birth of my second baby.

Why Now?

Becoming a mother again changed the rhythm of my days. Suddenly, I spent more time in the soft, warm world of children’s clothing, blankets, and tiny sleeves that smell like home. I watched my little ones discover textures, hold on to fabrics, and fall asleep on my chest.

This tenderness made me see my own illustrations differently.
They weren’t just characters anymore - they felt like companions.

So I finally decided:
It’s time to bring them onto textiles.

The Illustrations Behind the Fabric

Each character I draw begins with a story, one day i will tell you that story too!

Seeing them now on tiny sweaters makes my heart full. They feel at home there.

 

From Paper to Fabric

To make my prints durable, soft and safe for children, I chose a technique many of you asked about:
DTF printing - long-lasting, washable, and beautifully detailed.

The colors stay warm and textured, just like on my original paintings.
And the fabric stays soft - no stiff patches, no cracking, no peeling.

Why I’m Starting Small

After baby number two, my time is precious. So instead of producing a huge stock, I’m starting with small limited pieces - handmade, printed with care, and created slowly.

This way I can keep the quality high and the process meaningful.

Your Messages Made It Happen

Honestly?
The reason I finally started textile printing is you.

Over the past months, so many of you wrote:
“Do you have this as a sweater?”
“Can I order your lion on baby clothes?”
“My friend is having a baby - do you make personalized textiles?”

Every message stayed with me. Every request added a little spark.
And now - here we are.
Sweaters, shirts, tiny cozy pieces… finally available.

https://www.instagram.com/sonja.illustrated/

What’s Coming Next

For now, I’m releasing a small collection:
✔ hand-printed pieces
✔ soft natural fabrics
✔ warm animal portraits
✔ optional personalization
✔ limited stock - with the rest available as preorder

It feels like the beginning of a new chapter - not rushed, not forced, but unfolding naturally, just like my illustrations always do.

Thank you for asking, inspiring, and waiting.
And thank you for being part of this journey, especially during this beautiful, chaotic, love-filled season of my life as a mother of two.

From my studio (and sometimes from the sofa during nap time),
Sonja