It's December 2nd and the holidays are fast approaching. Hanukkah is only ten days away and there's lots to do and make. I've come to the realization that I will not be able to complete all the holiday projects on my list because I would rather spend more of this special time with my family. So I'm taking it slow, focusing mainly on quick, simple and useful gifts which I will be sharing my here.
Today I made this pillow out of a thrifted wool sweater. The sweater was already felted so I just ran it through the washer and dryer with my regular laundry.
Felted sweaters are very easy to cut and sew using the sewing machine. Two things that I leaned along the way:
1. It's much easier to cut the wool using a rotary cutter (rather than scissors). AND
2. The seams will lay straighter if you use a large seam allowance (1/2 inch seemed to work best) and then press all the seam allowances open.
Envelope closure on the back.
The best part is that I used only the front and sleeves so I can still make another gift out of the sweater back!
I'm knitting a simple seed stitch scarf using some yummy Malabrigo chunky wool.
Cast on 15 sts.
knit in seed stitch: row 1: K1 (P1, K1). Repeat row 1 until scarf measures 55 inches.
Over the Thanksgiving weekend I knit this very simple garter/stockinette stitch scarf out of Wool-ease chunky.
And because we all could use a little help over the holidays, I purchased these absolutely gorgeous gifts from Tonya at Natural Earth Farm. Visit her family's etsy shop here. I cannot say enough about the impeccable craftsmanship of these items. The memory matching game comes in the coolest crocheted bag and the coasters are so beautiful my husband asked if we could keep them for ourselves. We purchased our first branch pencil holder several months ago and we love it so much that I bought one for each of the kiddos' rooms.
Happy making everyone! And remember to practice moderation during this time of year - we're trying to keep decorations and gifts simple so that we can spend more time playing.
Larissa...
your pillow is wonderful
the scarves look warm and cozy
and those natural wood items- LOVE!
I might need to print out your statement "practice moderation during this time of year" he. he. not sure I know what that is.
Posted by: kristyn | December 02, 2009 at 09:00 PM
The colors of your pillow are fantastic. They really come together nicely. You're going to make some recipients very happy with your craftiness and thoughtfulness.
Posted by: Jodi | December 02, 2009 at 09:52 PM
Love the pillow--and what a great idea. I just felted a thrifted sweater and it's been sitting around because I don't know what to do with it! The scarves are wonderful, too. Oh, I'm fighting the urge to add "just one more" thing to my "to make" list. I've already abandoned a few ideas because there just aren't enough hours in the day. Oh, moderation, you're so much easier in theory than in practice!
Posted by: Meg Evans | December 03, 2009 at 08:29 AM
you've been busy! Love the pillow! Great way to repurpose a sweater. Thanks for the heads up on Tonya's items...they all look wonderful. Have a wonderful week!
Posted by: Lisa Q | December 03, 2009 at 08:35 AM
I love the pillow! AND That is a great reminder... I often find myself overwhelmed with a growing to-do list.
Posted by: Amy Herbst (Herbst Handmade) | December 03, 2009 at 11:44 AM
Oh, I love that pillow. What a great idea for repurposing an old sweater
Posted by: Heather | December 03, 2009 at 01:19 PM
that pillow...I love it ;)!and the scarf and the wood...you are busy!
Posted by: theresa/ t does wool | December 03, 2009 at 07:06 PM
enjoy the homemade holidays. This year it's all about moderation and focussing on family.
xxx
Posted by: lucy | December 03, 2009 at 07:23 PM
I love the blue scarf!! I never have the patience for a scarf. Right now I'm finishing a tomten jacket and it is trying my patience!!
Posted by: Imene | December 04, 2009 at 06:25 PM
I love the pillow! I've recently started to mess around with thrifted sweaters...I'm a huge fan of sweater pants for babies!
I also love that memory game you picked up...how very beautiful!
Posted by: Lyndsey | December 05, 2009 at 03:05 PM
oh...everything looks so good. love the pillow! I'm trying to enjoy the holidays too, that's why I've been missing from the blog world. Concentrating on having fun with the family! So far, so good!
Posted by: jane | December 06, 2009 at 07:00 AM
Just one question: how to add your blog into my rrs reader, thanks so much.
Posted by: louboutin | January 07, 2010 at 02:56 AM
This is a brilliant idea. One of the problems faced by holiday makers is which gifts to buy for friends and the hefty costs associated with them. With your idea, one can spend a little time to fix a few little things items such as those nice scarves for gifts thereby saving money.
Posted by: David Nando | April 08, 2010 at 12:29 PM
aww how cute!
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