Thursday, November 14, 2013

A "Thrifty" Christmas Sweater Blanket

Good morning.  Last year before Christmas, I purchased a Gooseberry Patch Christmas book that was choc full of wonderful photos and ideas.  This photo of a Christmas blanket really caught my eye. 
It was made from recycled red and green sweaters.  It was too late in the season for me to collect the sweaters that I would need to make it in time for Christmas last year.  But I filed it away for this year.  So I have been on the hunt.  I go every Monday to Salvation Army, when clothing is 1 dollar.  I am looking for sweaters with interesting stitches, and lots of cables. 
I still need to find about six more.  I was only going to use red and green, but when I spotted this ivory sweater, I had to have it too.  It is wool, and someone had improperly washed it, partially "felting" the sweater.  But it still shows how interesting the needlework is.  I almost hate to cut it. 
The front is adorned with beautiful wood buttons, that will be salvaged for another project.
Even the pockets are beautifully cabled. 
Then, out of the corner of my eye, I saw this green sweater.  Oh my.....another fantastic design of bobbles and cables.
This one also has an interesting wood button to be salvaged.  The bobbles are what really sold me on this one.  I love them!
A couple of the red sweaters are just plain ribbed stitching, but have pretty cuffs and buttons on the sleeves and/or collar.   These will be used for other projects.  Wine bottle cozies, jar cozies, etc. that I will use for Christmas gift giving.
And one has a pretty snowflake design on the front, and I may use this as the center panel.
While looking for red and green sweaters for my Christmas blanket project, I spotted this over size granny square that needed a rescue.
I am feverishly working on holiday crochet orders.  I shipped two yesterday.  I have photos on my iphone, and need to transfer them to my computer. 
 Ducey continues to improve by leaps and bounds daily.  He is almost back to his same old ornery self again!!!!!
Go have a GREAT day!!!
XO  Kris

27 comments:

Pam said...

I can't wait to see the Christmas blanket... the sweaters you found are awesome.

priscilla said...

Love the idea of a sweater blanket ! Chelsea and I bought a cream sweater that looks like the twin to yours yesterday on our excursion ! Except we don't get that 1.00 deal ! Ours are 4.99 ! Glad the pup is getting better !

From the Kitchen said...

What interesting colors and designs. Hope you'll share the finished product.

Best,
Bonnie

Jeanna said...

I've never seen a Christmas sweater blanket...I'm intrigued. Can't wait to see yours.

So happy to hear Ducey is feeling better each day!

Teresa Kasner said...

What a neat idea for a sweater/patchwork blanket.. you got some really neat ones for this project and I can't wait to see what you make. I'm sooOOoo glad Ducey is better.. what a scare. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

Amy at love made my home said...

I love the idea of the blanket, all of the different cables and patterns will be so decorative together, and the felted one will be great for this sort of project. Looking forward to seeing the final blanket.

Home Meadows said...

What a neat idea, looking forward to seeing it finished. Heather

Kerri said...

What a FUN project! I love the combination of colors of the sweaters you've already found. You have a special gift(talent) for sure!

Susanne Tyree said...

I love Gooseberry Books. I have about a dozen. I look at them with intentions of making all sorts of things. They then get put in my bookcase....not forgotten, but you know the drill. The blanket made from sweaters is cool. I have been seeing a lot of neat ideas using old sweaters, some just use the the salvageable parts if there is a hole worn in it. I love the idea of mending, recycle, or re-purpose. Can't wait to see what you do with all your stash of bargain sweaters. That will be one warm and snuggly blanket.
(((HUGS))) Susanne :)

Linda said...

Gee Kris...I would never have the patience to look all year for the sweaters...BUT...it will be awesome!
And...If anybody can pull it off...It will be you!♥
Glad the pooch is improving..:o)
Enjoy your weekend...
Cheers!
Linda:o)

Mereknits said...

So glad to hear Ducey is doing better. Love the Christmas sweater blanket idea.
Hugs,
Meredith

Debbie said...

Well I am anxious to see that sweater. I LOVE how you come up with your materials to create something. Soo glad Ducey is doing better!

Lauri said...

I love the sweater blanket and can't wait to see your finished product. I would live to try one too. How do you see it together so the sweaters don't unravel?

Joolz said...

Kris
Here is another idea for old (but still tidy and clean) sweaters. Turn them into a cushion....

Here is the link : http://craftycpa.blogspot.com.au/2011/07/big-idea-cardigan-pillow-cover.html

and here is the link to my blog where I made one: http://simplyjoolz.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/cardigan-cushion.html

Just a thought, my daughter was thrilled with hers.

Cheers - Joolz xx

mynestofyarnandbuttons said...

Hi Kris, Great sweater blanket and idea! So relieved Ducey is better, you have given her great care! Hope your weekend is fun, xoRobin

Between Me and You said...

So sorry to hear that your little dog was poorly. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
The ivory cardi is what we call over here an 'Aran' because of the design which originated from the Isle of Arran on the west coast of Scotland. There's a lot of work in one of those and what a pity the previous owner machine-washed it causing it to felt. They're usually made from 100% wool. I think your blanket will be fabulous. Great pickings.x

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

The sweaters you have found are going to make a wonderful blanket...love all the colors and detail! Glad Ducey is doing well!

Nicolle said...

I love the idea of a sweater blanket. I can't wait to see how yours turns out. I think you found some beautiful sweaters already! I'm so very glad that Ducey is better.
xo

Unknown said...

Good to hear about pup :) SO glad you all caught in time!

I know I'm always saying this but oh would I love to go bargain shopping with you! You ALWAYS find the sweetest things! Cannot wait to see your finished blanket - SO COOL!

Grammy Staffy said...

Thanks for your kind comment and encouragement . I am better tonight but didn't make it to church today.
You always amaze me with your pretty projects. I'm sure it will be beautiful when you get your sweater blanket done.

So glad Ducey is getting better. What a hard week you had. I guess Walter got revenge.
Have a good week my friend. Hugs, Lura

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I'm so glad to read that your Ducey is getting better! How frightening it must have been to see him so ill.

I love your sweater to blanket idea. I think the cream colored sweater looks like an Irish hand knit Aran sweater --they cost a small fortune!

Betsy said...

Love, love, love that sweater blanket and I can't wait to see what your creation looks like. You have some gorgeous sweaters so far.
I'm just catching up on blogs a bit this morning after our vacation and just read about your scare with Ducey. How terrible! I'm so glad that he's feeling so much better. He's very lucky to have his people love him so much.
Blessings,
Betsy

Cathy said...

Your work is beautiful, Kris. A friend of mine is going to teach me to crochet after Christmas and I'm really looking forward to it. How clever to make a blanket out of recycled sweaters. I love that idea!

NanaNor's said...

Hi Kris, What a wonderful project! I haven't seen a sweater blanket before; the sweaters you've found are fantastic-I'd have a hard time cutting them up too. It is so cold here today that I'm going to start cutting doll clothes for Christmas presents.
So glad your pup is almost back to normal-how very scary!
Hugs, Noreen

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Kris, I can't wait to see your finished blanket! It's going to be amazing. You use to be able to get sweaters for a reasonable price at our local thrifts. Somebody started the craze of hosting, "Ugly Sweater Parties". Now they even have an ugly sweater day at a lot of businesses. Now they are quite pricey. Even if they're not ugly. lol! I'm going to a thrift tomorrow. Will have to check them out.
hugs,
Jann

Patty Antle said...

I can't wait to see your sweater afghan, Kris. You inspire me so.

Taci simmons said...

Great sweaters and what a great idea... Maybe I'll collect some sweaters and try to make one for our house next year... Next Christmas we will be in our new house :)
I'm so glad he is doing better and getting back to his good dogie self :)