Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Thrifted Sweater Christmas Blanket

Here we go.  I am finished with my thrifted sweater Christmas blanket.
This was such a fun project!  From choosing the sweaters, with different textures and color, to wrestling with it under the machine as it stretched, and bunched, and slid across my machine.  This was not an easy thing to sew.  But the end result is warm and oh so cozy.  I backed it in a polka dot flannel.  Even though I had washed all of the sweaters, I washed it again when I was done, and it came out of the dryer so soft and fluffy.  If I make another one, I will make the binding much wider.  And perhaps use a stabalizer for the sweater pieces.  But overall, this was fun, and I am pleased with the results.
There is no part of the sweaters that will go to waste. 
  I used sleeves to make some cozies for gifting a bottle of wine or champagne.  I especially like this one with the buttons on the sleeves.   I actually sewed the bottom right side out, so that when I turned down the sleeves, the cuff and buttons show.
I cut to length, and then sewed a straight seam across to close.  I steamed open the seam, and then boxed the bottom so it would stand up flat.
I used some cotton twine in red and natural, and tied a vintage ornament to the neck of the bottle.  I haven't made my tags yet, but I will attach a cute tag, and then the gift is all set.
You know that bakers twine that is so cute for tying up packages and gifts from the kitchen.  It is pricey, and I refuse to buy it.  But this cotton yarn for dishcloth making is cheap, cheap.  And they have several holiday colors.  I love this one in the red and natural.  I keep it in a sugar jar, feeding the end through the top.  I wish I had an antique sugar jar, but this one from Walmart for 97 cents is a good second choice.  Don't buy it at Tarjay....they are three times the cost of Walmart for the exact same thing!
I made some boot cuffs with some of the sleeves.
This pair of cuffs from the Wool Aran sweater is thick and very warm.  I will wear these in Big Bear. 
And how do you like my new red Wellies?  I spotted these last week when I was getting the rest of my   sweaters.  They are LL Bean.  So cute.  I love the color and all of the dogs on them.
They were pretty pricey though.
Six dollars...but it was 50% off day.  The only thing I didn't like about them, was that they were made in China, and not USA!  Not too bad for 3 dollars.
After removing the sleeves from the Aran sweater, I removed the wooden buttons, and made a couple of repairs to the sweater where it had slight tears.  I then cut off the top, and sewed down the front where the buttons were.  I put a pillow inside and closed the bottom with a blanket stitch and red floss.  I have been saving these Santa button covers for a year or two, waiting for the right project to use them.  I found it!

I just love those two little pockets on the front, and sure wished I had a candy cane to tuck inside.  The back is solid with this beautiful design.
I  used the other piece of the green bobble sweater for another pillow.  I only had one green piece, so I made the back with a piece of one of the red sweaters.

I have plans for this button down collar that I removed from the read sweater with the white stitched design that I used in the center of the blanket.
It has been so fun to spend these past couple of days in my sewing room.  It was chilly and dark.  Perfect sewing weather.  I was hunkered down in there, just me, my music, two dogs, and my vitamins.
I leave you with one more photo.  I got this fun surprise in the mail the other day from my friend Deb.  She has followed my blog, and we email back and forth, having become good friends.  She doesn't have a blog herself, but I keep working on her.  She and I have a lot in common, and I sure hope we get to meet one day.  At any rate, she remembered that I collect mice, and she sent me one of hers that she has had for many years.  I love it, and it shall take pride of place in my sewing room, where I will enjoy it often.
   Thank you Deb!  You are so very thoughtful!!!  She also sent me a cute book marker with a very appropriate message for this time in my life.  And some candy too!  It's like she KNOWS me!!  I just love her!!
I heard this recently...on someone's blog.  Living through the "valleys" of one's life, is what makes us who we are, and makes us stronger .  If so, I should be like Hercules very soon.  2013 has been pretty sucky.  And will apparently  be carrying on through, to the end.  I sure hope that 2014 has some good things in store for us!  But I continue to count my many blessings, and am so very thankful for the health of my family.
XO  Kris

37 comments:

Amy at love made my home said...

I love your blanket, but I love the things that you have made with the offcuts even more, especially the cushion that has pockets, you could stash all sorts of things in there. I'm sorry that 2013 has been a sucky year, and I hope that 2014 is lots of fun. xx, oh and your bargain wellies are very cute too!

From the Kitchen said...

I'm imagining snugging up under that repurposed blanket!

Best,
Bonnie

Home Meadows said...

Hi Kris, all your projects are beautiful. The blanket turned out gorgeous just and I knew it would. You are a very talented lady. Wishing you blessing galore as you prepare for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Hugs, Heather

Jeanna said...

All of your projects are amazing and certainly magazine worthy! The quilt is nice but OMGoodness...all of the 'leftovers' are wonderful. You are soooo inspiring...I would never have thought to use sweaters like this.

Kelli said...

I love the blanket and the sweater pillow!! You are so talented!

The boots are pretty cute too!

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

The blanket turned out beautifully, Kris! I can imagine the knit fabric might be hard to handle! Love all of the other ways you used the pieces...and the Wellies are wonderful!

Deb~in~Denver said...

Love how the blanket turned out, you are so creative! The pillows are darling, too! Can't believe how you were able to use every bit of those sweaters! I want to visit your thrift store, I'm loving those Wellies! I'm hoping that 2014 brings only the very best for you and your family!

Hugs,
Deb
xo

Betsy said...

My goodness you have a WoNdErFuL imagination. I never would have thought of any of these things and I adore them all. That blanket looks so snugly and warm. Boot covers! (And what a great price on your new Wellies.)
The pillows, oh my! I can't think of enough adjectives to describe how much I love your goodies. Thank you for sharing with us.
I'm praying that your 2014 will be much better for you. You are such an inspiration to me.
Blessings,
Betsy

Taci simmons said...

Wow I love your sweater blanket! Just gorgeous and the pillows I cannot say enough... Beautiful.
What a thoughtful friend you have my dear Kris. But we all know you deserve it :)

Teresa Kasner said...

I was looking forward to seeing how your sweater patchwork blanket came out.. and it's so cozy looking! I know it's been a rough year for you.. but you have lots of friends that think the world of you. You'll have a better 2014. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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Poppy said...

Kris,

You have been a very busy bee, buzzing around your sewing machine, with little dogs and mice at your feet, creating the most adorable, cozy projects!! How imaginative! Love the blanket; perfect there on the chair, just waiting for the jolly, gift-giving man himself, his hot chocolate and all! Your sweater pillows, Santa buttons and red wellies are very pretty, indeed!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, my friend!

xo
Poppy
PS: Love your vitamins!

Tammy said...

You are too awesome! I would have never thought of that. It turned out beautiful and the pillows!

my4lilgirls said...

What a stunning project Kris....really love the blanket & all the other cute makes :)
Karen x

Holly said...

You never cease to amaze me with your creativity. I love everything that you do. I know this has been a hard year for you and your whole family. Just know that while you've been up to your ears in tears and sorrow, your friends (like me) have been holding you up in prayer and in love. You are an amazing woman and have such a beautiful family and I consider myself very blessed to know and love you all. Here's to a better 2014!!

Deb~in~Denver said...

Kris, so happy you love the little mouse! I like that she's in the room with your vitamins, that's where I'd be, too! Funny how you can "meet" someone a thousand miles away and just know that you could sit and visit (or thrift) for hours and hours. We certainly are kindred spirits. You have so many of us who hold you so close to our hearts, when you hurt, we hurt, when you smile, we smile.
Love you, friend!

Deb
xo

Patty Marker said...

Love reading your posts my friend. Here's to 2014 may the valleys be behind you!

Debbie said...

WOW!! Can't believe all you have done with those sweaters! I LOVE the blanket! Soo festive and warm looking. I can just imagine some of the difficulties of stitching it together though, but you did a GREAT job with it. And the pillows too, soo creative! You do need a candy cane in one of those pockets! Soo cute! Don't know what difficulties 2013 brought you but do know it has been hard for you and my heart has hurt for you. May 2014 bring more mountain tops! HUGS

Bethany said...

OH I love that!!! There would be a war in my house over who gets to use it! I do love that aran pillow with the Santa buttons. You should give it to me right now :)

~Niki~ said...

very cute. great idea kris!

Dogwood Lane Rambles said...

Your sweater blanket turned out even cuter than your inspiration piece and the pillows are genius! Love it when one thing leads to another and we can feel all creative and virtuous. Happy Thanksgiving and here's looking forward to a better year.

Mereknits said...

Kris, I am going to call you the Queen of Thrifting because you are so amazing at what you have made. The sweater quilt looks great and snugly, I love the pillows and the wine bottle covers. I say bring on 2014, although this year has been better for me than last year, I am still happy to see it go. A few more days in your sewing room should help you to make it through the year. Hugs to you my friend,
Meredith

Val said...

I have to say I adore that blanket it's perfection.

Lynne said...

Wow Kris, you sure got a lot out of those sweaters! Everything looks fantastic! Love the boots.

glor said...

Hi Kris! First of all, thanks for your nice comment. Have so much catching up to do. Your heading picture is awesome. Love the named pumpkins. And the sweater blanket, pillows and wine bottle ...absolutely incredible. Great work. Such a delight to visit again. Hope to be back soon, blessings.

priscilla said...

Very pretty Kris ! Love all the pillows too ! Hope the last month of the year gets easier and 2014 is better !

Susanne Tyree said...

It would be tricky sewing anything that is knitted on a machine, but your blanket looks great. You sure are getting a lot of good recycled things from the bits and left over pieces. And anything that is too small to use you could fray out and throw in a ball for the birds to use as nesting stuff. Sleeves could have even been used as leg warmers now that I think of it. You had a lot of fun ideas.
(((HUGS))) Susanne :)

Tania said...

What great ideas to use up old sweaters. I especially love the quilt. I think it is time to blow the dust of my sewing machine and get to work. I have a few old sweaters hanging around that I don't wear anymore :)

Those boots are lovely, and what a bargain!

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Well, I must say, you have done a mighty fine job of using up every inch of those sweaters. All such lovely projects. Part of this year was pretty crappy for me, too, but thankfully I'm through the other side for the most part. There's always light at the end of the tunnel. :) Best wishes, Tammy

Pam said...

Amazing! You are so creative and talented... you really should open up your own shop! The little mouse is cute - what a nice friend Deb is.

Gracie Saylor said...

You inspire me, Kris! In spite of difficult times you continue to care for others and exercise your creativity in unique and practical ways. Thanks for sharing all your wonderful up cycling projects with sweaters. Like Betsy, I never would have thought of doing any of them. I appreciate your cleverness and industry :)
Love with hugs from Gracie

Gloria Baker said...

dear Kris all look absolutely beautiful love the color pictures and look Christmasy!
Lovely post dear Kris, hugs!

Mum said...

What a fabulous project - love it. I arrived here from Astri's blog. I'm so glad that Ducey's on the mend.
Love from Mum
xx

Unknown said...

I love your sweater blanket Kris! AND those sweet pillows, oh my...I am in the mood to do that, except it's late and I have to get up early for church! But oh I must do that sometime!
Love the vitamins you take!!!

prayers for you sweet lady, may you find peace in this past year, and contentment.

Nicolle said...

The sweater blanket turned out so beautiful Kris! You are very talented. I also love the wine bottle holders. I am going to show those to my mom. She just finished knitting some that are adorable...but I also love yours and the idea of using the sweater sleeve. What a cute little mouse, and you are blessed with some very sweet and thoughtful friends! Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. xo

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

You are so talented, Kris! I love both the quilt and the pillows you made from recycled sweaters. They are works of art!

Your boot score is fabulous--they are really cute.

I've clicked on Deb's name thinking she had a blog --I hope you do convince her to begin one, one day --she sounds like a nice friend!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Kris. I think I'll join you in hoping for a better year in 2014. We've also had some valley's to climb this year, but I'm also thankful for our health and family blessings ...that counts the most!

Katie Mansfield said...

I am so sorry that 13 has been a sucky year. I hope that 2014 is better for you. Your sweater quilt is adorable. How long id it take you to find all the sweaters? I love the Wellies. 3 dollars is a great deal.

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

I love it Kris! I've been waiting to see it finished. Oh and those willies, FABULOUS! Can't wait to see you modeling them!
hugs,
Jann