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