On Tuesday - it was a glorious overcast, cool and dreary day ... I thought, " Greattt!!! Crafting day ..." .. lols.. kids were amazed coz it's been so long since my crafting muse has stirred .. that's what happens when you work full time eh? lols
So ... I finished off the dress I made for Nicola ... had started it on the spurr on the night before using that soft pink batik cloth Raeleen had brought back from her Bali trip... whoa... I had never made a dress before but I was very pleased with the results. Don't be too critical.. its just a glorified rectangle in 2 parts with straps ... hehehehe
it's Autumn now and quite cool ... so it's going to fit her for summer ... as it's loose * smiles *
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Then I got out the POLAR FLEECE collection from the shed ... material I had purchased over the years whilst on special or whilst inspired .. and here you see Aleisha involved.. we made 2 cot sized blankets for her oh sooo cute nephew: Hamish and neighbours grandson Rhys - both just over 2 years old ...
Basicly the size of this light blue patterned POLAR FLEECE material was of a single bed.. but cut into two ... the fabric when cut doesn't fray ... washes well, spin dry, even ok ... prices can range from A$8.00 per metre - $18.00 per metre (depending on thickness, softness, quality and pattern)
So do create this (single layer) blanket with a-la-knotted tassels (toddlers are known to fiddle with the knots til they drop off asleep) ... you need to cut 4 squares off the corners.. makes the " tassels" more presentable around the corners ... you'll see what I mean ...
you can use a rotary cutter but don't get too pedantic, OCD or silly about this .. each * Tassell * is about the length and width of a finger.. so I just used my eye as a judge and the scissors when snip snip... really after a few washes you can't tell if it's longer, more exact or what not .. lols ... it's really idiot/fool proof this one .. LOVE THEM!! hehehe
Close up of the knotted * Tassels * ...
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IDEA for CUSHIONS:You can do the similar thing with cushions ... think SANDWICH ...
1. Use a cushion insert or even pillow as the filling ...
2. Cut 2 pieces of POLAR FLEECE as the 2 slices of bread - the top can be patterned and the bottom can be plain if you're on a budget ...
3. Allow a little extra for the thickness of the pillow
4. Cut the squares off the corners
5. Cut the " fingers " for the tassels ... however cut both the top and both piece of POLAR FLEECE together at the same time .. so they match ...
6. Tie both the top " finger " layer.. with the bottom "finger " layer into a knot ... that will form the SEAM ... do it on all 3 sides...
7. Insert the pillow
8. Complete the 4th side/seam ... and there ya go!
Note: if you need to wash it .. untie the knots enough to pull the pillow out - wash as per normal and then re-insert pillow and reknot...
hehehe ... simple eh?
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These are also other blankets that I completed that day - finally getting some UFO's finished (Un-Finished Objects) ...
This is the underside ... you can see how close the seam is .. doesn't need a lot and keeps it's shape well .. this batch was sewn and kept unfinished about 6 years ago .... I will use it/complete it one day .. maybe for my Mother.. maybe not ..
This is the completed blanket made 6 years ago for Nicola ... not as soft and fluffy ... but still warm.
This is now Aleisha's new blanket .. single bed size ... double layered secured with grey yarn blanket stitch ... Green one side with a star embossed pattern (not sure if you can see it) and the other side a nice and cheerful coloured print.
So yes... I love POLAR FLEECE for gifts of blankets or pillows ..... economical, lasts a long time, washable and very very practical!!
When you make your POLAR FLEECE creations - please show me what you end up creating.. love seeing other crafter's work :)
hugs.. lizzieS xxx
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