Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Sweater Weather

For those of us in the south, I'm really hoping the season for sweaters is coming to an end. However, I believe that's just wishful thinking on my part. Officially, the first day of spring is only a few weeks away, but I know we'll still have sweater days to come over the next couple months. 

In the meantime, as you prepare and/or hope for warmer weather, do you have any old sweaters you're ready to part ways with? Wool or cashmere sweaters of at least 80% to be precise. Maybe you've picked some up from Goodwill or your local thrift store? 

That's what I did a few years ago after seeing a project in this issue of Make it Yourself by Better Homes and Gardens. 

The project was a felted sweater quilt. 

Should you decide to make your own, there are plenty of tutorials to find online. Just type "sweater quilt DIY" into your Pinterest search. You will have no want for instructions there. Or you can also buy the 2012 back issue of Make it Yourself and have your own set of instructions to look at.

This is my sweater quilting adventure with a few tips along the way.


After gathering your sweaters, be sure to wash them in hot water and dry them. This will cause the fabric to felt, which is why you want a high percentage of wool or cashmere. Read more in depth about it here. Once this is done you can now cut your sweaters into squares. The size is your choice. I chose to do 10" squares. Also remember to get creative with your sweaters. Patterned sweaters are always a fun idea! 


Now comes the fun part. Lay out your squares into the arrangement you want for your quilt. Then start sewing those squares together in rows. You can do this part several different ways. The instructions I used called for a seam stabilizer to be used. I've seen others line two squares up and use a zig-zag stitch to connect the two. Maybe check out other instructions and see what method you prefer to use. The stabilizer worked for me, but was somewhat tedious trying to pull off later. If you choose this, be careful not to rip your stitches in the process when tearing it off. 
Once your first set of rows are sewn together, sew up the rest to connect it all together!

Next, I got ready for the backing by safety pinning the sweaters front to the backing. The instructions I used didn't call for a backing but I chose to put one on, just so it would look more finished on the back. Use your own creativity with that. You might like the more rustic or undone look, depending on the color and fabric patterns you chose. Also, I chose a flannel fabric for the back. Just so it would be soft and cozy when you're curled up with your quilt.

If you choose to do a backing, be sure to cut it a few inches bigger all around than the front of the quilt. This way you'll have room in case there are in mishaps in measuring or cutting. Once the backing is sewn all around, it's time for the final step. The binding. I chose to use a cotton fabric with a pattern to match my squares. If you have any questions about the binding or a how to try this place for instructions. If you do better with a video, check this out.

And finally done!!

Here you can see the binding fabric I chose from Hobby Lobby. I love the pattern.



Not a quilt person? There are many craft ideas out there involving sweaters.
 If you're a Pinterest kind of gal--who isn't?--check out other fun uses for sweaters. 
Even if you chose to do the quilt, you'll still want to check it out because there's going to be lots of leftovers! 
My favorite idea? 
Using the sleeves as leg warmers or boot socks. Fun! 
Maybe sweater weather isn't so bad...

Thanks for stopping by!
Jessica








Link Party Wednesday

Today is Link Party Wednesday. Check it out this week's DIY talent by clicking on the picture below. Enjoy!

Work It Wednesday Link Party

Saturday, February 20, 2016

Etsy Shop

It seems I am always having ideas about something. Lately it's been ideas about crafting and Etsy.

I enjoy crafting and sewing, but you can only give so many of your creations away before you run out of people and you're left with a whole lot of stuff. 

 --Can I just say Pinterest is no help whatsoever there. I am continuously drawn to the Craft/DIY section, wanting to try out something new.--

For the past several months I have considered the idea of starting up my own shop on Etsy. 
In the shop I want to offer things I've made myself--completely from scratch--and things I have refashioned from thrift stores and such.
The plan is by starting up an Etsy shop it will help me be able to continue my crafting, while at the same time finding another home for the new creation.
I started it up a few weeks ago, so it's still very fresh. It is also slow going at the moment trying to get things listed. However, I have managed to list half a dozen items. 

Here are a few thing you can find in the shop. To see more you can check it out here.

Thanks for stopping!
Jessica






Wednesday, February 17, 2016

The Boutique

I have a secret. I need to share it. 
 It's called The Boutique.

https://www.facebook.com/theboutiquejamestowntn/photos_stream?ref=page_internal

 It's been around for a few years now, but I have only recently truly discovered it. It's our local southern girl shopping destination. 

Let me tell you a little about it...
You know the feeling you get when you walk into your favorite clothing store? You walk in, look around and it seems everything was made with you in mind? 
It's a wonderful feeling.
That's the same reaction I get when I walk into this place. Especially if the words SALE or NEW ARRIVALS are in the equation.

 https://www.facebook.com/theboutiquejamestowntn/photos_stream?ref=page_internalhttps://www.facebook.com/theboutiquejamestowntn/photos_stream?ref=page_internal

These ladies know how to make a girl feel at home. From knowing your name--not because you frequent so often--to the perfectly gift bagged purchase, you can't wait to come back and see them again. 

Inside The Boutique you're going to find some of the latest fashions, complete with scarves, jewelry, and handbags to match. They have a wide range of brands from Miss Me Jeans to Missy Robertson and Simply Southern to Betsey Johnson. This isn't just any boutique though.
The reason it's so unique--they also offer a menu of delicious foods. Favorites such as chicken salad, sandwiches, muffins, and teas-- just to name a few. 
Like I said, the ultimate southern girl stop.

Chicken Salad---Amazinghttps://www.facebook.com/theboutiquejamestowntn/photos_stream?ref=page_internal

So can you see why I shouldn't keep this a secret any longer? 
It's too good not to share.

You might not be a local person, but no worries. 
You can still shop online from my favorite place anytime. 
Check them when you can by clicking on the logo below.
Enjoy!

Click here
 All pictures were taken from here


Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Another Link Party

Check out this collection of DIYers. :-)


Sunday, February 14, 2016

Linky Love

I just discovered link parties and I'm loving the concept of it!
Head over to this one to find all sorts of fun DIY project ideas..
 That DIY Party @diyshowoff.com

Wednesday, February 10, 2016

Book Clutch

Who here loves books? I know I sure do! 
One of my favorite scents (besides coffee) is the smell of books. New. Old. It doesn't really matter. There's just something about it that makes me smile. Maybe it's the smell that reminds you that inside those pages you'll find adventure, romance, or mystery. 
I will say this. I love to read but I when I buy a book from the thrift store, I don't always get it with that in mind. Sometimes it's because it's just plain pretty. In this case, I bought it with something else in mind. A book clutch.To the book lover/crafter. This one's for you.

Thanks to Caught on a Whim

 And this was my finished project.