scarf love

It's amazing the difference a snuggly scarf makes to one's body temperature. Since I started this craft gig a little while ago I have made myself several scarves - product testing I call it. And no, they are not all red.

My latest scarf discovery is in the beauty of recycled jumpers and blanketing offcuts. They are thicker than regular wool felt and lovely to work with.

Mum returned from a visit to Tasmania with some gorgeous blanketing offcuts and a question. "Can you use these?" After a few spins on the hot cycle they were ready. Here are some pics of the blue and blue.

And here's how to make one.

1. Find a jumper or blanket that needs recycling. Wash at least three times on the hottest cycle of your washing machine.

2. Check that the fibres have fused and the jumper / blanket is well felted. It may need another wash or two to do the job.

3. Choose a shape. You may want to trace a cookie cutter to make your template or have a die cutter. I used my large daisy die with my sizzix machine.

4. Cut your shapes. You may want to use one colour, two or a variety. It's up to you. My blue and blue in navy and cornflower has 15 navy flowers and 14 cornflower ones.

5. Feed through the sewing machine. My ancient machine doesn't really have decorative stitches but if yours does, go for it! Make sure your flowers overlap enough to give strength. I suggest sewing it together twice for added strength. If you don't have a sewing machine this project is just as easy to do by hand.

6. Tuck in the loose threads and you've finished!