Ugly Christmas sweater parties are popular, here's a way to use the sweater after the party. Make it into a pillow. To make simply measure the size you want the pillow to be, mark it out on the front and back of the sweater, using the pattern to it's best advantage. Sew around the outline and cut out. You should use a tight enough tension so that the stitches are close enough together so the sweater does not unravel. With the right sides facing each other, sew around three sides just inside of the previous sewn line. Stuff the pillow and hand sew up the open side to close the pillow. I think cardigans make sweet pillows when you leave the buttons on and just sew the placket closed. Children's sweaters can be made into cute heart-shaped ornaments. It would a great way to keep the memories. Maybe a sweater from baby's first Christmas? I just spied a similar pillow in the Garnet Hill catalog that had pom-poms attached to all four corners. The price was unbelievable! (as is everything in Garnet Hill)
Here's how the pillow looks on our window seat on our upstairs landing:
That Lone Star quilt was a bargain because it had a stain, but I just strategically folded it so it doesn't show. I always say if you have friends that look for imperfections like stains or if it bothers them, you need new friends!
I love your sweater pillow and that quilt. Both are lovely. I need to get busy and make one of those pillows with a sweater that I have been saving just for that purpose. :)
ReplyDeleteThese pillows sew together in minutes, Debbie. I was procrastinating making one too, but when I finally got around to sewing it, I wondered why I put it off. It was so easy.
DeleteHugs
Jane
This is a great idea! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks Debbie!
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Jane
I love this idea Jane. I just rescued a sweater daughter threw out and was wondering what to do with it. I thought maybe mittens but I like this idea better.
ReplyDeleteHave a great day!
They are especially cozy on the couch for the winter months, Vickie. Don't you just love it when you can make something out of something that was going into the trash?
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Jane
hi jane,
ReplyDeletelove your pillow, a great idea. lovely place to sit!
have a nice day,
hugs regina
Hello dear Regina! I hope you are getting stronger each passing day. Did you do any baking?
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Jane
A good idea! And very pretty and comfy looking! Hugs, Andrea
ReplyDeleteThanks Andrea! Although I didn't think this sweater was all that ugly. If it had been knitted out of wool instead of the dreaded cotton, I'd have worn it!
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Jane
What a lovely window seat you have, Jane. That's a gorgeous quilt, and the pillows are perfect. I'm such a grinch, though, if I had an ugly sweater I'd probably felt it and make potholders with the pieces.
ReplyDeleteHave a great Tuesday!
That's a great idea, Toni! Now I'll have to be on the lookout for more sweaters. My mind is spinning with the possibilities. Ran made the window seat from an old headboard.
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Jane
What a sweet pillow! Thanks for the tutorial. I hadn't thought aobut sewing so it wouldn't unravel, then cutting it out...you are so smart!
ReplyDeleteHa! Yeah, I'm a genius! (sarcasm) It's always fun to repurpose.
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Jane
That is such a sweet pillow! The red is so cheerful. I will have to keep my eye open for sweaters like this at my favorite thrift. I did find a great artificial table top tree for $5, though. We finally gave up our real Christmas tree monstrosities!
ReplyDeleteWe had to go with a faux tree too, Isabella. The only place one fits is next to the fireplace. Our real trees weren't anything to write home about anyhow, so it was no great loss. Have a happy Tuesday!
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Jane
I've been needing to make pillows for my studio, and have been gathering fabrics. I also gather wool sweaters for various projects, & believe I may have one that would be just the right accent for the colder months. Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome Laurie. I switch out my pillows for each season. There's a lady in the village that makes these types of pillows and makes some pretty good money at it from the farmer's market and craft fairs. If I wasn't so lazy, I might consider doing that.
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Jane
Love the pillow - I like how you took something pretty that was made to be a joke into something that looks like it came from a high end catalog. I bet that was a thrift store find you found for a song too! Garnet Hill and Sundance are 2 of my favorite catalogs to copy off of when I need inspiration. Coping is all I can/will afford. Have a wonderful Tuesday!
ReplyDeletehugs - Jen
Those are my two favorites, also, Jen. Sundance has the best ideas for mittens and scarves. Sometimes the color combinations of the linens in Garnet Hill inspire me to redo my wardrobe in all those pretty natural hues.
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Jane
Darling, darling idea, Jane! Such a clever girl you are! Raining buckets here and I have been tethered to grading... You are my sunshine on this rainy day!
ReplyDeleteas ever.. m
Hopefully your rain will stop soon, Matty. Nothing more depressing than rain in December.
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Jane
Perfect compliment to the quilt, and after all, who needs perfection.
ReplyDeleteWell, thankfully I don't Jean! Ha! Bet your quilts are perfect, but for those of us who can't we have to settle for the flaws.
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Jane
Dear Jane,
ReplyDeleteAnother delightful post (actually two, since I'm late reading the last one!). :) Sweaters are such a fun and easy thing to make crafts out of, aren't they? You really need to put together a book of all your great ideas!
Love,
Marqueta
You're the writer around here, Marqueta. I'm so glad for you. What a nice accomplishment. Maybe you'll become a regular write at the magazine and one day write your own book on herbs. I'd buy it!
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Jane
OHMYGOSH! I went on the Garnet Hill website and cannot afford even their sales. I will stick to thrift stores.
ReplyDeleteI know Cate! I always wonder why they keep sending me a catalog, my budget won't allow for anything even on their "going, going, gone" sale. Glad they do though, lots of great ideas in there.
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Jane