Thursday, January 2, 2014

Retro Restyle: Your Grandma's Blanket!


Once upon a time there was a beautiful princess overworked shepherdess.  Every day after brushing her long golden hair pitching hay to the animals, she would sit on the couch and dream of spending time in her sewing room.  One day she awoke...


...to find that all her sewing dreams had come true!
 
details on the wolf pillow are here

Many of my sewing projects use re-purposed fabric, such as duvet covers and tablecloths, but I have never used an actual blanket before!  Now you should know that I have enough wool blankets in my linen closet to outfit the 5th Battalion.  So when I saw this beautiful stadium blanket at the antique shop, I hesitated.  For less than one Mississippi.  Instantly I decided to give it a new, fabulous life as an oh-so-warm covering for my tushy.

I used McCalls 3730.

McCalls 3730 was easy and straight-forward.  I didn't do any major alterations.  The waistband is faced with heavy cotton to add stability to the loose weave of the blanket.  The straps are a single layer of wool.  I used two large shank buttons that were salvaged off an old coat. 

A simple center back zip and kickpleat.


And it is so comfy!  I resisted the urge to cinch in the waistline.  I have a habit of sewing my clothes too tight which makes them more flattering but ridiculously impractical.  This has a bit of extra room so I can pack in the last of the Christmas cookies.  The best part is that I have enough blanket left over to make a matching bolero...with fringe along the bottom!  **squee**  So if you're one of those folks who'd rather pull the covers over your head and spend the day in bed, consider making a wardrobe from nothing but blankets.  I'll vouche for them!

10 comments:

  1. This is so cute! I'm going to borrow this idea. Can't wait to see the bolero!

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  2. Oh my, this is so brilliant and funny and pretty - I am kind of speechless! I have never seen a more flattering blanket in my life :-)

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  3. gorgeous!!!!
    love the idea, the tartan and the shape of the skirt. the fringe is the cherry on the cake :-)
    ...have this sewing-waists-to-tight-habit too.....like you i try to change this. just reworked 4! pencilskirts.

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    1. Oh, I can't tell you how many waistbands I've had to adjust over the years! That's the problem with fitted clothing...if you eat that second donut, you're in trouble!

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  4. Your skirt turned out so great! The greatest repurpose of a blanket ever possibly (although I’ve always loved the dress in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers that was made from an actual quilt too). Suspender skirts just happen to be one of my favorite styles of clothing. My favorite part of yours is that fringe from the blanket at the bottom of the hem. I also like that your skirt seems comfy enough to wear for an off day at home and looks beautiful enough to wear out anywhere as well. I think I will keep an eye out for blankets to repurpose from now on.

    ---

    Lady Lavender's Expressions

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  5. This Plaid jumper/blanket came out so cute!! Last outfit I made out of a bedspread & got millions of compliments!! You have inspired me again! Stay warm!!
    Christine from Tucson

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  6. Fabulous. Makes me wish I had a wool blanket to transform. Thanks for the inspiration.

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  7. Sheesh! I go away and don't look at your blog for ages and when I come back you're still producing miracle outfits. You rock!

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  8. So cute! My mom had a grey wool flannel skirt just like that. Hers was quite cute....yours is cuter in the adorable plaid with fringe!! Makes me want to find a plaid blanket quick!

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