Upcycled Sweater Mittens

I just can't get enough of upcycling my old clothes. Especially well loved sweaters that I just can't seem to throw away. This specific sweater has the sweetest buttons all the way down the front. I just love it! The problem? There is a MAJOR, fist sized, hole right in the front of it. No matter how I look at fixing it, I know it will be noticeable. So, it has spent the last 6 months just sitting, waiting, to be thrown out. I finally sat down today, and decided to do something with it (thank you nap time). I decided to made some mittens, since the sweater is 100% wool. I will be making something else too but you'll have to keep an eye out for that in another tutorial!



I decided to use the cuffs on the sleeves to my advantage.



Start by using your own hand (or your child's hand) as a guide for where to cut your sleeve. Be sure to leave yourself lots of extra room!



Cut straight across the sleeve, all the way through.



Turn the sleeve inside out.



Place your hand (or your models) on the sleeve, and use it as a guide to make a mitten shape. You can trace, and then cut, or just cut around your hand. Be sure to leave plenty of room for sewing or surging.



Repeat with the other sleeve to make a second mitten. I know that it looks like I made two of the same mitten here but, they are identical on both sides so, It really doesn't matter. Either mitten can be used for either hand. Sew or serge around each mitten, and then turn right side out.



I love the buttons on this sweater so, I just HAD to recycle them! I snipped off four buttons, two for each mitten.




I hand stitched two buttons onto the "cuff" of each mitten.




Here are my mittens, all ready for some cold weather! Just in time too! This past week the daytime temperature in Ohio went from 100+ degrees down to the mid 60's! It wont be long before we pull out the jackets and mittens! I am sure you will want some upcycled mittens too!Have fun!

Pack-N-Play Storage

I was never sure where to store the bag that the Stink Bugs pack-n-play came in when I was using it. Or where to put all of the little odds and ends that I like to have near. You know, toys and blankets, that sort of thing. Here was my solution! (Just be sure to watch the ribbon with the little ones. I am sure you could use shorter ribbon, loops, or a velcro closure.)

Pillow case + ribbon = easy tie on storage! No more explanation needed!

Comforter "Bean Bag" Chair: Tutorial

Step one: Find a twin comforter that you don't want/use/whatever!



(Hey, I know that this picture needs to be rotated but I have NO IDEA why it rotated this way! It looks "correct" on my PC but, I don't have any idea why blogger rotates it. Any help would be greatly appreciated!)

Step two: Fold in half "hamburger bun" not "hot dog" style. Cut along the fold so that you have two equal halves.


Step three: Fold into thirds, mark where the folds were, and cut through both halves at each mark.



Step four: Take one of the rectangles (you should have six) and fold it in half. Then fold in half again.



Step five: Cut/round the open edge. Be sure not to cut the folded edge. Check out the next picture before you start cutting!



This is what it should look like after cutting/rounding. Repeat for all six rectangles.



Step six: Take two of your pieces, right sides together and sew from one "point" to the next "point." be sure to take into consideration which fabric you want to face out. My comforter was reversible so, I alternated which side faced out. When you are sewing, be sure to catch all of the layers, including batting, with the sewing machine.



Step seven: Add on anther piece, being sure to sew right sides together. Make sure that your "points" line up as closely as possible. Continue to add pieces. On the last piece, leave yourself about 5 or 6 inches open. You will want to be able to turn it right side out.




Step eight: Turn and fill with your desired stuffing. Foam, poly-fill,
bean bag beans, old blankets, or another comforter. It is up to you! Once filled, hand sew the opening closed that you used to turn it!



I still have to stuff mine so, here it is looking a little bit sad and deflated! ;-) I'll be sure to add a picture of it filled asap! Maybe even a few with the Stink Bug sitting on it looking at books although, she seems to already be fascinated with sitting on it without the stuffing!