handmade holidays- simple flannel shawl
The handmade holiday making has begun! It started with an inspiring post on how to make a no sew shawl from Wee Folk Art (which I found through One Pretty Thing). The shawls are sooooo warm and toasty and so easy to make! They are simple style shawls with frayed edges. These are still a work in progress but here is what we have done so far:
The shawl needs to be a square to fold properly so I used a piece of 46″ x 46″ cotton flannel for each of the 4 shawls. I’m planning on sewing an extra 5 inches onto the precut width and make my shawl 51″ x 51″ for a little roomier shawl, since I could only find 46″ width flannel at the fabric store. I bought the gorgeous 100% cotton plaids for myself and gifts for my sisters. I bought the fun 100 % cotton flannel owl print for the little ladies. However, Fauna is in love with the blue plaid and seems to have adopted mine! I was watching Rob Roy the other night and the women were bundled up in beautiful plaid shawls; I love it that this is something my Scottish ancestors would have made and worn!
We prewashed the fabric; it came out of the dryer already fraying, so we sat down and frayed some more. This was so easy for the little ladies to help me do! I found that I needed to cut the salvaged edges off the plaid print because they wouldn’t fray prior to this. I didn’t have to do this with the owl fabric though.
To fray you simply pull the threads across the fabric.
I am going to sew an inch border around the outside of the shawl to prevent anymore fraying in the dryer when complete. I am finally getting out the sewing machine; I’m up for the challenge and I know it will be very easy to sew a simple stitch following one of the lines of the plaid. Important note: it really depends on your fabric choice on whether you need to sew a border or not. Some fabrics will not fray very much in the washer and dryer. Flannel will, so it is necessary to sew around the border when using flannel.
Really, very simple. Fauna is planning to make some for her friends for the holidays too. Be sure to check out Kimara’s (Wee Folk Art) beautiful post for more tips on making these easy shawls (then be sure to stay a while and check out many other wonderful ideas, it’s a mother/daughter team that is very generous with free patterns and tutorials)!
One last photo of me in my shawl, drawn by Araina! I seriously can’t take it off to finish it, it’s just so warm and comfy!
I will share more handmade holidays as I go along. Happy making!
Oh yes! Definitely something I would love to make. My family is Scot too and I’ve seen some of these beautiful shawls but never knew how to go about making them. You’ve done it again! Thanks for teaching me something new and special. I always love coming here and learning from you. You’re the best! xxoo
I read her post on these as well. They look darling on your kids. I may have to get around to making them for my girls as well.
I wasn’t exactly clear what type of fabric to buy.
This looks easy enough for me to try. I think my mom might like it. Thanks.
What a great idea! I have been trying to think of gifts for the women in my family. This is a wonderful idea, I think i may embellish the edges a bit to make them “fancy”. What fun..
Pretty, pretty, pretty! I could use one of these – it’s gotten so cold lately! I’m sooooo not ready for winter.
love, love, love. i will need to bookmark this so I can make some of my own!
Those shawls look so super cozy! I too am thinking about what I will be making for Christmas presents. Christmas is extra fun and exciting when I give homemade things! love, Beth
Those are really cute! I love the owl-y fabric. I bet the flannel really stays put on your shoulders too instead of slipping off like some shawl fabrics. Very cool!
Thank you for the reminder about One Pretty Thing! I’d lost my link to them.
Those shawls look lovely. And we have a need for shawls – or down coats – right now. Grrr.
great idea. your little models are too cute! happy week lisa!
i love handmade holidays and reading all about what people are making, but too many people i gift to read my blog, so i can only offer sneak peeks and no information, which does no good to the people wanting ideas for what they should be making! thanks for sharing yours! i like your warning to your sisters!
nicola
http://whichname.blogspot.com
Great project for a cold, rainy day at home! Thanks for sharing.
those are fantastic!!
Those shawls are great! I love the little drawing that your daughter made of you.
Your sisters are SO peeking right now.
Punky, you make me laugh all the time! You are probably right!!!
Very nice! These will be wonderful gifts. I love to wear old flannel shirts.
I bet these shawls are so cozy!
I’m starting on handmade gifts too, knitting wool caps and embroidered towels.
Oh I could have used one these this weekend… it was cold and rainy!
The shawls are fantastic
It is time to start thinking about my handmade holiday gifts.
Wow, those are beautiful! What wonderful gifts. I have GOT to find time to do this one. You just reminded me how excited I was about these last year.
Mmmm, great idea!
We’re making gift baskets this year, a shawl or two would be a lovely addition to some of our baskets!
I know that they are so addicting to make… and wear!!! Beautiful. I love using flannel. I hadn’t thought of using flannel. I would definitely zigzag that fringe… it will probably fray a lot. Have fun and I’ll be linking our Facebook page here!