Tuesday 15 January 2013

Heirloom jumper into heirloom hot water bottle cover


I was rushing the washing and I shrank my jumper. This jumper I inherited from Q who had already shrunk it once so it had gone from fitting a 6'6'' man to a 5'3'' woman. Now, after a dip in a hot washing machine part deux... I doubt that it would probably fit an 8 year old.

Hot water bottle time...

Did you know, if you wash an old jumper on a high heat and if you cut the woolen material and it doesn't fray- it is felted? True. 



So I used a pattern that I had made a while a go for a envelope style hot water bottle cover and marked on the jumper the outline of the three pattern pieces.

I cut out the pieces (with a shake of my hands and a clench of the teeth)


For a bit of colour, I chose yellow as a contrast colour to the grey. Using a strip of bias tape I simply bound the visible top flap of the envelope. I then sewed the three pieces together ensuring that the visible flap was indeed that- visible and not on the bottom of the envelope (easily done). I used yellow thread for this part on a slight increased tension so it would be slightly visible on the right side. 

I love the colour combination of yellow and grey at the moment. 




To complete, I added a yellow button and some piping elastic to close the bottle.







I really love this and as the weather is officially 'Hot Water Bottle Weather' at the moment, its getting loads of use. I love the fact that it has given new life to what was essentially an old jumper and will now be used and admired everyday again. 

In other news: 


  • I'm pregnant! Expect a myriad of posts of me trying to make my own clothes, toys and quilts etc through this period. Tips, pattern change ideas and patterns are MORE than welcome...
  • I'm back! After a 3 month break from blogging, sewing (for myself) and all such things.. I am happily back sewing again. No more doing bits and bobs for other people. I simply wasn't enjoying doing it (except the money!). 

Bundana 

X


15 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. The poor charity shops near me, that's all I can say!

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  2. Terrific way to give a new life to an old object and CONGRATS! When are you due?

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  3. Love the hot waterbottle cover. Great idea, and GREAT NEWS! Congratulations. :)

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    1. Thanks so much! I am very happy with it and its inspired me to get cracking on with some more bits and bobs... Old jeans quilt cover...I need this for our bedroom :D http://creativechicksatplay.blogspot.ie/2008/05/denim-quilt.html

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  4. Congratulations!! What a shame about the jumper, but what a brilliant way to re-use it. :)

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  5. Oh my goodness, congratulations!!!! You and every other sewing blogger out there it seems haha! What water are you ladies drinking?! I love your little water bottle DIY, great upcycle! I can't wait to see what other things you make for yourself in the coming months :)

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    1. hahaha, I am going idea crazy... shame about the action... takes me ages to procrastinate!! I am now officially excited... after crying for 2 weeks solid about the CHANGE... Oh the CHANGE of it all! hahaha X

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  6. Lovely to have you back blogging
    L O V E the grey and yellow combo and big Woop woop to the next generation of mini sewers!

    Happy sewing xxx

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  7. This looks super snuggly and warm! Toasty win :D

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  8. That's so cute, and congratulations on your news. x

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  9. Nice to see you back - and congratulations on the bebe!!

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  10. I LOVE this, it looks great all finished with the pops of yellow. Congrats again on the babban, looking forward to hearing about all your adventures x

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