Quick and Easy No Sew Fleece Blanket

Well we are down to the last week before Christmas. And if you are anything like me, you leave everything to the last minute! I realize now I have only a week to finish sewing some gifts, shop and wrap presents, and hopefully get some baking done as well. Ah! 

(Pic used was from World Goth Day facebook page)

Here is a quick and easy gift to make in only a few hours. This blanket is so easy! It's a no sew project perfect for a beginner. Just a bit of scissor work and some tying. That's all!

What you will need: 

2 metres of printed arctic fleece.

2 metres of contrasting arctic fleece. 

Scissors

Tape Measure

Optional:

Large green rotary mat

Large quilting ruler

First step is to lay out the fabrics wrong sides together and then even out the cut ends of fabric to ensure they are straight. 

Remove all the selvedges as well. 

The next step is to cut a 4" square out of each corner. This makes the corners nice and neat and easier to tie as well. 

I laid out the blanket on my green rotary mat and used the grid and the clear ruler to evenly cut the strips into 1" x 4" strips along all 4 sides. 

Then it is just a matter of double knotting all the ties. This will connect the two fabrics together. 

And here is the finished blanket! It was so easy. Two hours max from start to finish. The blanket is super cozy and the perfect size for lounging on the couch with a good book or a movie. 

Wine Bottle Cover Hostess Gift

'Tis the season for Christmas parties! Of course this means you will need a quick and easy hostess gift for all those holiday parties fast approaching. Personally, I love to bring a nice bottle of wine for the hostess. Good wine is always appreciated. And bringing a plain undecorated bottle just seems sort of boring. So I whipped up a few covers for some upcoming parties this holiday season. 

You will need:

1/2 yard of 45" wide quilting cotton. 

Thread to match

1 yard of 1/2" wide matching ribbon. 

First cut out a piece 14" x 16". You should be able to get two of these from a 1/2 yard of fabric. You might want to lay out your bottle of wine to determine the perfect size to cut in case your bottle is larger.

The next step is to pin together the two 16" sides. Sew together with a 1/4" seam using the side of the presser foot for a guide. 

Finger press the seams open and stitch along the one short end. 

Then fold the opposite way and stitch an 1-1/2" away from the point creating a small triangle dart. This creates a box style bottom to the bag. 

The next step is to hem the top of the bag with a narrow 3/8 inch hem. Turn the hem under 3/8" and then turn again 3/8" and top stitch creating the hem for a neat clean finish. 

The final step is to turn bag to right side out. Measure down 3-1/2" inch down from hem and tack ribbon down. Angle the edges of the ribbon with scissors and you're done! 

A perfect quick and easy hostess gift for parties! Of course choosing the right wine is the hardest part. 

Infinity Scarf With a Twist

Make a soft and cuddly Infinity Scarf for Christmas this year. They are a perfect gift for a loved one or you can just make one for yourself! This version of an Infinity Scarf is made from just a half meter of each fabric. They are super easy to make and inexpensive also. 

You will need:

-Half a metre of 60" wide light weight knit or stretch chiffon. 

-Half a metre of 60" wide velvet panne, stretch velvet, or velour. 

-serger or sewing machine with zig zag stitch

-matching thread

-straight pins

First straighten edges of fabric if needed. Lay out fabric and measure. Cut one length of 60" x 20" of each fabric. It is possible to use a 45" wide fabric but you will have to purchase 1 2/3 yards length instead of a half metre. 

Next place the two fabrics right sides together and serge or zig zag the two long 60" sides. You will have a 60" long tube when done. 

Here comes the twist! Lay out the serged tube and twist in the middle so that all the raw edges are together. Be sure to twist so that one side is velvet and one side is knit. 

The next step is a little tricky but worth the effort. You should have 4 raw edges together at the top. Match up three raw edges. You must leave one edge open to turn and finish by hand. You can serge the three layers together on the machine leaving one edge free to turn. 

This is what it will look like after they are serged together. 

The last step is to turn under that last raw edge and hand stitch it closed using a slip stitch. 

Here is what the finished scarf looks like. You can wear it in a single loop or loop it twice around the neck. I have been wearing this one non stop since I made it. It is soft and warm. They make a perfect winter scarf!