Tutorial Thursday!

                                                   No Sew Shawl Collar Wrap
What you will need:
-1 yard of fabric
  (any non-fraying fabric like fleece, felt or wool)
-1 large button or decorative pin
-scissors
-hand sewing needle
-thread


      Ok, if you know me, you know I love to sew. But this project has very little sewing. You only need to know how to sew a button on. And if you don't know how to do that, then thats where the decorative pin will work. For example, one of those really cute flower pins that are very popular right now. So since this project is little to no sewing, I thought it would be a good one to start out with. (Plus, its super cute!) This is basically just a large oval of fabric. You can use regular fleece (like the one above), felt, or felted wool. Any type of fabric that won't fray because we are leaving the edges raw and the arm holes raw.  Ok, lets get started. First, I used a large piece of paper to make a pattern. This is not needed if you are going to make just one, but I made several for Christmas gifts, so it was just easier. The width of my oval fabric was 42'' and the length was 35''. I wear a small/medium these days, so you may need to adjust accordingly. The directions are the same if you are starting with a pattern or just going straight to the fabric. Fold the yard of fabric in half length-wise, then width-wise. Cut a quarter circle. Divide your length measurement in half and your width measurement in half and connect the dots with your curve. This will give you an even oval. Unfold your piece of fabric. As you can see, its rather large.

Measure half your width and half your length to find your center point. Measure the widest part of your back (up by the shoulder blades). Cut your arm holes 9''-10'' long in the center of the oval-they should be cut your back measurement apart. My back was 17'', therefore each arm hole was cut 12.5'' in from the edge of the oval. After you have cut your arm holes, fold over the top of the oval 9"-10", because this is the largest part of the curve. Try on your shawl to decide where your button or pin should be placed. As you can see, I added three buttons to mine, but one is fine. The possibilities are endless. Stitch your button in place. Cut two small slits on the other side of your shawl to use as the button hole. You don't have to do a real button hole because the fabric will not fray. Now, try on your new sweater! This is very cozy and warm for the cold winter days! Check out this blog for another version of this tutorial http://thecottagehome.blogspot.com/2010/10/comfy-sews-shawl-collar-sweater.html.