crafty for christmas 2008

mary43

pinkladymel - I thought cobweb chaser was brilliant idea......doing one for my friend......she's disabled and can't always reach the ones that lurk high up.........nor can I for that matter................maybe I should make one for myself................lol

soblivion

Siren137 wrote: »

Hi all!

I've got a question for those who have used/will use the Ikea blankets to make no sew blankets.
I brought some blankets from Primark to make some no sew blankets and my other half has got me thinking. He asked if I was cutting off the overlocking on the blankets then cut the strips. I've got no idea now whether to do this and just wondered if anyone else had overlocking on their balnkets and if they knew what to do with it.

Siren, I had to go back and find your pics but it's so hard to tell from them, are the blankets you bought fleece ones?
If they are my opinion and experiences are trim the blanket stitch edging right off. Otherwise when you cut the edge for the strips the blanket trim will unravel anyway, this will then leave a hole in the fabric where the needle went in. Maybe not too noticeable but you can do without it.
Also remember that a lot of the time factory made items are sometimes not stitched straight in the first place so make sure that you have a straight line to cut off the stitching(do you know what I mean?) If you just cut the stitching off it might not have been straight and then you'll have to cut a straight line again.

If your blankets aren't fleece my own opinion again for what it's worth - abandon the whole idea. Nearly all fabric has some sort of fraying, pilling running going on when cut. This is a no sew project, you'll run into big problems if you just want to cut strips and leave. You'll have to overlock or zigzag stitch on a sewing machine around every cut edge on the strips. There's many of them, I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy.

Have I been any help at all? hope so.

Siren137

Hi Soblivion!
They are fleece material 100% polyester. I can't see anywhere where it would fray if I cut it. They are the same material as a blanket I had that got holes in it which never frayed so I assumed these would be the same (possibly not such a good assumption now)

They only cost two pound anyway so I cut into one and see how it goes lol

soblivion

Brilliant siren, I've never yet had a fleece that's frayed. I just couldn't tell if they were from the pics.
Can't wait to see finished pics as always.

sethsgran

I would cut the edges off as it creates a better look with the fringe being raw edges

Siren137

Hi all!

I've been painting my canvas this afternoon because I don't dare cut the fleece! My laminate ended up blue with paint!! So I've also spent some time wiping the floors so the other half doesn't notice and ask what the hell I've been up to.

Like I said I'm a bit worried about cutting them because I cannot cut a straight line to save my life and my ruler is something I haven't found while unpacking our moving boxes. Hmmmm originally I was just going to cut the thread and pull it out but as Soblivion said I'm worried that will leave big holes in it. Argh! May need to wait for the other half to get home and get him to help me hehe.

sethsgran

Don't worry too much about straight edges, within reason ofcourse, as once the blanket is fringed and knotted the edges don't hang straight Hope I make sense as my family tell me I rarely do.LOL

pinkladymel

There is no fun in making sense

I dont know what these no sew blankets are.. I feel clueless here!! LOL.

mary43 My husband is disabled and i'm 5'4 so I think it is a brilliant thoughtful idea I went to Instore today and saw some pink and purple gardening gloves, 3 pairs for £2 I think.

mary43

Instore ?? Not heard of that one before................oh, pink and purple.............sound just right..........must google and find it......:rotfl:

My shopping list for visiting Mum is getting longer and longer.......must find time to go and see her...............lol


Googled and couldn't find an Instore..............(pulls glum face) Oh well, some things just aren't meant to be...............best I go and pack I think ...........contemplating 'do I need a mac?'............looking at bbc forecaste methinks I do so my 'mac in a bag' is coming with me, plus brolly................lol

melissa75_2

Pinkladymel, as you are such an expert on altered art I wondered where you got your supplies from? I haven't got any paint, don't know where to start, and I was looking for places to get cheap stuff that you alter. Ta in advance!