I often tell people that having hobbies is my hobby. It’s like crafting ADD. I start one project and then get interested in something new. I never get great at anything, but I have fun along the way.
For example, I’ve been wanting to learn to crochet for a while (it was a goal in 2009, actually). So, I signed up for a class in January. It was fun and I’ve been trying to make time to practice. And I picked out the most lovely turquoise yarn, it’s yummy. I’m still learning… I cannot quite get the turnaround. (Kellie – can you fly in and help a sista’ out?)
But, then a friend told me about a free motion quilting class. So, the following weekend, I went to that class. We were having fun. Here are photos of Stephanie and I.
But, during the class, a student showed us mittens she made from recycled felted wool sweaters. They looked similar to these lovlies from Etsy seller PlyTextiles.
I know, awesome, right?
Well, by this point I had forgotten all about quilting. Felting sweaters was on my mind. I love the idea that I can make something beautiful and useful out of recycled sweaters from Goodwill.
So, I grabbed the pattern and swung by Goodwill on the way home. I walked out with 10 wool sweaters. π I don’t do anything low-key. I also picked up a fleece blanket to use for the lining of the mittens. Talk about a green project. =)
I looked up instructions to felt, cut them apart and washed them. (Here’s the link to the felting info, Β if you are interested like me.)
They really shrunk up a lot. The sweaters I found included Express, Lands End, Abercrombie, Columbia….I felt a little strange cutting them up.Β These are my favorite sweaters that I found.
This is about the point that everything went downhill.
I tried to make these adorable mittens for which I had a pattern. Colossal fail. They were uneven, lumpy and HUGE. I was torked. But, when I took them apart, I figured I’d put something smaller together to practice. I cut these hearts out to make a little hanging for our front door.
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{ L } says
Those felt hearts are SOOO CUTE!! I want to do one too. π
Freckles Chick says
Only you have the talent to turn a failed project into a success. The hearts color combo is divine!
Grandma Jan says
One more thought – how about a blog challenge – sharing hobbies! It’s a thought. I loved the November and December ‘Dare to Blog’ Challenge and I still visit your blog every week.
Grandma Jan says
This is a great idea – you go girls. I am ALMOST inspired to get out the sewing machine!
micah @ the yellow front door says
I am not as crafty as you… but I like your heart garland! Good luck with the mittens! π
kelliebelle says
We totally need to do a fly-in and have a craft weekend!! We would not sleep! Um, I mean, we would have so much fun!! Looks like you did a great job with the felting, I’ve only tried it a few times. I have a half-felted wool sweater I knitted (it got mixed into the regular wash, opps!) Any chance I can snag the mitten pattern? Is it online?
By the way, I want to learn to quilt SO BAD!
Shelli Ryan says
Love the hearts!
Allison and Jared says
a friend of mine makes these FANTASTICO scarves with felted wool sweaters.. just cuts them up, sews them together with a zig zag and they are set!
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17875877
Leslie says
Oh my gosh…my hobby is having hobbies as well! I can be all over the place – in a good way of course π – so it’s awesome to see that I am not alone!
Mrs. 5C says
haha… I love your diagnosis! I may have to use that one on myself.
The hearts are FABULOUS!!!
Kristen says
Wow I love the hearts!!! What a great idea!!
Ally says
Way to make lemonaade out of that one! I’m sure it’ll work out next time!
Leigh says
That sounds just like me, expect I describe it as “Leigh of all Crafts”. I can do a little bit of different types of crafts, but I’m not great at any one. I always make a big head first jump, make one thing and then move on.
Meredith Travels says
I love the new garland! And I think upcyling (it’s really hard for me to write that without put quotes around it as if it isn’t actually real) is so cool!
And I totally bounce from one crafty interest to another. Sending me into Michael’s is a guarantee that I’ll come out with some randomness and a new found passion is cake decorating! or knitting! or decorating picture frames!
Mrs. Adventure says
Sounds just like me! Soon as I start a project I am thinking of what to do next… Love the upcycle idea but I still have no idea how to sew! Crazy eh?
ashley morgan says
Love the garland! I’m in the process of making a garland with felt circles. We’ll see how it turns out!
Kristi says
I feel the same way. I go out and buy everything I need for my latest project and by the time I get around to it, I am on to the next best idea. Oh well!
Your hearts are adorable! And I am jealous of all of the great wool sweaters you found!
Shannon says
Your not alone. I am exactly the same way. I have multiple projects started… I have what I need to finish them, but I am too focused on finishing a different one. Love the sweater idea though.. now I have one more thing to try. π
Jenny @ Words on Wendhurst says
“My hobby is having hobbies” Love that. I am the same way… although I am not into quilting. But just about everything else. π
That mini garland is adorable!
Emily says
I would say more of a creative mind than crafting ADD…it would never cross my mind to try half the things you do. You are an inspiration.