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From: shirleyp
Date: 09-08-2004, 09:43 PM (1 of 14)
| Has anyone made a large rectangle shawl that you can wrap yourself in? The only ones I have found are made with wool blend and I would like to throw it in the washer and dryer. I thought this would be great for the long winter months. Maybe make some for christmas gifts. I'm not sure which fabric would work. Does anyone know what is a good size as well. |
User: shirleyp
Member since: 02-12-2002 Total posts: 352 
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From: DorothyL
Date: 09-09-2004, 08:29 AM (2 of 14)
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Shirley - I spend a good part of the year wraped in a shawl. It is more comfortable than a sweater. I've found that just a plain long strip isn't as good as one that is two rectangles with the long sides sewn together from about the halfway point to one end making a large rectangle that is split half way up. That way the two sides hang from the shoulders on either side in the front when it isn't wrapped around you tight. It gives you more freedom to move your arms. I recommend a good wool blend that washes (cold water) and dries (hanging up) well. But any fabric that is warm and easy to clean is good. And for goodness sake get a bright, cheerful color and/or fun print to fight winter depression!! I bought some wonderful sand colored 100 percent wool crepe when I was in the city to make one out of, but not for around the house. This one is to take the place of a jacket on fall days. I bought 3 yards but will probably only use 2 & 1/2 for the shawl. If you want decorative trim think twice before you use fringe. It can get in the way if you are trying to do something. Good Luck Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: MaryW
Date: 09-09-2004, 09:46 AM (3 of 14)
Shirley, what about stretchy velour? That would be so comfy. 
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: shirleyp
Date: 09-09-2004, 11:46 AM (4 of 14)
| Good ideas. If I understand correctly you just need the width of fabric and then decide how long you want it so it wraps nicely, right? |
User: shirleyp
Member since: 02-12-2002 Total posts: 352
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From: MaryMac
Date: 09-17-2004, 08:48 PM (5 of 14)
One might also think about making the shawl in an "L" shape rather than a rectangle. It could be made with three squares of fabric or a square and two rectangles depending on how much wrap you want. This might allow for a better fit around the back and sides of the neck. 
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User: MaryMac
Member since: 09-17-2004 Total posts: 1 
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From: MaryW
Date: 09-18-2004, 05:59 AM (6 of 14)
Hi MaryMac, welcome to Sew Whats New.  Depending on the fabric and pattern of course, a small pleat in the middle back may also help with fit around the neck. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: Bama
Date: 09-18-2004, 11:43 AM (7 of 14)
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One might also think about making the shawl in an "L" shape rather than a rectangle. It could be made with three squares of fabric or a square and two rectangles depending on how much wrap you want. This might allow for a better fit around the back and sides of the neck. Hmmm... that would make an interesting shawl. I wonder how big the squares should be? by the way, welcome!
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User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000 Total posts: 2116 
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From: sewnfrenzy
Date: 10-22-2004, 12:45 PM (8 of 14)
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I made one of these last year, I'm actually wearing it today. I bought 1 -1/2 yds of nice, mottled maroon fleece. I laid it out so the selvage edge faced me, double folded. Then cut up the center of the fold about 28. Then I simply did a tiny hem and stitched it al the way around. But since it's fleece you really don't have to hem the edge if you don't want to. You could also make the center the wraps around your neck a nice curve by cutting around a dinner plate. Because I'm short and the large cut of fleece I used it hangs to my knees, which I love, a lot warmer than the ones I could get in the stores. I get so many compliments on it, it took me less than two hours and cost about $10. I'm going this weekend to look for some nice fleece prints and colors to make a few more. So much Fabric, so little time.
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User: sewnfrenzy
Member since: 11-06-2001 Total posts: 39 |
From: dlbcpa2b
Date: 10-22-2004, 04:37 PM (9 of 14)
I was going to suggest fleece also.  My mom made a shawl for my sister out of 1 1/4 yds of microfleece. Very warm, very soft, VERY easy! Just one seam to sew. Take the length of the fleece, fold it in half (width wise, not length wise), sew one of the edges closed, leaving a hole big enough to put your head in. Done! And I believe JoAnn's and Hancock both have their fleece on sale.  Dee
In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins--not through strength, but through perserverance.
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User: dlbcpa2b
Member since: 10-20-2004 Total posts: 14 
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From: TammyE.H.
Date: 10-23-2004, 05:50 PM (10 of 14)
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This conversation just made me think that these techniques could very easily be adapted to make a lovely Poncho from fleece. And since ponchos are now coming back to the height of fashion, it's all good. Finally, the fashion industry is starting to realize that women don't all live in Miami beach; and therefore that we need some warmer clothes than skimpy spaghetti straps and miniskirts....  By the way, does anyone know why formal wear is always designed for us to be freezing? 
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User: TammyE.H.
Member since: 08-28-2004 Total posts: 51 
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From: akire
Date: 11-29-2004, 12:40 PM (11 of 14)
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There was a post under sewing/quilting as a business where someone was looking for new ideas for craft shows...don't you think a shawl like the ones you've all described might be of interest? I think I will try to make two for my mom and mom-in-law for Christmas to practice. My mom hates pulling sweaters over her head, and I could add a couple buttons to the front panels and make it long but not fly-away. Hmmmmm.. |
User: akire
Member since: 03-06-2001 Total posts: 61 |
From: hkang2000
Date: 12-01-2004, 10:17 PM (12 of 14)
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Has anyone made a large rectangle shawl that you can wrap yourself in? The only ones I have found are made with wool blend and I would like to throw it in the washer and dryer. I thought this would be great for the long winter months. Maybe make some for christmas gifts. I'm not sure which fabric would work. Does anyone know what is a good size as well. A very good L shaped pattern can be found at Timmel Fabrics (http://www.timmelfabrics.com/deirdreponcho.jpg) Hope this helps Holly "The earth laughs in flowers."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson |
User: hkang2000
Member since: 12-03-2002 Total posts: 1 |
From: sewcool72
Date: 12-01-2004, 11:27 PM (13 of 14)
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I was surfing this evening and ran across this poncho. I really like it. I think I'm going to JoAnns this weekend for fleece to make myself and my grandaughter (6 yo) one. I have made her several trying different methods. She loves them. Her favorite one is the one from timmel fabrics that someone had posted earlier. I do alterations for JC Penneys and measured one in the store for the measurements for a child and it was perfect. She came in from school and told me that her friends wanted one just like hers. hmmmm........... Anyway I saw this one and really liked it. http://www.hancockfabrics.com/jump.jsp?itemID=146&itemType=CONTENT Rhonda
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User: sewcool72
Member since: 09-24-2002 Total posts: 19 
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From: sewcool72
Date: 12-01-2004, 11:28 PM (14 of 14)
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That wasn't exactly the right place. Try this. http://www.hancockfabrics.com/jump.jsp?itemID=333&itemType=CONTENT Rhonda Rhonda
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User: sewcool72
Member since: 09-24-2002 Total posts: 19
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