Gussy Up A Blanket For Fashionable Warmth

As the sweaty days and humid nights of Summer wane away, the changing leaves and cooler breezes of Autumn are vividly upon us. It’s time to bring out the jeans, blankets, sweaters, and all our other favorite layers as the temperatures become more unpredictable than ever. To add a little variety to your seasonal accoutrements, a few stitches can make all the difference. By adding a bit of knitting or crocheted work to your favorite (or recently thrifted) blanket, you can turn it into a stylish coat or shrug.

Recently found on the Berroco website (a fashion yarn manufacturer), two easy patterns are available: a Surplus Blanket Coat and a Plaid Blanket Shrug. Though specific Berroco yarns are mentioned, it is worth noting that few, if any, of their wares are sustainable. Substituting other yarns for these projects is quite simple, and an extensive list of eco-sellers can be found on my website.

Starting with an army surplus blanket (which are often easy to find), the Surplus Blanket Coat simply adds two well-placed sleeves, making this “coat” perfect for relaxing afternoons at home, long car rides, or pleasant mornings on the porch with a cup of tea.

Secondly, the Plaid Blanket Shrug is made from a newly purchased blanket, but you can easily find or make one of similar size with second-hand store gatherings. The addition of a crocheted lapel and cuffs turn this average cozy cover-up into a piece you wouldn’t mind showing off.

These are just two examples of what a few crafty augmentations can do to give your same old items a flash of new life. Use your imagination to extend these projects to pillows, towels, tablecloths, t-shirts, capri pants, and more.

Written by Victoria Everman

I think of myself as a creatively versatile eco-powerhouse. Freelance writer, life-long model, on-camera personality, public speaker, official U.S. spokesperson for Twice Shy Clothing - I'm a classic Renaissance woman and mistress-of-all-trades.

Though my days of growing up in the corn fields of central Indiana are behind me, forgetting where I came from is not an option. I lost my father unexpectedly in March of 2006, months before moving from NYC to San Francisco, which helped to amplify my zest for life and thirst to help change the world.

Perpetually looking for fresh ways to share my unquenchable green knowledge, I blog about everything eco on my own website, as well as for All Green Magazine and select others. Additionally, I am the editor/head writer of Crafting a Green World (part of the Green Options blog network) and a writer/web editor for Building Green TV. My diverse articles have been published in variety of reputable magazines, such as: Yoga Journal, Venus, CRAFT, Yogi Times, Recovery Solutions, M+F, and Office Solutions.

In my spare time, you can find me knitting, reading, singing, taking pictures, practicing yoga, taking long walks, and working on my first non-fiction book. Other random facts about me: I'm a Buddhist, latex fan, have four tattoos, and an attempting locavore.

MOVING TO PORTLAND, OREGON IN JUNE 2008

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