creative jewish mom

No-Sew Fleece Doll Blanket Craft For Kids And Adults

Ta-da, I took the box with all my fleece scraps down from the attic, and quickly whipped up this adorable no-sew fleece doll blanket as a gift for a beloved three year old, to keep her baby dolls warm. The great thing about fleece is that it doesn't unravel, so like felt it is the perfect fabric for no-sew crafts. It is true, there are many qualities of fleece out there, but for projects like this one, why not just use that $2 fleece blanket from the dollar store, and use the rest to make some wraps, scarves, or even a full size baby blanket? In this case the polka dot fleece is very thin, and the red fleece is much thicker, so the two layers makes a nice blanket, and just as cute as can be, right? This project is great for kids, with assistance, or without for those say ten and up, as perfection is not required for great results. Let's get crafting, shall we?

Fleece Scraps Pouch For Kids Is Perfect For Holding Magnifying Glasses!

Last week just before my favorite little four year old was to arrive for a visit, I quickly whipped up a pouch to hold the magnifying glass I had promised him on his last visit. And of course since I love giving the kind of gifts that are truly exciting and will be used, I made a pouch with a strap so that it could be worn across the body, and added straps to the magnifying glasses so they could be worn around the neck, for convenience and because the largest magnifying glass is actually glass, and keeping it safely around the neck does seem like the best way to keep it intact!

The good news? The gift was so well received that it was worn constantly for a few days, yippee!  Ah yes, and for those of you who have been following me since Chanukah 2015, well, yes I actually made this pouch back then, and called it quick and cute fleece gift pouch.

And I will say, I was so thankful to come across this lone pouch that was for some reason hanging around with no tie, as I was able to refashion it for this project with minimal time committment, which was the only way to go just before receiving house guests! Want to make one or several to give to the little explorers in your life? Let's get started!

Giant Lonestar Quilt Using Fleece

Ta da, here is the first quilt I have ever made, a giant lonestar quilt using fleece. Which really means a quilt made of just two giant lonestar quilt blocks with a deep border to make the blanket twin bed appropriate. I made this fleece quilt using fleece scraps and some fleece throws that were sitting around collecting dust, and I just love the results. Okay, I can't say that actually quilting together the front and back went smoothly, nor is the quilt flat as it should be, but for a first try, I'm going to give myself a break!

Ever seen those gorgeous quilting blogs that hang their quilts in their lovely backyards on a picket fence amidst green grass, or in some other picturesque location? Well my friends, things just generally don't look like that here in the middle east, so I've photographed my quilt on my porch and am thankful for that gorgeous blue sky which certainly compliments my quilt nicely!

Giant Lonestar Quilt Block Using Fleece

When you've been wanting to make quilts for years, and finally take a few baby steps forward with that dream, starting with very simple quilt projects is certainly a good idea, so when I saw a pattern for a giant lonestar baby quilt, wherein the whole blanket is just one traditional quilt panel, I just had to give it a try. And since I was in need of a present for my husband's birthday, I figured I'd make a few panels and make a twin sized quilted fleece blanket! And surprise surprise, I did actually finish the project, so do take a look at my giant lonestar quilt using fleece.

I decided to use fleece because I wanted to make something cozy, and I just love the results! Plus, in keeping with my desire to use up all the fabric and art supplies in my house before buying more (ha, ha), I used fleece scraps and a few old fleece baby blankets that were no longer in use, so much fun! Now at least that box marked "fleece" has been reduced to almost nothing and we have a fun blanket that everyone loves to use on the couch.

Patchwork Fleece Gift Pouch

Patchwork gift pouches sewn from scraps are the perfect little handmade touch, and turn even the simplest little gift into something special. And when they're made from fleece, they're cozy too, which might not seem important for a gift pouch, but the results are really so much fun and perfect for winter-Patchwork gift pouches sewn from scraps are the perfect little handmade touch, and turn even the simplest little gift into something special. And when they're made from fleece, they're cozy too, which might not seem important for a gift pouch, but the results are really so much fun and perfect for winter-time gift giving.

I actually made these striped patchwork fleece gift pouches for my kids for Hanukkah instead of my usual crocheted gift pouches, and the kids loved them, and never guessed that I whipped up three of them in an hour or so. And if you aren't quite as short on time as I was, you can also invest the extra time and make a hidden drawstring, though I actually love the basic craft chord closure that I used here.

No-Sew Fleece Bunting And Garland Tutorial

This year create some fantastic and festive holiday and/or party decorations using just fleece! You can certainly upcycle a garment or blanket, use scraps from a fleece sewing project, or choose to buy some fleece to make these oh so simple fleece decorations! And, since this project was originall created with kids in mind, any one old enough to use a ruler and mark dimensions can certainly join in the fun.

And of course, don't be afraid to customize this project with some added details like buttons, pom poms, embroidery, crocheted elements, beads, you name it!

 
And while you're at it, why not whip up a bunch, as these garlands would make great homemade holiday gifts as well, don't you think? (Not to mention that they'd be the perfect little surprise to send in the mail to loved ones!) So gather your supplies and follow my step by step tutorial below, and don't forget to let me know how it goes!

You'll Need:

• fleece, several colors (this project can also be done using felt)
• ribbon - only necessary if you don’t enough fleece long enoughmasking tape
• a ruler or tape measure
• a marker

The banners I‘ve shown you here are made by simply cutting the desired shapes from fleece, cutting some slits at the top of the shapes and threading them onto a fleece chord or length of ribbon. For the best results, you’ll want to make your shapes equally sized, which requires a little bit of measuring for the sake of precision, but it’s well worth the extra effort.

To make the fleece cord: Cut long pieces of fleece that are roughly 1/3 to 1/2” inches high, and as long as your fleece allows. To make longer fleece chord simply staple or glue several lengths together, and hide the join behind one of the shapes.

To make fleece triangles that are 3” wide at the top and 4” high, follow the steps below:

No-Sew Fleece Garlands and Bunting Banners For The Holiday Season!

Great news, I now have the perfect answer to that voice in your head that wonders whether you should hang on to little scraps of fleece left over from all your fun fleece crafting? The answer is YES, because look dear readers, one can use them to make adorable garlands and bunting banners, yippee!

And by scraps, I also mean long strips, as the banners above were made entirely from fleece!

While fleece isn't stiff like felt, one can in this case use it in a similar way by cutting simple shapes, and I've even come up with a simple technique to make it a very kid friendly craft as well, which I'll be sharing with you next week. So in the mean time, gather together your fleece, and check back on Monday for the step by step guide.

Happy crafting!

 

 

No Sew Fleece: A Super Simple Doll Blanket Kids Can Make Too!

The cooler weather has arrived, and suddenly the desire to craft has hit me like a storm, which means it is certainly a great time to share with you some no sew fleece crafts! Lets start with this super simple and adorable fleece doll blanket, that is a great fleece craft for kids as well, and of course, once you get the hang of it you can make blankets in any size you like!

Do check out my no sew fleece crafts in the archives for a ton of fun projects as well!

No Sew Fleece Paneled Scarf Kids Can Make!

Here's a super simple no sew fleece scarf craft that's great for the whole family. And with my simple step by step tutorial, it's great for kids too. So grab some fleece in your favorite colors, and make a bunch to keep you warm until spring!

You'll Need:

• fleece, at least two colors, 1/4 yard each
• sharp scissors
• masking tape
• a ruler or tape measure
• a marker

How To:
The scarf I will be showing you how to make here measures roughly 6” wide and 64” long, though you can choose to make a longer or even wider scarf by simply experimenting with the size of the panels while still using the same technique. The blanket is made by quite simply tieing together equally sized panels via fringe that you will cut on all sides of each panel. It really is as simple as it sounds, and tieing the fringe, even for a large blanket goes quite quickly.

No-Sew Fleece Puppet Craft For Kids!

Fleece no-sew puppets are a great way to learn about crafting with fleece, and the results are so cute you or the kids can make enough to put on a great puppet show. One of the most important things to consider when crafting with fleece is that you’ll need a pair of really sharp scissors that cut easily through the fleece. If you’re having trouble cutting the fleece, please don’t waste your time, get some scissors that will do the job effortlessly!

Supplies:

• fleece, at least two colors
• sharp scissors
• a marker
• all purpose craft glue

How To:
Before you begin, decide whether the puppets you’ll be making are for you, or a child or for someone with a bigger or smaller hand. A puppet that is a little on the small side can be used by someone bigger by placing it on just a few fingers, though a puppet that is way too big won’t be so fun for a little child to play with. So, choose your hand, or some else’s hand to take measurements. (How about making one sized for Mom or Dad so they can use it for bedtime stories, or make a set for a little brother or sister, shhhhh, it can be a surprise!)

Step 1:
Place your hand on top of your piece of fleece and trace around your hand. Do use a marker that is close in color to the color of your fleece. I used red so that you could see it, but it may show on your finished product, so if you are using grey fleece, use a grey marker.

Step 2:
Draw a second line about 2 1/2 inches outside the first line. 

Step 3:
Using that first piece as your guide cut around it to make a second piece of fleece that is the same size.

Step 4: Cut out the piece of fleece on the second line. Try to cut just inside the line so that there won’t be any marker lines on the edge. Place your piece of fleece on top of a second color, or if you prefer on top of a piece of fleece that is the same color.

Step 5: Now it’s time to cut some fringe. Cut fringe by cutting from the edge just up to the inside line. This doesn’t have to be perfect, so just do it by eye. We’ll learn how to make fringe that is uniform in size in a future project.

Step 6: Now for the fun part, tying the fringe together! Starting at one of the bottom corners, simply tie the two matching pieces of fringe together using a double knot.
•Tie all your knots using the same steps. Namely, If you start by putting the piece of fringe in your right hand over that in your left, so tie all the knots in this way.
•Make sure to only tie using the matching pieces, or you’ll end up with a slightly crooked puppet and some extra ends sticking out where they shouldn’t.

If you would like to make a puppet like the blue example who only has hair on the top of his head, tie the fringe together on both sides, according to the photo, and then turn the puppet inside out and tie the remaining fringe, which willl be his hair. If you would like to make a puppet like the green example, just continue tying around the entire perimeter.

Step 7:  Now its time to make faces for you puppets, and give them some life! Cut out pieces of fleece for eyes, nose and mouth and affix to puppet with craft glue. Eyes look the best when they’re made from two layers, right?

•I used pieces of fleece to do this, but you can also experiment with buttons, felt, tiny pom poms or any other craft supplies you might have on hand.

Step 8: Let’s use our creativity!
The steps I’ve outlined for you are just a beginning. You can make puppets in many shapes and sizes using these simple steps. Try making really long fringe for some wild hair that you could even braid, give your puppet a funny hair cut, or even a tail!