Fleece Neck Warmer

My dad made a few Christmas gift requests this year.  One thing that was on his list was a fleece neck warmer.  When the idea was first suggested I was a bit reluctant, I was already feeling overwhelmed with projects, and didn't know that I wanted to spend my time making neck warmers.  

I have to tell you though, once I started I couldn't stop.  I plan on making at least one more for myself.  I've come up with a few different variations, but I'm going to share the most basic and practical version with you.  This is basically a circular scarf.  It is perfect to throw on quickly when going out to shovel the walk, walk the dog, go for a run, or go cross country skiing.

The top photo shows the colorful neck warmer that I made for Clark.  He is Mr. Independent.  He pulls his new fleece hat and neck warmer on all by himself.

Are you interested in making a neck warmer for yourself?  I'll explain how.  

To get started you'll need: 

1 rectangular piece of fleece.  

Adult dimensions: 24"x20" (24x17" for a shorter version)

Toddler dimensions: 19 1/2"x12"

Sewing Machine

Thread

Hand Sewing Needle

Fold you rectangle of fleece in half, matching up long edges with right sides together. Pin in place.  Machine stitch long edge with 1/4" seam allowance. You will now have a long tube.

Turn tube so that right sides are facing out.

 You are now going to make the neck warmer  into the round. I apologize, because it is hard to describe and photograph this part).To do so you first want to match up the seams of your neck warmer.  Pin seams together (not all four layers of fabric). You will be pinning right sides together.

Continue pinning the two layers of fabric together, working around the tube.  It will become difficult to pin the layers together about half way through. Just pin as much as you can.

You are now going to machine stitch the pinned layers of fabric.  Start about 2 inches before the matched seams, and stitch along as far as you can go. Remove pins as you come to them, and adjust the fabric so that you can align and sew unpinned fabric. You will want to leave a 4 inch opening to turn your tube.

 You should have an opening like this.  It will be on the inside of the neck warmer.

Using a needle and thread, stitch the opening closed, folding in raw edges.

To secure the two layers of fabric, I like to stitch 1/4" away from both edges.

There you have it.  A basic fleece neck warmer.  I used Joann's anti-pill fleece for these projects.  I would have preferred blizzard fleece, which doesn't collect as much lint, or cause us much static charge.

 The larger dimensions create a nice long gator, that can be pulled up around the chin and mouth.  The really help you stay nice and warm when outside in the ugly winter weather. My Father-In-Law told me that he was really glad that he had his when he went out running this past week.

I'll be linking here.  Thanks for reading.  I'll share a short tutorial tomorrow on making these double layered fleece hats.

Logo Art: Miami Heat Watch From CSN Stores

I was recently asked to review a product from CSN Stores.  CSN Stores carries a large selection of different products.  You really can find something for everyone on your shopping list.  You can purchase serger sewing machines, cookware, outdoor gear, toys, bedding, and even shoes and accessories.

 Christmas is less than a week away, and I always have a difficult time selecting gifts for my husband.  He loves to read, but I don't dare pick out a book for him.  He loves music, but we don't always share the same taste.  He also loves basketball.  I would have loved to buy him a season pass to watch the Miami Heat play, but we live in Idaho, and he wouldn't get any use of it (and it isn't really within our price range).  I was thrilled when I came upon this Logo Art  NBA Miami Heat Men's watch. It is a practical gift (which I love), but it is also personal.  My husband will now be able to show his team pride, but without having to wear a foam finger and  Dwyane Wade Jersey.  It is available at CSN Stores, and I couldn't be happier with the purchase.

The watch itself comes with a stainless steel adjustable bracelet.  It has multiple removable links on either side of the watch clasp.  This is very appreciated in our home.  My husband has medium sized wrists, and would drown in the watch if it weren't adjustable.  I am confident that most men would be able to wear this watch.  We removed two links on each side, and adjusted the clasp closure.  It now fits very comfortably on his wrist.  There are an additional two links on either side that could be removed to fit this to a youth size wrist.

I really like the style of the watch bracelet.  I think that it is nice enough to wear with most anything.  The full color dial is sharp, but discreet.  I appreciate that the watch face has the date, and also numerical marking for easy reading of the time.

The watch looks sharp and well constructed.  My husband loves the watch, and can't wait to wear it....after Christmas.

The watch also comes in a nice sturdy storage case.  It will be nice for the watch to have a home when it is not in use.

I'd highly recommend the watch, and shopping with CSN Stores.  I've had a great experience working with them. By the way, it is much cheaper to buy Logo Art products from CSN Stores, than to purchase them through NBA Stores.

Do you have any great guy gift ideas?  It is always hard for me to shop for brothers, fathers, and husband.  Little guys are a bit easier...trucks, trains, and dinosaurs.  Any great crafting gifts for guys?