Fleece Toddler Slippers Tutorial and Pattern: Size 7/8

Without Tabs

Thanks for being patient as I've put this pattern together.  The pattern, I'm sure, is less than perfect, but hopefully it will be helpful as you make some warm slippers for your favorite little feet.

First things first.  You will want to go and print off the pattern pieces.  You can download the pattern here, this is an updated file so hopefully you won't have any problems with it. You will want to make sure that you print the pattern pieces without scaling the images.  There is a one inch test square on each pattern paper, check it to ensure that it is scaled properly. (Slipper size 10/11 here, slippers size 5/6 here-See original pattern for pattern marking key).

With Tabs

                                    

On the pattern  you will notice a dashed line that runs along the slipper upper "tongue".  I decided to try out the slippers without the tongue/tab, because I thought that it might make the slippers a bit more gender neutral.  If you decide to make the slippers with the tongue, follow the basic instructions below, following the shape of the shoe as you stitch.  If you choose to sew the slippers without the tab, simply clip off the extra tab when cutting out your pattern pieces.

Find the full tutorial below.

Upcycled Knit Mittens Tutorial

I had a bit of sweater knit left over after my Men's Sweater to Toddler Cardigan refashion.  I am a bit of a fabric scrap hoarder, and had hopes that I could put the remaining bits and pieces to good use. 

I think that I found the perfect project for small scraps of knit: mittens.  It seems that you can never have enough pairs of mittens. Like socks, it seems like they are frequently separated from their other half.  

Read more to learn how to make your own pair of sweater knit mitts.

Fleece Toddler Slippers

It seems that I always have cold feet.  In the winter I live in knee high socks and slipper socks.  Clark, on the other hand, hates wearing socks if he doesn't have shoes on.

To solve that problem I used up some of the fleece that I had in my fabric stash, and made some nice slippers for Clark's cute little feet.

The slippers are my own design, and still have a few kinks that need to be worked out.  This is version number two, but there are some adjustments that I'd like to make to them.  I've considered making up a printable pattern for you, but unfortunately I don't know how to grade patterns.  If I were to come up with one, it would have to be Clark's size, which happens to be a 7 to 8. Let me know in the comments if you'd be interested in that.

The slippers are fully lined with a velcro closure.  They are sure to keep Clark's toes nice and warm.

The slippers are the same basic design as the baby slippers that I pictures back on Wednesday.



Thanks for reading.  I'll be linking here.

Lined Fleece Hat

Yesterday I promised a tutorial for the lined fleece hat that accompanies the fleece neck warmer.  Here it is.  It is fairly easy and fast to make. Now, this hat is almost 100% inspired by Cheri's upcycled t-shirt hats.  I modified her pattern to adjust the ear flaps, and line the hat. I'm not going to give you a full tutorial on the hat itself, but will show all of the adjustments that were made to end up with this. I'll refer you to her tutorial for the basic construction of the hat.

 This is obviously a different hat than the green and brown hat pictured yesterday.  Hopefully it will prove how versatile this hat is. This cream on cream hat was made for the little girl that I babysit during the week.  I love the flowers and the sequins.

 Rather than put a pom pom on the top of the hat, I opted for another flower.  I think that it is a nice touch.

Here's a quick shot of the hat that I made for Clark.

Now onto the tutorial.

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.

Argyle Pull Over

The weather is cooling off and so is our home.   Consequently we spend much of our winters bundled in sweaters and long sleeved shirts.  Many of Clark's sweaters from last year no longer fit him, so I decided that it was time to pull out the sewing machine (not that it is ever really put away).  I was a bit disappointed because I didn't have any sweatshirt fleece on hand, but I am really pleased with the way this top turned out.  I used a solid brown interlock knit, and lined the pull over with the same material which really made it significantly warmer (and allowed me to hide some raw edges between the two layers).

I created the pattern for this top using one of Clark's zip up hoodies.  I simply traced the zipped up bodice pieces along with the sleeves and added seam allowances.  I ended up cutting a slit in the front bodice piece to accommodate the button flap.

 I used a 2/3rds rule for measurement when adding the arm cuffs and waistband, and I am pleased with how they both turned out.  I wasn't sure how much smaller I should cut the ribbed knit for the collar (given that the collar wouldn't be fully closed.  I think that I ended up shortening the  diameter by about  25%.  The ribbed knit along the button flap is cut to the actual length.

I added a little argyle design inspired by this top.  I attached the diamond shapes with fusible pellon, stitched around the shape edges with my machine, and then added the handstitching with embroidery floss. I had planned on putting a large brown button in the center of the main diamond, but Clark decided to hide it from me, so we will have to wait on that.

The pocket on the front reminds me of a pair of little briefs....I might have to rethink the pocket design.

It was a fun little project that was done in a day.  I love one day projects.  I seem to be a bit of an impatient crafter (which explains my issues with knitting, and my fear of quilting).

I'll be linking here today. Thanks so much for reading!