Decorating a small blanket
I spied a small woollen blanket in my local charity shop earlier in the year. I think it probably was used as a cot blanket earlier in it’s life. The blanket measures 38 inches x 46 inches, the colour of cream and has a lovely blanket stitch all along the folded edges.
No label on the blanket, but it is wool, and there are one or two nibbled areas from one or two moths.
I have a plan is to turn this old unloved blanket into a usable blanket for the younger grandchildren when they visit – to use in the house, or as a car rug, or to cuddle up with if tired. I will add a soft backing to one side – either a piece of flannel or fleece, and that should prevent the itchy scratchy feel of a woollen blanket that so many of us will be familiar with.
I decided to add some colour to each corner, and perhaps along the sides, throughout the rest of this year, and it may be done for Christmas time. I found my bag of scrap felt pieces and made a few layouts until I was happy with one that provided some colour and interest.
I have stitched these shapes down using my sewing machine. These pieces of felt are left from other projects, and some are prefelt (probably) and are placed with some artistic licence. I used a needle felting tool from Clover (green/yellow) to secure the pieces to the blanket, and I was quite surprised by how well it worked. I also have the fake/copy item (blue).
I continued adding to my layout, trying to give an impression of a little piece of my garden.
To secure the work thus far, I decided to add some water, soap and some friction to ensure that everything will stay well and truly stuck on.
I will continue working on this blanket through the rest of the year, and will show my progress in my posts. I am pleased with it so far, and now I must think of what to do for the next corner. I will also attempt to cover with some wool or embroidery stitches on the areas where some moths have had a lunch or two. A little needle felting and some embroidery stitches should do the trick.
The garden is looking so nice despite all the rain we have had so far this year. Here is a photo of a bumble bee on one of the alliums, no matter how hard I tried he would not stay in one spot, and my beautiful peony with so many blooms, and keeping fingers crossed that they survive the rain.
20 thoughts on “Decorating a small blanket”
This looks like a fun project, Marie. The start you have made is looking good.
Woollen blankets are always great for needle felting. At my first needle felting workshop/lesson, I was given a small piece of blanket to needle fibres into. Then to keep the design I had created (can’t remember what it was though) I was told to put the piece of blanket in the washing machine. It all melded together nicely.
It works if you are making pictures, but it wouldn’t do for your lovely blanket as it would no longer be the soft comforting thing it is at the moment. So your addition of stitches both enhances the images you are creating and secures them against removal by little fingers!
I hope you will keep us up to date with what else you add to the blanket.
Ann
Thank you Ann for your lovely comments.
That’s a great project to pick up and put down Marie and when it’s finished you will have a lovely blanket for your little visitors.
The first bit you’ve done really reflects the garden and would love to see the progression of this project.
The bee is enjoying your allium! The flower of the peony looks so delicate, like tissue paper, and it deserves more than just a passing glance.
Thanks ladies, I’m planning the next corner…
What a sweet transformation!
Thank you.
The flowers .are the blanket so pretty. It has a new life.
Thank you so much for your lovely comment.
It looks like it was a beloved blanket, Marie. How fortunate, it was you that found it! It’s a sign of the times, that beloved treasures are popping up in thrift stores. The younger generation doesn’t want any of the things we’ve lovingly kept for them. Brian and I inherited my parents collection of Waterford crystal, and some very nice pieces of Sterling Silver. My mother was hired on opening day, and worked 25 years for what turned out to be a very successful family business. Every year for Christmas, she would receive a token of their appreciation. In fact, the nicest pieces I have, came from the same family as wedding gifts. I just gasped the other day, seeing a lovely piece on Facebook Marketplace for $20. 😱
Your embellishment is lovely as usual, and I am happy you plan to continue adding to it. Someone, is surely smiling from above, that you found their beloved “Blankie”.
Capi
Oh Capi, thank you so much. You mention Waterford Crystal. My family lived about 30 miles away from the factory, and my sister’s husband worked there – he was a skilled ‘cutter’, the things he made/decorated were stunning, and my sister has quite a number of items that he made – mostly demonstration pieces.
Your peonies and allium are lovely too.
What a great project. Great to relax and work on in little bits. Maybe you could to the 4 seasons, one in each corner? I like blanket to stitch on too. It is what I used for my Name Tag for when I am out and need to be identifiable.
The flowers in your garden are very pretty. I have peonies blooming too. This year is unusual, it is usually blowing a gale and raining hard when the peonies are out and the poor things don’t keep their heads up for long. I have mock orange blooming too and it smells heavenly.
Thank you Ann, yes mock orange perfume is gorgeous, mine is just coming into bloom, I think it is a later variety. The peonies are suffering in the rain though.
Next corner is simmering..
This looks to be the start of a really exciting project Marie. You will have lots of time before Christmas so you can enjoy your process. The grandchildren will love the result – it’s going to be full of snuggly memories as they grow up. Possibly an heirloom piece. Why not!
Your garden is looking spectacular too!
Helene x
Thank you Helene, yes lots of time to finish, and to enjoy changing how the blanket looks too.
What a find for you and your additions are fab. I hope it will provide yet another family with many happy memories.
I too thought immediately of the 4 seasons….something you could then talk about or create stories around for your wee ones.
Looking forward to seeing how it develops.
Ps why does the rain and wind always come when our peonies are in full bloom? Your garden must be a wonderful haven for you.
Thank you Antje. I am trying for a 4 seasons ‘thing’, but reality may well be beyond me!!! Whatever the result I will be happy. I do sometimes think that the peonies just like watching us suffer!
What a fun idea! Maybe do 4 seasons in your 4 corners?
Thank you! Looking forward to seeing how it all works out.
I missed this post somehow Marie, I was out of town and don’t always remember to check. I love your additions to the blanket so far. I am sure it will be well cuddled!