There's something very satisfying about making something you're going to wear from scratch. This workshop teaches you how to do exactly that: to upcycle a woolen blanket to make a coat that will keep you toasty warm during the winter.
You'll learn the whole process: sizing the coat to your own body, cutting it out and then sewing it together by hand. You’ll be able to add finishing touches including buttons (which you could make from felt) and trims (from naturally dyed fabric).
The pictures show a coat I made from an Eastern European army blanket I found in an army surplus store for £30. If you can source a larger blanket you can make a longer coat and add a hood. I live on a narrowboat and this coat keeps out the wind, rain and reliably keeps me warm if I arrive home and the boat is cold. (Capote’s traditionally have a hood but my blanket wasn’t large enough to add one for this.)
Saturday: Decide how to design your coat using the blanket you have and cut it out. Sew the shoulders together, cut out the arms and sew them into the coat.
Sunday: Check the fitting and add the hood and sash. Decide on any trim, buttons and embroidered decorations and apply them.
This is a participatory, hands-on course where you’ll have a chance to learn by doing in a collaborative, fun atmosphere.
What you will need: Bring a wool blanket that's tightly felted or 'boiled wool. It needs to be dense enough that if you tug a cut edge, the fibers don't pull apart or fray. Avoid loosely woven wool blankets, tartan/plaid throws, or anything you can see individual threads in since those will unravel once cut.
What you will take away: a blanket coat made to your size.
No experience necessary.
“Very clear with good examples and helpful instructions” Joane
“She is very good at both ‘showing’ and ‘telling’, ie she does both in a way that together with repetition, means you remember what she teachers.” Arlène
“Brilliant. Very informed and enjoyed the storytelling aspects. Quickly felt empowered to continue independently.” Olivia
There's something very satisfying about making something you're going to wear from scratch. This workshop teaches you how to do exactly that: to upcycle a woolen blanket to make a coat that will keep you toasty warm during the winter.
You'll learn the whole process: sizing the coat to your own body, cutting it out and then sewing it together by hand. You’ll be able to add finishing touches including buttons (which you could make from felt) and trims (from naturally dyed fabric).
The pictures show a coat I made from an Eastern European army blanket I found in an army surplus store for £30. If you can source a larger blanket you can make a longer coat and add a hood. I live on a narrowboat and this coat keeps out the wind, rain and reliably keeps me warm if I arrive home and the boat is cold. (Capote’s traditionally have a hood but my blanket wasn’t large enough to add one for this.)
Saturday: Decide how to design your coat using the blanket you have and cut it out. Sew the shoulders together, cut out the arms and sew them into the coat.
Sunday: Check the fitting and add the hood and sash. Decide on any trim, buttons and embroidered decorations and apply them.
This is a participatory, hands-on course where you’ll have a chance to learn by doing in a collaborative, fun atmosphere.
What you will need: Bring a wool blanket that's tightly felted or 'boiled wool. It needs to be dense enough that if you tug a cut edge, the fibers don't pull apart or fray. Avoid loosely woven wool blankets, tartan/plaid throws, or anything you can see individual threads in since those will unravel once cut.
What you will take away: a blanket coat made to your size.
No experience necessary.
“Very clear with good examples and helpful instructions” Joane
“She is very good at both ‘showing’ and ‘telling’, ie she does both in a way that together with repetition, means you remember what she teachers.” Arlène
“Brilliant. Very informed and enjoyed the storytelling aspects. Quickly felt empowered to continue independently.” Olivia
