#61: Sewing to Keep Warm

Today’s episode is another installment which looks at using sewing skills to save money. With the rise in energy and fuel costs, many of us will be keeping the heating off in our homes as much as possible this winter. So how can we use our sewing skills to keep the chills at bay? I answer this question by sharing clothing, accessories and homeware projects we can make to keep our bodies and our spaces as toasty as possible. I discuss how costs can be kept down further by utilising the wealth of free patterns and tutorials out there, as well as tips for using second hand textiles and including items you might already own. 

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Find the full road test review of the free Applegreen Cottage neck warmer project on my blog.

Clothing:

Free patterns for adults:

DIY Pattern Free Cardigan Tutorial by The Stitch Sisters. 

Slouchy Cardi Pattern by Peppermint Magazine. 

image source: Peppermint Magazine

West End Jacket Pattern by Peppermint Magazine.

Jersey Dress Pattern by Peppermint Magazine.

Paid-for patterns for adults:

LB Pullover Pattern by Paper Theory.

Toaster Sweaters Pattern by Sew House Seven.

Marlo Sweater Pattern by True Bias. 

Kinder Cardigan Pattern by Wendy Ward/MIY Collection. 

Jamie Cardigan Pattern by Ready to Sew. 

Nikko Top & Dress Pattern by True Bias. 

Lots of men’s and masculine style patterns can be found at Thread Theory Patterns.

Free patterns for kids:

Raglan Hoodie Pattern for 0 months - 6 years and 7 - 14 years by Brindille & Twig. 

Crewneck Sweater Pattern by Bobbinhood. 

Ballet Wrap Cardigan Tutorial by Oliver + S. 

Cardigan for Girls Pattern by Fleece Fun. 

Brands for paid-for kids’ patterns:

• Brindille & Twig
• Misusu Patterns
• Waves and Wild
• Ikatee

Quilted jacket patterns:

Tamarack Jacket Patterns by Grainline Studio. 

Read about my Tamarack Jacket project on my blog. 

Molly Jacket Pattern by Fibre Mood. 

Absolu Jacket Pattern by Atelier Scammit. 

Hovea Jacket Patterns by Megan Nielsen. 

Bodywarmer patterns:

Irma Bodywarmer Pattern by Fibre Mood. 

1499 Bodywarmer Pattern by Simplicity. 

Everyday Waistcoat Pattern by New Craft House. 

Trailblazer Vest Pattern and many others for adults and kids by Twig and Tale. 

Vienne Vest Pattern for kids by Ikatee. 

image source: Ikatee

Free underlayer patterns:

SoZo Vest/Camisole/Singlet Pattern by me.

Super Basic Tank Top Pattern by Halfmoon Atelier.  

Arrowsmith Undershirt Pattern by Thread Theory. 

Girl’s Singlet Pattern by Small Dream Factory 

Amber Singlet Pattern by Waves and Wild. 

Ester and Ebbe T-shirt Pattern by Threads by Caroline. 

Adult Leggings Pattern by By Graziela Fabrics. 

Lightning Leggings Pattern by Waves and Wild. 

Free sleepwear patterns:

Movie Night Pajamas Patterns for men, women and children by Sew a Little Seam.  

Walk the Plank PJ Bottoms Patterns for adults and youth by Patterns for Pirates. 

Zero Waste Robe Tutorial by Elbe Textiles. 

Accessories:

Neck Warmer Cowl Scarf Tutorial and Template by Apple Green Cottage. 

Parkwood Cosy Cowl Pattern by Wendy Ward/MIY Collection. 

image source: Wendy Ward/MIY Collection

The Rutland Collection ebook Wendy Ward/MIY Collection. 

Harald Beanie Hat Pattern by Melilot. 

Free Beanie Hat Pattern by Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom. 

Free Slipper Pattern and Tutorial by Melly Sews. 

Free Slipper Boots Pattern by Tilly and the Buttons. 

Reusable Hand Warmer Tutorial by I Can Sew This. 

Homeware:

• Microwavable rice packs as warmers for beds, laps etc.
• Quilts and lap quilts.
• Draft excluders for doors and windows.
• Quilted blinds or curtains, or line existing blinds and curtains. Check out this post from Tiny House Blog for more information. 
• Rag rugs.

Listen to episodes #18: Rag Rugging with Elspeth Jackson and #27: Zoe & Julia Go Rag Rugging to learn about using fabric scraps and unwanted clothing to make rugs. 

Megan Nielsen has produced a video tutorial on how to make a braided (plaited) rag rug.