Have you seen those crocheted ear warmers that came into fashion this last winter? What am I talking about…of course you have. Especially if you live in Utah.
I decided I wanted one too, but not crocheted. So I sewed one out of semi-felted wool.
How do you felt wool? Mess it up. Do the opposite of what the washing directions say. Wash it in the machine and put it in the dryer. It should felt right up. If you really want it completely felted, then repeat the cycle a few times until it is to your liking.
I know, I know…it is still summer. With the cold, stormy bout of weather we had earlier this week though, I was inspired to make cold weather crafts. So bear with me.
I had this really cute sweater from delia’s of all places. 🙂 It was from high school and I wanted to change it up into a cardigan to make it a “new” garment. Well…darn it. I washed it in the washing machine. It is 100% wool. It started to felt after just one wrongful wash and just didn’t look right or feel right anymore. I was bummed for a while, but it turns out it worked great for this project so I feel better about it now.
The great thing about this wool is that I know it will keep my ears warm and with it being semi-felted it won’t fray. I didn’t bother fully felting it so it would still have some stretch to it. Do what you like of course.
Another fabric that would work well is fleece.
OK…Let’s get started.
1. Cut a band out as thick as you want and long enough to fit around your head. My band was just shy of 5 inches thick and tapered at the ends. Start wider if you can and put it on your head to get the width you like best.
2. Cut wavy, imperfect flowers of all different sizes and lay them out on the head band until you get a look you like. Stack smaller flowers on larger ones.
3. Hem all sides of the headband with a sewing machine. I folded my hem in about 1/4 inch.
4. Sew a couple of button holes at one end of the band. If you are more patient than I am you will also go to the store to get a matching thread. 🙂 I did two button holes to accommodate what my hair is like. If I need a less constricting hold on my hair-do I can lengthen it.
5. Then flip on the TV, thread your hand sewing needle and sew on your button on the other end of the band.
Then sew all of your flowers. For the flowers I just sewed in the center of each stacked flower a few times. I pulled the stitches tight so that the flowers would pucker in slightly.
Very simple. Pretty fast. It only took an hour total…even with hand sewing and deciding what I wanted to do.
A pretty alternative to a beanie or plain ole ear warmer band. The great thing for me? I can actually wear this kind of “headband” without getting a headache! 🙂 Yessss.
P.S. Please note that this tutorial is to make ear warmers for personal use and not for sale. Thank you!
WOW this so so cute!!!! I can't wait to wreck one of my old sweaters and make one!!
You are so adorable! I love the ear warmer headband.
awesome head band i might have to find the crochet one, u r soo pretty! u look just like my friend who is a model!
wow! this is so neat! And I LOVE the white stitches! It wouldn't look quite as good with gray thread.
oh, I LOVE it soooo much!
YOU ARE SOO CRAFTY OH MY I AM JUST IN AWE OF EVERYTHING YOU DO! 🙂 This is too too cute…did you know I saw this on TV the other day and thought of you instantly…you should do it! http://studio5.ksl.com/?nid=23&sid=12237921
Hi, I've just came from holidays, and I love your blog, and all the new things you have post these days. I follow you via google reader, and I don't leave comments usually, but I just wanted you to know that I still read you… and I hope start soon to do some of your projects and recipes… that chocolate cake… mmmm
cool Delia. it's beautiful and looks so soft and warm. Just lovely!
wow. great job. it's really cute. I came over from Be Different Act Normal. Kelly
Thanks for visiting me over at retropolitan. Hope you don't mind me stopping by as well. I love, love, love this headband. And, as a Utah girl (northern Utah girl) I know one would come in handy soon. I think I'll give her a try. Thanks for the inspiration.
I absolutely LOVE this!! I have thick, curly hair so this would work better for me than a beanie. I am looking for wool to felt right now ;).
I love this! It's so practical and yet amazingly beautiful! I would love to post this on my blog with a link to your blog if you would let me!
Oh, geez! This is the cutest thing ever! It’s definitely going on my to do list. It’s 95 degrees outside today, but that cold weather is right around the corner!
These are so pretty! I love them. Thanks for sharing..and thanks to my sister for sharing the link to you!
Rori
this is adorable – I admire your creativity
and you are beautiful !
thanks so much
Nancy
Thank you Nancy! You are so kind!
What fabulous idea – thank you! I also like the scarf in this photo – is it crochet or knitted? Do you know where I can get the pattern for this? Thank you!
THanks! I actually got this at a thrift store. Sorry I don’t know!