Bring Your Own Bedding (BYOB) With These Clever Blanket Upcycles
- Words by Emma Mulholland
Doona days are great but not every day can be a doona day. A blanket, however, is different: thrift yourself a quality wool throw and it can take you places that no doona ever could (the office, for example, if you’re crafty about it). There are many clever folk making fabulous fits from beloved blankets – wool versions tend to last a very long time, so they’re perfect for upcycling.
If you don’t have any old blankets in your cupboards waiting for a makeover, there are often plenty of preloved ones for sale in thrift stores. For top quality, keep an eye out for heritage brands like Onkaparinga and Waverley Mills; if your op-shop has already been raided, there are plenty of vintage sellers on social media, Etsy and eBay (expect to pay between $20 and $100).
Being the good sorts we are, we’ve trawled the internet to find snuggly sewing inspiration for your vintage bounty, plus shoppable makes to keep you nice and toasty for the wintery days ahead.
above RUBY RAISIN
UNDER COVERS
If you like the look of these very smart cocoon coats by Sydney label @Ruby_Raisin_, you’d better get on the email list – fresh drops have a habit of selling out in minutes. Or follow the lead of @BritaSews and @Rhi___Made and get DIYing. (In case you didn’t spot it, Rhi’s velvet-lined make is based on the #PeppermintButtonUpJacket. Click here for the pattern – it’s free!).
HOT PROPERTY
If you can’t get away with wearing your bedding to work, you could always try smuggling one of these blanket-cover cuties under your jacket. We reckon these hot water bottle covers by stitchy stores @My_CreativeFinds and @Mop_And_Dolly are just adorable, but you could also go wild and stitch yourself (or someone small) this lovely whale by Twig + Tale (we can’t promise this one will go unnoticed in the office).
SNUG AS A BUG
Is there anything sweeter than a sleeping child? Nope. But you can wrap a very-much-awake child in a warm-and-fuzzy blanket coat and hope for an impromptu nap. We love these styles by professional stitchers Karyn Kong @Eva.Mei.Vintage.And.Modern, Jane @LilPopet and Carol Knudsen @deer.and.sparrow.
IN STITCHES
Where there are blankets, there ought to be blanket stitch. Bonus points if there are also multiple shades (à la sewist and stylist @InannaSolveig) or infinite layering possibilities (à la this vest by UK maker Elizabeth Cake @A.Circular.Story and this shift dress by Wagga Wagga maker Janine Middlemost @Middlemost).
POCKET PARTY
Polly Pockets, Pizza Pockets, pocket rockets… we’re yet to meet a pocket we don’t love. We’re particularly enamoured with the generous side pockets on the shacket UK sewist @LouisaMiriamSmith crafted from her nan’s wool blanket. She writes: “My grandmother always loved to know I had warm clothing to wear, so I think she would be pleased with this transformation.” In other pocket finds, we have the cosy laptop covers of Bel Dowde @RambleFolkCo and this sweet duffel bag @EllaWidmer_ made with help from sewing teacher @Shaye_Hardisty.
TIME FOR TWEE
A couple of these blanket cushions would do quite nicely in a rambling English manor. For maximum effect, be sure to style with leaf tea and high-brow literature. We heart these makes by (from left): Cindy Choua @WonderWhatYouWere, Gemma Cutts @PaperCuttsDesigns and Wendy Doughty @My_Random_Makes.
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IT’S HERE! 🎉
Our fabulous new website is now live. To say we’re excited about this is an understatement.
Last year we were extremely excited to receive funding from the Meta Australian News Fund, in partnership with the Walkley Foundation. The result is this incredible new website from the amazing Amy and Jenny at @CrumpetClubHouse - massive round of applause! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Early next year we’ve got a sustainable fashion and sewing directory coming after YEARS of wanting to make it happen - we’re still working hard behind-the-scenes on that.
Go have a play on our new website and let us know what you think! And while you’re there, snap up a subscription or a sewing pattern… perfect for the gifting season!
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“Crafting is something that has come naturally since I was small and I just haven’t stopped. When I was smaller, I was interested in the end result. As I’ve gotten older, I realise it’s the process that keeps me coming back to craft. It’s a meditative state for me and I find the repetitive action of the stitching and felting quite therapeutic.”
Craving a world filled with warmth and whimsy? It’s all in a day’s work for textile artist @Cat_Rabbit, whose latest book, ‘Trinkets’, is bursting with felty food friends to make and cherish. Cat invited us into her universe, filled with cheeky characters, layered storytelling and loads of humour.
Plus: try the super sweet pattern for Cat’s Lucky Pickle, perfect to make as a stocking stuffer, extracted from Trinkets.
Read more from our ‘Just felt right’ feature in Issue 64, at newsagents and stockists now!
Photos: Tatanja Ross @On_JacksonStreet and Cat Rabbit
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Our hearts go out to everyone impacted by the Bondi Beach violence, especially the Jewish community. Also to the beachgoers, those who bravely helped and the first responders.
While it`s easy – and understandable – to get caught up in the horror of it all and direct anger at certain groups, remember this quote from teacher and author Erin Gruwell: "Don`t let the actions of a few determine the way you feel about an entire group."
“You don`t fight racism with racism. You fight racism with solidarity," said Bobby Seale of the Black Panthers. And solidarity is exactly what we need right now.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, you are not alone. Remember there is much more kindness in the world than hate. ❤️🩹
@LifelineAustralia has created a Bondi Beach Incident: Wellbeing support guide, where you’ll find information about common reactions, reassurance that what you’re feeling is valid, and ideas for taking care of your wellbeing.
https://lifeline.org.au/bondi-incident
You can also call Lifeline on 13 11 14, text on 0477 13 11 14 or chat at lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat anytime, no matter how this has impacted you.
@BeyondBlueOfficial is also available with free 24/7 support by phone on 1300 22 4636 or webchat at https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
Register.Find.Reunite. has been activated by @RedCrossAu to help people reconnect with family and friends. Visit redcross.org.au to access the service.
@NSWPolice Public Information and Inquiry Centre (PIIC) is operating 24/7 on 1800 227 228 for information relating to people impacted.
@LifeBloodAu is supporting Sydney hospitals. O- and O+ blood are always in high demand in emergencies. To donate (from anywhere in Australia – all states are welcome and helpful!) call 13 14 95 or use the Lifeblood app.
Just a reminder… from @SugarHouseCeramicCo
This holiday season be kind, patient and shop local!
#ShopSmall #ShopLocal #SupportSmallBusiness
✨️ Our website is getting a glow-up! ✨️
Sorry for the inconvenience but it will be offline for a few days. You can still purchase subscriptions (perfect for chrissy presents!) via the links on the holding page.
Last year we were extremely excited to receive funding from the Meta Australian News Fund, in partnership with the Walkley Foundation. The result of this is a fabulous new website, with a sustainable fashion and sewing directory that will follow early next year. We`ve worked with the lovely Amy and Jenny at @CrumpetClubHouse who have been making the magic happen – we can`t wait to show you the outcome! ✨️
In the meantime, please get in touch if you need help with anything – hello@peppermintmag.com
We`ll see you on the other side! 🌈
🎀 12 DAYS OF XMAS GIVEAWAYS 🎀
🎄On the 12th day of Christmas, we’re giving away… a GREENPAN FROST ICE CREAM & FROZEN DRINK MAKER! 🎄
Ice, ice, baby! Calling all kitchen magicians and dessert devotees: it’s time to churn, blend and devour your way to frozen heaven. It’s our final giveaway – and hoo girl, it’s a goodie! Thanks to the clever folks at @TheOriginalGreenPan.Anz, one reader will cool their mitts on the Frost Ice Cream & Frozen Drink Maker – perfect for conjuring up home-made gelato, sorbet, smoothies, slushies and more!
Valued at $599, the Frost Ice Cream & Frozen Drink Maker is designed with GreenPan’s signature Thermolon™ ceramic non-stick coating, so you can whip up summer-ready sweet treats free of PFAS, PFOA, lead and cadmium.
To snag this frosty prize, follow @TheOriginalGreenPan.Anz and tag a friend in the comments below before midday AEST 15 December! (Australian and New Zealand addresses only, please.) Good luck!
Update: The lucky winner of our final giveaway is @just__for__van - congrats! We`ll dm to get your details. Well done! 🎉
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