Do-it-yourself instructions and ideas for making blankets, clothes, and other houshold items out of scraps of fleece.
Measure the sides and front of the toilet tank, then cut a rectangle a couple of inches larger. Attach elastic from the top corner of the rectangle end to the opposite corner, at the opposite end. Now do the same thing for the bottom corners, and you have a nice tank cover. To cover the lid, measure the width and length of the lid, and add three inches each to the width and length. Sew elastic around the edges and you're done. Make a lid cover by simply tracing the size of the lid onto newspaper, then cutting the fleece two inches larger, all the way around. Sew elastic all the way around the edge and your tank set is complete. It's really great to do this project in Christmas or winter themes during those times of the year.
Make a cover-all for baby by cutting a rectangle of fleece, slightly wider and longer than the baby is. Cut a second piece the same size, but put a slit in this piece, a few inches from the bottom to almost the top edge. With right sides together, sew the two pieces together, on all four sides. Now turn the set inside out and pin a zipper in the slit. Now you can drop baby in a quick-zip bag for warmth while outdoors. Leave plenty of room for the baby's face, though.
Quick jackets can be made, without a liner, by simply tracing the back and the front two pieces of an oversized, button-down shirt. Cut two sleeves and you're ready to stitch it together. Sew the front two pieces to the back, with right sides together, at the shoulder seam. Now sew down the side seams and hem the jacket. Sew the arms shut and insert them in the armhole opening. You can make cuffs and a collar for the jacket, or simply hem and go.
Baby sleepers are really easy to make with a store pattern and a yard or so of fleece. The sleeper will be easiest to make if you follow the pattern but install a zipper rather than snaps.
Cut two large half-circles and sew the arched sides, right sides together. Turn right side out and pin then sew zipper at the top, straight edge. Cut and sew handle made from fleece or buy a chain or strap for a purse handle. The purse can be made square, rectangular, or even flower-shaped.
Make a book cover by measuring the width and length of the book. Add enough on the ends to tuck inside the book. Fold the extra back and sew on each side. Do the same to the other end. Turn the flaps right side out and slide onto the book for a comfy cozy for any book.
