Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Quick Shrug for Work

Does every office have one group of co-workers that always seem to be cold?  Then another group that always seem to be hot? 

Every day at work, Mel says she is cold.  Every day.  One day she announces she is tired of being cold and is going to purchase one of those snuggies and wear it to work.  YIKES!  Have you seen those poncho-gone-wrong blankets with sleeves?!  I really don't want to see that at work.  (What she wears at home is none of my business.) 

I volunteered to make a shrug for her.  It was suprisingly easy.  I was able to complete the project in one evening. 

The inspiration came from this shrug, purchased in a lovely boutique on the historic square in Rockwall, Texas.  It is lightweight and I wear it often in the Spring and Fall.  It's just enough to snuggle my arms.


First, measure your cold co-worker.  Ask her to hold her arms straight out to the side.  Mel's measurement from wrist to wrist was 52 inches.  From the base of her neck to the top of her waistband was 22 inches.  The measurement around her wrist was 7 inches.  That was all I needed. 

(I bet you are really suprised I measured BEFORE beginning the project.) 

Here's what you need for this Quick Shrug: 

Fleece - I used 24 inches, it will be the meaurement from neck to waist plus 2 inches
28 inches of Ribbon
Coordinating Thread
Chalk
Yard Stick or Long Straight Edge
Measuring Tape

My fleece was 60 inches wide. (30 inches folded in half)  All I did was measure 24 inches across and make sure both sides were cut nice and straight.  I used chalk and a yard stick to mark the fleece.  The cut piece of fabric was 24 inches by 60 inches.     


Sew a one inch hem along the sides that measure 60 inches.  Then sew a 2 inch casing on the shorter sides. 
 

Your ribbon will need to be cut into two 14 inch pieces.  Finish the ends of the ribbon.  (I use a pink lighter.)  Thread the ribbon through the 2 inch casing on each side.  I like to use a diaper pin to help thread the ribbon.


I used tone on tone polka dot ribbon.  What is it about polka dots?  They're just so dern happy!  I tied the ribbons on each sleeve, but left them pretty loose in hopes Mel would be comfy.  The ribbon could be swapped for elastic.  If you use elastic, use the wrist measurement plus one inch.


Mel loves the shrug.  She's a great model!




Super cute, huh?  Here's the back.  I love her long hair!

 
Charo wanted one, too.  She's not very tall.  From neck to waist, Charo measured 17 inches.  Wrist to wrist, she measured 50 inches.  For her shrug, I cut the fabric 19 inches by 60 inches.  I sewed a one inch hem on the long sides of the fabric, but a three inch hem on the shorter sides.  Charo is a great model, too!  I really like her butterfly shirt.  It looks great with the shrug!  
 
 
That's it for the shrug tutorial.  I hope you can see it is easy to customize the pattern to any size.

I think I need to make one for myself...  right after I figure out what to do for the co-worker that is always hot.  ;-) 

Thank you for stopping by for the latest Stone Cottage Adventure!  ;-)  -Marci

22 comments:

  1. This is so cute!! Love it. And aren't you a fun coworker?! The most I ever brought to work for others was coffee!

    {HUGS},
    kristi

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  2. Thank you, Kristi! It was a fun project to make and share! BTW, don't you just love names that end in "i"? ;-) *wink* -Marci

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  3. Thank you, Jennifer! They've been a big hit at the office. -Marci

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  4. Thanks, Anne! It is super duper quick to make! -Marci

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  5. Thanks for Linking up @CountryMommaCooks….Have a wonderful weekend!

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  6. What a cute idea! Then I could turn off the portable heater at my desk! Thanks for linking up with "Strut Your Stuff Saturday." We loved having you and hope you'll be back next Saturday to share more terrific ideas! -The Sisters

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  7. Thank you! It's so hard to find The Temperature that keeps everyone happy! These little shrugs have been a big hit. -Marci

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  8. This is fabulous! I love the idea - much better than wearing a snuggie to work! Your colleagues are lucky to have you to save the day!
    Rebecca
    Heronscrafts.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you, Rebecca! These shrugs are really quick to sew and then their is less complaining at work! -Marci

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  9. Gorgeous! Thanks a lot for sharing at my link party. Hope to see you back again next week.
    Enjoy your day!
    Best wishes from Holland,
    Annemarie

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    1. Hi, Annemarie! I'm so glad to see you! Your blog is wonderful! -Marci

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  10. The backs of my arms get cold in the winter. This would be a great project.
    Blessings,
    Laura
    Harvest Lane Cottage

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  11. What a thoughtful idea, and sometimes it does get cold in the workplace!

    Thank you for linking to Super Sunday Sync!

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  12. Really great idea. You are such a nice co-worker. :)

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  13. Lovely! Love the ties on the sleeve.. what a great idea!
    xoxo
    Amie @ Pinkapotamus

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  14. This is great- I love how you stopped the termostat debate!

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  15. Beautiful job! Thanks so much for linking up to The DIY'ers!

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  16. Oh I love this, what a great project. Thanks tons for linking to Inspire Me. Hugs, Marty

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  17. That was so sweet of you! Of course I would have hated to see a snuggy at work too. Thank you for sharing this on our Four Seasons Blog Hop.

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  18. I love this!! I can't wait to get me some fleece and make one for my mom-n-law. She is always cold and I think she would love to wear this especially being it doesn't squeeze you. She isn't in the best of health so she is always cold but hates a lot of clothes sticking to her, I think this is going to be perfect. And cudos on the ease of instructions. Even I can understand how to make it. I'm new to your page but I already love the fact you aren't scared to show us your mess ups. We are all human and I love that you don't hide it right. Great job and I will be making more of your projects. God bless and keep smiling and sewing!!

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