Kristl Pelz: December 2009 Archives
I have seen these little shrugs everywhere this season from the department stores to Etsy. The fabrications range from practical knits to fancy silks and laces. I have created instructions to create one from a simple rectangle of fabric. You can make it out of just about any fabric you wish. If you are going for an extra layer of warmth, try a knit fabric, fleece or wool. If you are thinking about dressing up the red sweater/black pants ensemble you wear every year during the holidays, consider dupioni silk, lace, glittery or sequined fabrics, even sheers.
I have used a chocolate brown lace with copper glitter accents from my stash. I created it with Kimono-style sleeves for simplicity, but I also have always admired the classic elegance of the kimono sleeve. I have a two inch hem in the sleeves to give them some weight as well as elegance. There are instructions for a variation on the sleeve that uses elastic. If you are looking for extra warmth with this shrug, making the sleeves less open at the bottom with elastic will give you more insulation.
By the way, you have probably already realized this is a great stash buster. It's also a terrific quick gift idea for anyone at any time of year. This shrug looks great with a tank, cami or a sundress in the summer. Use lighter weight fabrics for a fantastic way to keep the A/C off your shoulders in a restaurant in the summer.
I have used a chocolate brown lace with copper glitter accents from my stash. I created it with Kimono-style sleeves for simplicity, but I also have always admired the classic elegance of the kimono sleeve. I have a two inch hem in the sleeves to give them some weight as well as elegance. There are instructions for a variation on the sleeve that uses elastic. If you are looking for extra warmth with this shrug, making the sleeves less open at the bottom with elastic will give you more insulation.
By the way, you have probably already realized this is a great stash buster. It's also a terrific quick gift idea for anyone at any time of year. This shrug looks great with a tank, cami or a sundress in the summer. Use lighter weight fabrics for a fantastic way to keep the A/C off your shoulders in a restaurant in the summer.
