As another month flies by and we roll closer to the next autumnal season, I need to prepare for cold temps. It's funny to me how most of the summer I'm making repairs from the last winter and prepping for the coming one. Do you do that too? One buggery thing is the drafts that come on the blustery below-zero days. With that, I'm making a refashioned draft stopper from old sweaters to share with you for Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION time. Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION series hosted by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | Come learn to create for you and your home | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces Maybe you're like me and sort through your seasonal clothes before you pull them out. I have four seasons so it's a frequent change-up for myself and my kids. whew. So, maybe instead of donating your sweaters, like these gems... Thrifted Sweaters Before Refashion | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces ... consider giving them a new purpose. Not only are both of them sherpa, but also plenty of fabric for what I'm wanting to create. Do you see sheep right there? If not, hold on.

FUN FOR EWE - STEP 1

I'm all about sharing so you can find your own inspiration, which means I have the step-by-step tutorial here. What is more, feel free to make any creature or style you want with this as well. White and Black Sweaters for Refashioned Draft Stopper | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces
What you'll need:
  • one or two sweaters (to make this version) in medium, large, or extra-large
  • basic cotton - I used some scrap material I had on hand. Feel free to use a dress shirt, a sheet, etc.
  • sewing machine or needle and thread
  • coordinating thread
  • sewing scissors
  • measuring tape
  • rice
  • funnel
  • any extras you'd like to add - buttons, embroidery, etc.
First, I have two large sweaters/sweatshirts, so you can make this out of at least a medium and surely an extra-large size. Measuring White Sweater | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces Then, I measure up 8" after cutting off the bottom hem and cut a large piece lengthwise. Next, I cut it in half lengthwise to get 2 - 4" strips.  The doors on my home are the standard 36" but check yours to be sure so you size it accordingly. Making First Cut for Refashioned Draft Stopper | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces Measuring White Sweater for Draft Stopper | prodigalpices.com prodigalpieces In the above picture, I do chop it to 8" and then cut two pieces.

STEP 2

Once you cut those pieces, just set them aside. Afterward, grab that cotton mentioned above as we need to make a casing. Cut one similar piece (36" x 4"). This will not only serve as an interior core to keep the rice in place, but also the "spine" of our refashioned draft stopper sheep. Cutting Cotton for Draft Stopper Lining | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces Then, fold the fabric lengthwise and sew down the long side. Sewing Cotton Casing for Sheep | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces Similarly, sew one short end closed leaving a 1" tail. This will allow you to sew this into the ends of the sheep. Creating a Rice Casing End for Refashioned Draft Stopper | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces

STEP 4

Following that, take your rice and fill the tube until 8" is left empty at the top. Leaving the gap will allow the stopper to roll up and also be easy to insert into the outer casing. Filling Cotton Tube with Rice | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces Last, as soon as you have it filled, sew the other end closed in the same fashion as shown above, leaving an inch.

STEP 3

After that, I cut two pieces of the black sweater measuring approximately 4" L x 3" H. This will be for the sheep head. Once I have my pieces cut, I make sure the length totals 36" long for my door (including head and body). Just make cuts on the white pieces to make it work for your door. Additionally, attach the "heads" right sides facing using a zig-zag stitch or two straight stitches to reinforce. Assembled Refashioned Draft Stopper Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces Next, sew down the rice tube onto the wrong side "head" seam of one of your pieces on one end only. After that, layer the pieces as shown (1) bottom layer right side up (2) second layer right side down with rice tube on top. Layers of DIY Draft Stopper | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces

STEP 4

Further, it's time to assemble. Using a sewing machine and either a zig-zag stitch or straight stitch, begin at center of the long side and sew around leaving at least a 4" opening for turning. Also, as you sew, round off the corners on the head instead of making it square. Draft Stopper Opening | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces At this point, you still have one loose end of that rice tube. First, begin to turn the sheep right-side out slowly. Turning Draft Stopper Inside Out | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces However, before you flip it out entirely, take a minute to hand-stitch the other end of the rice tube at the head seam. Just make sure you only stitch into one layer. Because of this, you'll be able to full turn it right-side out. Attaching Rice Bag | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces Further, once right-side out, find the turning opening, turn the seams to the interior, and hand-stich closed using a ladder stitch (like for closing pillows and dolls).

STEP 5

Last, but not least, you can add ears, legs, even eyes and so on. I add ears and legs by cutting scrap pieces of the black sweater into leaf shapes (2 pieces each). Finally, I sew the pieces together and then hand-stitch those on to the head and body just behind the head. As far as placement goes, I just wing it. Cutting Sheep Feet for Refashioned Draft Stopper | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces

SHEEPISH, NOT DRAFTY

With Ivan looking on watching my sewing machine needle go UP and DOWN. haha. He approves of my work. Ivan Watching Refashion Time by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces Farmhouse Sheep Refashioned Draft Stopper DIY Tutorial by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces Sherpa Sheep Refashioned Draft Stopper by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces It's a little quirky, cute as a button, and a whole lotta function. I made this design to roll up as with many draft stoppers they get in the way when you need to use your door or when you're not using them. Closeup of Sheep Face for Refashioned Draft Stopper by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces Rustic Draft Stopper Sheep by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces So, what shall we name her? I'll leave that part up to you as you can find my cute ewe in my online store. Shop Prodigal Pieces | shop.prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces Fluffy Sheep Draft Stopper Made from Refashioned Sweaters by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces

SHARE

Are ewe feeling inspired? I think this would make a fun house-warming gift (pun intended) as well as a sweet project to involve kids. I mean, who doesn't love cleaning up rice? {{sarcasm}} Take a minute to leave me some comment love below, then pin and share my refashioned draft stopper to inspire others. Creating is fun! As you sort through your closet for the change of seasons, consider making a refashioned draft stopper from your unwanted sweaters. Tutorial by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces Before you go, be sure to sign up for my FREE newsletter to see what becomes of this other thrifted find HERE. Thrifted Coat Rack | prodigalpieces.com prodigalpieces Until next time! blog signature

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While you're at it, check these other projects like this refashioned draft stopper:

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Larissa

Shared publicly - 2024-08-27 10:58:45

Well, Rebecca, I feel like you are the SWEETEST! Truly, I use my creative side to help me work through the tough times. It's a blessing I get to do what I do, but can often be hard when your creative juices are tanked by life. Here's to carrying on. :) Thank you.

Niki

Shared publicly - 2024-08-27 15:28:17

Darling……!! What a fun draft stopper. I like that you frequently include animals in your decor creations. It always adds a fun and playful spirit. Thank-you for the smile today friend, I needed it.

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2024-08-27 15:29:45

It's in my heart... I love animals. And back at ya for the smile, Niki. :D I need it too.

Sheryl

Shared publicly - 2024-08-27 20:36:44

The Ewe is so cute and functional. I love the way it rolls up.

Larissa

Shared publicly - 2024-08-28 05:00:46

Thank you, Sheryl. I just can't stand having the stoppers lay out on the floor in the way when not in use, so this suits me better.

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