Your Friday Quickie * I'm So Sari

I made this one for my bestie in Des Moines.  Look how pretty it looks on her bed as her dog Rex photo bombs the pic.

Whew.  It's Friday and I'm ready for my Whole (craft)Cocktail!  But, I'm going to have to wait a few hours.  The Hubbs and I are on our way to Colorado to see his sister, her Hubbs and son, some other friends of ours and to go to The Rendezvous Music Festival and see my current favorite musician, Patty Griffin (along with Jackopierce and Jason Isbell who are in my top 10 of all time, for sure).  We're going to VHH (virtual happy hour) with The Smiths (that's the virtual part) and The Hubbs' fam and after this week, I'm ready!  

Here's another look at it.

The Red Dog had surgery on his tail for a second time yesterday (say a little prayer or think a kind thought or whatever you personally do in this case, for him) and he'll be under the care of the vet this weekend but it was a rough night with him last night.  It was a busy week with the day job.  Crazy busy.  And the bonus daughters are always busy, so that's pretty standard.  I'm taking Monday off from the day gig and I can't wait to have three fun filled days.

This one was for Jody my crafter friend in Atlanta and her Hubbs Jake.  I have my own room at their house.  Anyone who keeps a room so I can visit, deserves a blankie.

But I did squeeze in a little sewing time last evening.  You know how I've gotten on this "I can make that myself" kick?  Well, about two years ago, I bought a blanket at a favorite store of mine in Atlanta called Authentique.  It's made from a vintage Indian cotton sari and it's so worn and colorful and soft and comfy and totally napalicious (yup, that means it's great to take a nap under) that recently I decided I could make some for my friends to nap under like I do under mine.  

This one was for my parents.  Not sure which one of them naps under it most often. 

Except once I looked at mine closely, I realized that it was hand stitched.  And would take me approximately forever to make.  But I did have a new sewing machine that has roughly one bazillion stitch pattern options on it.  <yet another light bulb moment>  So, I ordered a bunch of vintage cotton saris online (Ebay and Etsy had a ton) and started stitching them up for friends and family with my machine.  

Here's another view of it on the bed.  BTW - Take a look at that dust ruffle.  My mom MADE that!  Clearly this is from where I get my talent. ;0) 

They're totally easy.  Like way easy.  Even if you don't have a sewing machine.  You just fold the sari material in half, turn it inside out, stitch down one of the long sides, starting at the folded edge, until you reach the bottom.  Then stitch the other long side.  I then stitch the folded "edge", so it seems "finished".  Then you turn it right side out and stitch what I call the bottom.  I usually use a fancier stitch at the bottom, since it will be visible (none of the stitching will be because it will all be on the inside.  And. . . Voila.  You have a great napping blanket.

This is the one I made last night for The Hubbs' sister.  I draped it on our bed to see how it would look. Shhhh.  She won't get it until tonight but she's at work, so she won't have read the blog yet. I hope.  

You could do all the stitching by hand if you're one of those folks with . . . . what do they call it. . . . oh yeah!  Time on your hands.  And with long hand stitches like my original blanket, they would be beautiful.  But, my friends know me better than that.  So machine stitching is what they got.  
Just make sure you get the 100% cotton saris (I made that mistake the first time I ordered some and got poly blend.  Not so comfy).  And if you do make some, share a picture with us in the comments!!

Another view of the newest creation.  The picture doesn't do it justice.  It's a very pretty silvery green with touches of lilac, black and yellow mixed in.  

P.S. Don't forget to go vote for your favorite vintage button ring from yesterday's post.  You might just win it! And you have until Sunday afternoon to vote.  And take a nap this weekend.  Under a comfy cotton blankie.  For me.  Since there'll be no napping in my world. You're welcome.