Rita Hill ran up some brightly coloured, polar fleece throws to keep the family warm through autumn and winter. These throws are particularly good for kids, because polar fleece is 100% polyester and fully machine washable. Best of all, each throw cost under $30 to make.
3 metres polar fleece (150cm wide)
small amount of polar fleece in contrasting colour(s), for appliquéd leaves
matching thread
sewing machine
paper for template
pair of scissors
pins
1. Fold the length of polar fleece in half, then carefully cut along the fold line.
2. Make a paper stencil of a leaf. Use the stencil to cut out some leaves in contrasting colours. Set your sewing machine to a tight zigzag stitch. Using a matching thread, sew the leaves onto the base fabric.
3. Pin the two pieces of the throw together, right (fleecy) sides facing. Sew all the way around the edge, leaving a 50cm gap so that you can turn the throw right side out.
4. Turn the throw the right way out then hand sew the gap closed. Warning: polyester is flammable, so keep throws away from heaters and open fires.
Polar Fleece is 150cm wide, comes in a wide range of colours and is available from fabric stores. Cost: from $6 – $8 per metre.