Now for those of you snickering into your cup of tea, I'll remind you that the word 'muff' remains the term for a handwarmer or hand cosy, whatever other tawdry meanings it may have acquired in modern usage. Thank you very much.
A few weeks ago I received the best request ever. A dear friend of mine, Melski, owner of cold hands and warm heart, asked if I'd make her a muff.
As soon as it was requested, I knew in my minds' eye just what I wanted my hand cosy to look like. There is in fact a patchwork muff project in the book Denyse Schmidt Quilts,which I own and love. I followed the pattern, which gave clear dimensions and construction tips, but encouraged a very free and approximate approach to laying out the fabrics and designing the outer layer.
Just my type of project.
It was a joy to riffle through my fabrics and find what I was looking for. The bulk of the fabrics are kimono offcuts, which I offset with scraps of brown linen and suiting fabrics. I played a bit with layout and then foundation-pieced the strips onto some muslin - a useful new technique to learn.
I went for a lining of red fleece and four layers of wadding, which hopefully will keep dear Melski's hands just that bit more snug.
Of course it wouldn't be a handmade gift without the label hand-stitched on as an afterthought!
Dear Melski, who said bad circulation couldn't be stylish?
Your 'muff'? Really? I couldn't bring myself to read the post cos I was scared of what I might find! I'll check in again next time.
ReplyDeleteOh, it's gorgeous! So you, even though you've made it for someone else. The fleece lining looks so inviting and cozy.
ReplyDeleteHi Gina, The fabrics you chose are so pretty, nice work. : )
ReplyDeleteLots of snickering here - what can I say ... the word muff is snicker-worthy! Your muff is superb, though!
ReplyDeleteI told carlos just the other day that I needed a muff and he burst into laughter... So i had to explain what it was while her snickered away not taking me seriously!! How awesome are things made from recycled kimonos!?!?! AWESOME!!
ReplyDeleteXo Steph
I only learned that there were other applications for the word recently - i know, so sheltered & innocent. My mother would make my sister & i muffs to match our winter coats, really sweet, on a cord which hung around our neck - no doubt a choking hazard by today's standards!! They were fur lined, always cream fur on the inside. Perfect for our Christmas trips to England, brrrrr, love Posie
ReplyDeleteAt first I was just going to grovel for a foot version in exchange for, I dunno...the world (maybe even the A.Cookie 'knit' fabric). But thinking further, what I'd really like is an all body version. A stylish take on these little winners...
ReplyDeletehttp://www.lazypatch.com/
Then I'd offer you the universe.
Mwoah ha ha ha... I wonder how many google searches will end up here!
ReplyDeleteI had no idea what foundation piecing was, so not only was your post very funny, it's also extremely educamacational.
Oh dear! Snicker, guffaw, laff... I did it all.
ReplyDeleteLike Tania I want you to take it further... maybe not the whole nine lazypatch yards, but some of those cool doona boot things perhaps... ooohhhhhhh yeah.
I read the title and thought WTF? Then I read furhter and was ROTFLMAO. Thanks for starting my day off right.
ReplyDeleteIt's stunning. I'm sure your friend will love it.
ReplyDeleteGreat fabrics, and it looks so cosy!
I think you'll be getting a few more orders for those beautiful 'muffs'...
super cute!
ReplyDeletewho makes your twill tape labels?
Nice muff love!
ReplyDeleteI'll put my hand up to being one of those that had a snicker...
ReplyDeleteThe muff looks gorgeous! You are SO clever Gina!
Living in England - with cold damp winters - it was part of a lady's stylish winter ware in Victorian England. Looking at your creation, I think I could resurrect the idea for this winter coming! Unusual, practical and cosy!
ReplyDeleteVal Oxfordshire UK
I did have a little giggle into my tea ;) Such a nine-year-old. But that muff is a stunner Gina! Really the fabrics are just perfect together. You have the gift alright!
ReplyDeleteOh and where'd you get your tags? I love them!
I was given a muff a few years ago it is made from bright green fur. Great for cold hands.
ReplyDeletethat's a very stylish muff! i was lying in bed lastnight unable to feel below my knees and thought ~ i could use a foot/ankle/lower leg muff :)
ReplyDeleteYour muff is beautiful. *snigger*
ReplyDeleteLOL yes I did that not snigger and spat my tea everywhere!!!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous Muff....love the kimono fabric and the red lining :-)
porn - clutterpunk style.
ReplyDeletenice muff.
been meaning to ask where one might get such tags made. i'm sure you have mentioned it previously. . .
love your choice of fabrics, it's rockin
ReplyDeletelove it! looks os cozy and warm and beats anything fur that's for sure. very canadian of you! xo m.
ReplyDeleteAh, still having a quiet giggle. Looks like your muff will be a hit...Offcuts of kimonos- brilliant.
ReplyDeleteI freaking LOVE it.
ReplyDeleteMan, the rude, crude aspect totally bypassed me until I read the comments. It's great. I have that book and recently made the scarf that is similar. It was such a satisfying project and a great way to learn foundation piecing.
ReplyDeleteI have a muff, but it's furry.
ReplyDelete