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.

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…

… 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.

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.

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.

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.

Then, fold the fabric lengthwise and sew down the long side.

Similarly, sew one short end closed leaving a 1″ tail. This will allow you to sew this into the ends of the sheep.

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.

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.

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.

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.

At this point, you still have one loose end of that rice tube. First, begin to turn the sheep right-side out slowly.

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.

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.

SHEEPISH, NOT DRAFTY

With Ivan looking on watching my sewing machine needle go UP and DOWN. haha. He approves of my work.

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.

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.

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!

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Until next time!

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