While I blinked, the month flew by faster than I can believe. wow!! It’s the last Tuesday of the month (which I failed to realize until the other day), and that means it’s Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION time. That just means I get to share with you my latest creation using cast-off clothing, accessories, shoes…you get the idea. For this month, I’m suffering from spring fever, so I’m treating my ailment with these upcycled bird nests made from felted sweater cuffs. Sound nuts? Of course, but that makes it all the more fun, right?

Let’s take a peek at my felted wool stash, shall we? I have made so many things in the past and “waste not, want not” is definitely a thought of mine. I keep all the remnants because all the pieces are quite useful for toys, decor, and more. Not only do I save every bit, but I even separate sleeve cuffs and waist ribbing into a bag so I can find what I need quickly. Does this cuff inspire you?

Maybe there is little left to the imagination in sweater cuff upcycling, but bear with me for a moment. While I’m staving off my cabin fever, I tend to get dig into my stashes. This time around, I have spring fever and I see nests.

DIY TIME

This project is so easy you’ll be stealing sweaters from your hubby’s closet before he even realizes it. tee hee! For this project, I’m using wool sweaters that are made of at least 70% wool. Also, I’ve felted them using my washer and dryer. See the demo in my video below.

However, I’ve never tried it, but I’m sure a cotton or poly knit sweater cuff will work too, but fraying may be an issue. Give it a try and let’s get started. First, I turn the cuff inside out. Using a needle and coordinating thread, I use a running (gather) stitch along the cut end of the cuff. This stitch is basically just in and out working around the cuff.

Then, pull the thread tight and stitch down to anchor. Now you have a bunched up bottom on your sweater cuff.

Next, turn your little nest right side out and fill. So fun, right?

I am using a bit of wool roving to fill my nest, but you can use paper fill, moss, grass or anything you want.

Also, to add a even more whimsy, I use my Sculpey clay to make and bake sweet eggs to fill our upcycled bird nests.

THE REVEAL

Finally, with a little more DIY fun, I have my upcycled bird nests ready for my spring decor. I’m so excited for these!

Aren’t they the sweetest? I can see them tucked in here and there around my home. Or, better yet, as place settings for a wedding, baby shower, Easter, or Mother’s Day with name cards in them. If you notice, I made some birds to tuck in along with my clutch. That is from another refashion making bowl filler from an old shirt seen HERE. You can make your own here using these free images.

Also, I made 4 set of different style ones. Some with a folded cuff, and some like this brown one above with a straight edge. Actually, I even considered crocheting a small edge to it or a blanket stitch. Wouldn’t that be sweet?

Of course…I have to ask…which one is your favorite? The yellow, the brown, the light gray or the dark gray? I’m definitely smitten with how fun these are to make and how they make me smile.

Also, if you’d like to add one or two to your home or as a gift, you can find them available in limited quantities in my online shop.

SHARE

Aside from leaving me a comment below, let’s inspire others to skip box store decor and make their own home story too. Pin and share the crafty love!

Up next, my youngest son and I are whipping up some more Prodigal Pieces Kids CREATE fun to share with you using these bits of scrap wood from our current bedroom remodel. TAKE A PEEK HERE.

Just make sure to sign up for my newsletter to get all the details sent right to your inbox. PLUS, you will get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Until next time!

Also, more fun creations like my upcycled bird nests: