Craft a scarf to warm a friend, a cover to warm a book

Nov 30, 2008 (The Anniston Star - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- SREN | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- Star Entertainment Editor, Deirdre Long, shares some of her ideas for handmade gifts:

This scarf is the easy alternative to knitting or crocheting, and it's a great way to use up a yarn stash. Made in only a couple of hours (and can be done while watching TV), this braid will keep someone warm for years to come. Everything about this scarf -- the length, thickness and color -- can be easily tailored to meet individual desires.

Supplies:

--Yarn

--Measuring tape

--Scissors

For a scarf that's 8 feet long (including tassles), 1 3/4 inches wide and 1 inch thick.

How to:

Measure and cut 60 10-foot lengths of yarn. In one hand, align the ends of the yarn, allowing the rest to fall to the floor. Gently run fingers through the strands to help it untangle. Tie a knot about nine inches from the tails of the yarn to leave unbraided for a tassel. Anchor the knot under something heavy, and divide the yarn into three equal groups. Slowly braid the groups, being careful to keep the yarn below the braid untangled. Tie another knot when there is about nine unbraided inches of yarn left. Pull both knots tightly to secure. Trim tassels, if desired.

Reverse-Applique Book Cover

Adapted from Alabama Stitch Book, by Natalie Chanin

This is a great way to add a personal touch to any plain notebook. And since it's made out of recycled T-shirts, it doesn't cost much at all to make.

Supplies:

--Notebook to be covered

--Two cotton-jersey T-shirts in different colors

--Stencil

--Scissors

--Pins

--Needles

--Thread in matching or contrasting color

How to:

1. Open the notebook and place it spine down on a piece of large paper (newspaper works fine for this, as well as wax paper). Using a ruler, trace a straight line around each edge of the notebook. Add 1/2 inch (for seam allowance) to the top and bottom of rectangle. To provide a book flap on each end of the cover, measure one-third of the book's total open width, and add this measurement to each end of your traced pattern rectangle. For example, if your book measures 12 inches, add 4 inches to each side for flaps. Cut out the rectangle and mark the grainline (it should be parallel with the spine of the book).

2. Deconstruct two T-shirts (cut off the sleeves and collar) and cut the shirt from the bottom edge below the center of one armhole straight up to that center armhole, so the shirt opens out to lie flat as a single layer.

3. Decide which shirt to use for the top layer (outside) of your book cover, and lay the pattern on top, making sure the grainlines match. Trace around the pattern (a colored pencil works well), remove the pattern and cut just inside the line to remove it entirely.

Lay the cut top layer on top of the second T-shirt, matching grainlines. Cut around the outside edge of the top layer to cut the backing layer.

4. Lay the book cover's bottom layer with wrong side up and transfer stencil to fabric (a marker works well, but beware of the markings bleeding through to the right side).

Pin the top and bottom layers together, with the stencil facing the bottom. Make sure the pieces fit directly on top of each other and securely pin them together.

5. Thread a needle (double thread) and knot. Stitch around the stencil using a straight stitch, knotting off when you reach the starting knot. Continue stitching around each shape.

6. Carefully separate the two layers of fabric inside the stitched shape and use embroidery scissors (or any small, sharp scissors) to make a small slit through the top layer only of the shape. Trim away the entire top layer of the shape's interior, stopping 1/8 inch from stitching line. Repeat process with all shapes.

7. Place your book cover face down on a table and center book on top. Fold over flaps on each end, aligning raw edges. Securely pin edges in place. Remove book and join edges with a straight stitch - inch from the edges across both the top and bottom of the flaps. Insert book.

This book would make a great gift for any crafter. Written by a Florence native, it outlines has 20 handmade, recycled

projects, as well as heartwarming stories about the author's family and friends. She even includes recipes for soup and crackers.

About Deirdre M. Long

Deirdre M. Long is entertainment editor for the Star.

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