Thrifty DIY Part One: Faux Fur Throw Rug

Currently my style is inspired by Scandinavian decor. So besides the regular look through for stoneware, vintage linen and furniture at the thrift stores, I have recently been searching for faux fur clothing and knitted sweaters with the traditional snowflakes and stars. I was lucky this past Monday, as you can see I found both.

My finds were a long beautiful grey-ish brown coat for $20 and a girls knitted sweater with snowflakes for $2.50.

Funny how when I stepped to the cashier at the thrift store, people were looking me up and down.... Yah!! Fancy me wearing something like this long fur coat that looked like it belonged in the 70's... One lady mustered the courage to say... "Hmm, nice coat you're getting!" Imagine the look I get when I told her... "Yea... I'm making a rug out of it"...

That's right! I had to tell that part of the story cause I really thought that was funny. 

And yes, that is what I had in mind. Scandinavian winters are cold and interiors are usually decked with warming lit candles, and fur throws around the home among other traditional decor.

So back in my studio I started off by taking off the inner lining from the seams with a seam ripper, better to be done on the lining side as opposed to ripping seams at the furry side and end up loosing some fur too.

Laying the coat open and flat on my cutting table I cut off the top part of the coat from right under the sleeves part. I was left with the bottom part of the coat laying flat. Coat's side seams are barely visible on the furry side and any pockets on the coat I sewed them shut. Perfect!!. 

I folded the bottom part of the coat at the lengthy part. At home I have a much smaller faux rug that I used as a guide/pattern of a hide. I started cutting at least 8-10 inches away from my smaller rug which made the coat turned throw rug, much bigger. 

Be aware... fur was shedding like crazy, while working on this project. Its to be expected.... I was so excited to do this I didn't bother changing and I was covered in tiny hairs!! Well, may have slightly bothered me but I was still very excited that for $20 I was going to have a magnificent faux fur throw rug for my living room.

I have to add that pillow fillers on this bench were also 99c pillows at the thrift store that I covered and another grey sweater made another lovely pillow. I am an avid thrifter and I love it.

My thrift store visit on Monday I also found a girl's sized grey knitted sweater that I turned into a pair of decorative mittens.

So hop on the second part of this Thrifty DIY for a tutorial on how-to make your own mittens out of a knitted sweater.
http://creatingvintagecharm.blogspot.com/2014/11/thrifty-diy-part-two-holiday-decorative.html

I spent $22.50 on the coat and sweater and now I have my cuddly and soft faux fur throw rug and a cute pair of mittens decorating my living room. 

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This post is part of the Thrifty Challenge hosted by Alice Wingerden on her blog Thoughts from Alice. An amazing list of talented bloggers included below, participated in this challenge. So I hope you check them all out and get ready to be inspired. Someone else's junk may just become your treasure!!

Glam Christmas Throw Pillows by Thoughts from Alice

A Deer Thrift Store Makeover by Ciburbanity

Ugly Ducklings (Thrifted Sweater Stockings) by Maison de Pax

A Deerly Beloved Thrift Store Vignette by Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson

Holiday Thrift Store Challenge: Deer Mount Advent Calendar by Primitive & Proper

{Vintage Cookie Tin} Cake Centerpieces by Little Farmstead

DIY Embroidery Hoop Wall Hanging: Holiday Thrift Store Challenge by Simple Stylings

DIY Christmas Decorations from Thrifted Books by T-Shirt & Jeans

Christmas Cloche by Craftberry Bush

A Vintage Mantel for Winter by Finding Silver Pennies

Holiday Thrift Store Challenge - Christmas Chalkboard Globe by Heart Rocks in My Pocket

Thrifty DIY Part One: Faux Fur Throw Rug by Creating Vintage Charm

DIY Holiday Walling Hanging by House of Hipsters

Holiday Thrift Store Challenge: Modern Christmas Village by Number Fifty-Three

Christmas Decor from Thrifty Find by Town and Country Living

The Trellis Tree by Cozy Little House

Holiday Thrift Store Challenge Blog Hop by Shabby Love

DIY Centerpiece Tray by Cherished Bliss

Holiday Thrift Store Challenge – Vintage Sock Stretcher Stocking by Alex Inspired

A Merry Thriftmas Challenge: Re-purposed Holiday Tablescape by Home Remedies

Light Fixture Update - a Thrift Store Challenge by Nest of Posies

Holiday Thrift Store Challenge: Simple Christmas Decorations by Two Purple Couches

Rustic Christmas Tree by Delineate Your Dwelling

Oh Deer, It's a Holiday Thrift Shop Challenge by My Sweet Savannah

Simple Elegant Winter Vignette | Holiday Thrift Store Challenge by Cloth and Patina

DIY Shabby Chic Picture Frame365 Days of Crafts

DIY 3D Christmas Star Wreath - Holiday Thrift Store Challenge by The Chronicles of Home

DIY Crocks by So Much Better With Age

Simple Holiday Vignette | A Thrift Store Challenge by Restoration House Interiors

Thrift Store Christmas Decor Challenge by BrocanteuseRose

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I hope you enjoyed visiting here and have fun visiting other talented bloggers...

Ciao ciao for now...

Sonia