Craft some whimsical warmth

I know kids don't feel the cold like I do, but we do live in Canada. My own children have informed me they won't wear snow pants to school this winter (and I've informed them that they won't be allowed out on the playground if they're not dressed properly!).

Winter isn't here yet, but the mornings have gotten pretty cold and since we walk to school no matter what the weather is, my children have to dress warmly. One thing I have learned is that if they make it, they'll wear it. Today, both girls trotted off happily wearing their new flower scarves.

Fleece scarves embellished with fleece or felt cut outs and bright buttons are simple to make. With help, children can make their own scarves and decorate matching fleece gloves or mittens. If the child is too young, let them have a hand in production by choosing the colours and helping with the design.

What you need

Whimsical fleece scarves

Collecting your materials: You can pick up fleece material at the fabric store and cut your own scarf or buy a fleece scarf. You'll also need scraps of fleece or felt material (both don't fray when cut) to make the embellishments. Choose colours that complement the scarf. And you'll want some fun colourful buttons (if you're making the scarf for children under three, do not use any buttons). Very fine ribbon or embroidery floss will hold the embellishments in place on the scarf. Pick up some fleece mittens too and make a set. You'll need scissors, pinking shears are optional, and a sewing needle with a hole big enough for the ribbon/floss.

Step One: I seem to be unable to cut a straight line. That's why I used pinking shears to cut out the scarf shown. The zigzag edge helps hide any imperfections! I also cut my daughters' scarves shorter than usual (34 inches long). I wanted more of a cravat that would keep their neck warm, but not drag or get caught. Cut the fleece to your desired length and trim your bought fleece scarf if desired.

Step Two: Now that you've got a scarf, the kids can cut flower shapes and flower middles from fleece or felt. We used felt because it's stiffer and I had plenty on hand. If you're making a short scarf, you'll need shapes to decorate one end only. Once wrapped, the other end isn't visible and the buttons could rub. For longer scarves, decorate both ends. We used three flowers on each scarf. Have your children create embellishments that they will like. You don't have to go with flowers.

Step Three: Once the embellishments are cut out, it's time to sew them onto the scarf. We used a button with each flower. This helped to hold the flowers in place. Set the scarf onto a flat work surface and arrange the embellishments in a pattern you like. Remove all but one. Thread the needle with very fine ribbon or embroidery floss. Working at the top, push the needle through one button hole, through the embellishment and through the fleece. Leave a tail sticking out from this button hole. Now, poke the needle back up, coming through the second button hole. Using the tail from the first button hole, knot the ribbon/floss several times and trim away excess, leaving two small tails for decoration and in case you have to retie (see the photo for help). Repeat this with each embellishment. If you're making a scarf for a young child, omit the button and sew the embellishment in place with the ribbon or floss.

For matching gloves or mittens, simply add an embellishment to the top of each glove/mitten just below the fingers. Cut and sew it on the same way you did with the scarf.