Cupboard Glove...

You may recall, many moons ago, I set myself a Summer Challenge... I don't want you to think I've forgotten all about those items of clothing longing to be customised - far from it! In fact, it's lucky they're always tucked somewhere in the back of my mind, otherwise I wouldn't have been able to come up with this very easy How To (which is much more appropriate for the season we're now in!).

In the process of updating the gold dress (*shown here) from that list, the first thing I did was remove the short sleeves... and I was instantly left looking at two capped sleeves made of woven gold stretchy material. Now you know I can't throw anything away if I think it can be used for something else! So here it is, the product of that brainstorm... my blog on how to make fingerless gloves from capped sleeves...

I must admit, in the past I've given fingerless gloves a bit of a hard time, I mean - what's the point? Well now that I've made a pair, the answers are coming thick and fast... for example;

• reading a newspaper in the park on a chilly day, the warmth of the glove - but the fingers still there to turn the page...
• buying fruit and veg from a market, or even fabric from an outdoor craft event - your fingers are your guide to what's best to buy!
• showing off your most recent manicure - or even just giving it enough time to dry while you're walking the dog...
• wearing large statement jewellery. Have you tried getting leather gloves over a sovereign ring? Me neither, but I can't imagine it's easy..

Convinced?! Then read on to find out how to make yourself a pair, and listen to the man I always associate with fingerless gloves while you're at it (or even later while you're wearing them). There's no argument, MJ's Off The Wall was definitely his best album...and there's a conversation for another day :D

And Sew To Work...

Here's a pic of the sleeves when removed from the gold dress, as seen in the Summer Challenge...

...and what one looks like, on it's own... although you don't really need to start with the 'D' shape in fabric, however I used it to create it's own 'lining', therefore making it slightly warmer.

As you can see, the top 'peak' is folded down - it all depends on what kind of fabric you're using, and if it will create too much excess bulk...

Make sure the fabric is facing 'right-side' down before flipping the peak over on top - what you're looking at now is (what will later be) the inside of the glove. Fold the points together, before inserting your hand into the gap...

As you can see, one of the best things about this project is the fact the gloves are made-to-measure-you. Again, I'm using stretchy material with high lycra content, so there's room for them to be extra-snug and still fit on. You'll have to play it by ear, and be a little more precise with sizing depending on what material you use (much less stretch in felt, for example. Altho' why you'd make them from felt, I don't know. I digress...) 


When you've wiggled your hand around, insert pins where you'd like to material to stay put... then extract your hand and sew. You'll notice I've also added a pin, and later stitched, between my fourth and fifth finger; this is to keep the glove a little more secure, so it actually stays at the right height in relation to my knuckles.

Large flower ring optional!

My advice is to tack it first (with a long running stitch) just so you're sure you've got the right shape, before sewing it up properly. It's not the easiest thing, measuring your own glove to your hand with pins... in fact, get someone to help you if possible! 

And that, really, is that! You're looking at the glove, inside out - so turn it the right way out, so that all the stitching is on the inside, and wear! 

All that's left for me to share with you, is the fact I've typed this entire blog post wearing the gloves! They're super-cosy, soft, unobtrusive when I'm typing, and maybe even glam enough to wear at work... although that MAY be pushing it. And, what I also love about this easy project, is that you can customise the gloves to your heart's content... sequins, flowers, initials, anything goes! I've left my 'au naturel', meaning they're more likely to go with any jewellery I wear... goodness only knows I've got 'subtle' tastes when it comes to accessorizing........

Here's my 'Oh-dear-it-seems-I've-been-in-the-office-for-a-few-hours-with-my-gloves-on-and-nobody's-mentioned-it' face...

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IN OTHER NEWS...

• The gold dress (from above) is fine, and would like you to know it feels no pain - and is looking forward to a new life, without sleeves. What have I got in mind for it? Think along the lines of The Great Gatsby, and imagine me surrounded by sequins. This is what my lounge is like right now, a sweat shop!
• Another competition calls, with my favourite sewing site Colette Patterns... you may recall my Laurel effort was for another of their comps back in April? This time I'm making it as a Christmas present (can't say who for, they might be reading this!) - suffice to say I'm feeling excited and motivated, looking forward to sharing my favourite entries with you, along with my own efforts :) Take a look at the Cooper Sew-Along by clicking on the link below!
• And if you've got any questions, or comments to add to this blog post, it'd be great to hear from you! Please leave below - or 'Like' my facebook page :D Bye for now....