Thrifty Thursday

Winter is hopefully drawing to a close, notice I said, hopefully!! It's 24 degrees in Chicago today. We are expecting some warmer temperatures over the weekend, such great news. But I have seen snow in May, so I know better than to be too optimistic at this point.

Although I am hoping that winter is drawing to a close, I've wanted to get another fur collar made up for sometime, so no time like the present :)  

I saw this picture on the Haberman's Fabrics website some time ago and loved it. How nice to be able to update a basic coat with a fabulous faux fur collar like this. And even better, the pattern is free!!! You can find it here, http://www.habermanfabrics.com/proj-fur-collar. As you can see, it is a very basic pattern, so for anyone who has been a little apprehensive about downloading and taping together a PDF pattern, this could not be easier.

I donated the first collar I made to the Haute Couture fashion show silent auction a few years ago and I was so happy to find out that the lovely Rhonda Pierce from Schmetz needles had won it!! She actually wears it a good bit. The picture below was taken at the recent expo in Puyallup, Washington. As you can see, the collar is very versatile, it looks just as pretty over a simple dress as it does over a coat. 

After I donated the first one, I really wanted to make another for myself, but you know how it goes, other projects take center stage. But finally, thanks to Thrifty Thursday ;) , I had the incentive to get it finished! 

If Easter is as cold as I fear it may be, I just may wear this outfit. I lined the collar with a matching piece of the silk from my jacket.

It can be worn as you've seen with the bow in the front,

 off to the side,

or with the bow down the back. This would be especially pretty over an evening gown or cocktail dress.

A view from the front with the bow down the back. The collar actually lays with a bit of drape. Very pretty.

The collar is so easy to make, and looks attractive over a multitude of garments. The collar would make wonderful Christmas presents for lots of people on your Christmas list. It's also a wonderful way to use up some faux fur scraps that you might have sitting around.
So jump on over to the Haberman's website and download your own pattern! While you're there, you might want to check out some of their beautiful fabrics ;)
Hope you're having a wonderful day!
Rhonda