Jackson Free Press

*Download Lizbeth Von Lush's Scarf Template* (3.6 MB .PDF)

Need a new scarf this winter, but don't want to pay $20, $30 or even $50 for a cute, hip appliqué scarf? Make your own! Update your old scarf from last year with craft felt, embroidery thread and beads. Three bucks worth of materials are all you need to create a stylish, expensive-looking, one-of-a-kind scarf.

Appliqué scarves also make great gifts for friends and family. Personalize them by embroidering initials or using a theme that they may like. If Aunt Sally loves baking, cut out a cute cupcake shape. The possibilities are endless.

You will need one scarf, craft felt, scissors, pencil, embroidery needle and thread, beads, buttons, stick pins and template shape.

First, choose the scarf you would like to appliqué. This could be a scarf you wore last year that you'd like to update or a new scarf you found on sale. I like to scour the dollar stores for cheap scarves. I found fleece and knit scarves during my last visit in a variety of colors.

Once you have a scarf, think about the theme and color scheme. To create the shapes for the scarf, use the downloadable templates like snowflakes and stars available at The Fly Blog website. You can also trace around a cookie cutter in the shape of your choice. I chose the peace dove to be festive this holiday season. Trace the template onto the felt and cut it out. I cut out two peace dove shapes from two different colors of felt. I made one shape larger than the other and layered the two shapes to make it more three-dimensional.

Pin the felt pieces in place on the scarf and sew it using the embroidery stitch of your choice. I used a simple whip stitch and running stitch. Continue stitching until the shape is sewed all around. Now you can embellish the scarf. I added two button snowflakes. Be creative with your scarf and make it your own!