DIY Faux Fur Collar

My favorite kinds of craft projects are ones that I can either wear, use, gift or personalize my space with ... basically I am all about practical diy.  Why would anyone want to spend loads of time making something that has no purpose?  Today's project is a bit on the whimsical, fun side but, surprisingly ended up being warm and cozy to wear too!  I speak from personal experience as the photo above was taken on a windy, damp 30 degree or so day.  Here's how I made this collar.

First, your supplies.  You'll need a piece of faux fur, a scrap of fabric as backing (I would suggest choosing something soft and snugly as this with be the part that rest against your neck), and some ribbon (I was going after more of a vintage-esque look and chose brown velvet).

Using a collared shirt you already own a a "pattern", cut out your collar from your faux fur.  Repeat for your backing fabric.  Cut two pieces of ribbon to desired length (12" - 18").  Pin right sides together.  Don't forget to pin your ribbon in place too, tucking it INSIDE the collar so that when you flip it right-side out your ribbon ties will be on the right side (note: I learned this the hard way and had to rip out stitches and re-stitch).  Stitch around your collar leaving a 3" or so gap so that you can turn your collar ride-side out.  Hand-stitch closed.

Happy crafting!