These blankets have many names, but I was introduced to them as "Twice as Warm Blankets". These are super easy to make for yourself or as gifts for others. They are affordable to make, and easily personalized for each person on your gift list. For example, my father-in-law is an Elvis impersonator; I have a friend who used to be in the United States Marine Corps, and another friend who is passionate about Dalmatians. They all got a blanket, yes, but each one was personalized. The Elvis impersonator got a blanket with Elvis's face on one side, a poster-like pose on the other. The Marine got one with the USMC Emblem on one side, a Humvee with "Semper Fidelis" on the other. The Dalmatian lover got one with Dalmatian print on one side, solid black on the other.

You will need:

• 2 pieces of fleece, cut to the same length (some fabric counters will do this for you.) (I have tried using different fabrics, and some stretch cottons work well enough, but not as well as fleece. It really takes the cake here.)
• Sharp scissors
• Measuring tape or ruler
• Cloth Marking Pencil

To start, decide how big you want your blanket to be. If you are using panels in which a certain length is required to view the entire scene, you will want both panels to be able to be cut to the same length. If this is not possible, consider using a panel on one side, and a pattern or solid color on the other. Your blanket may be as long or as short as you require. When it comes to width, you will be limited to the 45 or 60 inch width the fabric comes in, unless you want to sew.

Lay both pieces of fleece out, one on top of the other. If there is a "right side" it should be facing outward - toward the ceiling if it is the top piece, the floor if it is the bottom piece. Begin by marking three inches from all four edges. This will be as far in as you will cut. Then, mark one inch wide strips all the way around. You will have three inch by three inch squares at the corners. Cut one side at a time, being careful to hold the fabrics together so they are cut as one.

When all sides have been cut into strips, begin tying the strips together. I do two knots per pair of strips - one is not enough and three is too bulky. You may find that as you tie, the knots pull toward one another. This is normal. You may need to gently pull to ease the tension. Continue to tie off the strips until the blanket is completed.

Another good thing about this project is that it is so easily adapted to other things. For example, it is nice to use this same technique to make pillows. Simply be sure to tie extra tight to keep the stuffing from falling out. If you sew, you may want to sew the pieces together just inside the knots. Simple shapes such as candy canes as toys for children or animals may be made this same way. Another example is if you want a wider blanket. Simply sew two pieces of fleece together along the long sides, and then continue as usual. The only limits are those of your imagination! Have fun!