My DIY: Reversible ruffled capelet

In case you hadn't heard, capelets are the trendiest way to ward off a chill and are perfect for three to five days every fall or spring when it's too warm for a coat but not quite warm enough to skip a wrap of some sort.

If you play your cards right, you can make your own extremely cheap and easy capelet that does not even require a sewing machine.

Did I mention it's reversible?

The trick is finding exactly the right thrift store scarf, preferably a large rectangle with a solid fabric backing, such as the one I found.

If you can't find one, a regular large rectangular scarf will do, although you'll need a sewing machine. Simply cut a piece of solid fabric of the same dimensions and sew together, wrong sides in. Leave one seam partly open so you can turn the scarf right side out. Stitch the hole closed.

Stitch a ruffle about three inches down from the top of the scarf. You can hand sew it with a basic up and down stitch, pulling the fabric down the thread as you go.

I used a sewing machine with elastic thread wound around the bobbin. Hold the thread tightly as the bobbin winds for maximum stretch and later, maxiumum ruffling.

You can close off the front of your capelet with a hook and eye, ribbons, etc.

You are now warm and chic. Depending on where you live and whether you work with Philistines, be prepared to endure questions such as "Which way to the Renaissance?"