Make This DIY Pom-Pom Vest for All Your Ugly Sweater Parties

Irene Lee
Dec 06, 2016

Guys, I am obsessed with pom-poms. If I see something with pom-poms in a store, I feel like I have to have it. Whether it be keychains, blankets or even hair accessories, I want those little fluffy guys on everything. I bought this Clover Pom-Pom Maker ($6) a few months ago, and man, has it changed my life. Now I actually have the ability to pom everything in sight! Today I decided to go big or go home and make this extra fabulous, crazy pom-pom vest. This vest will be the star of every ugly sweater party ever, but to be honest, I would definitely wear it in a non-ironic way. Anyone with me?

Materials + Tools:

Directions:

1. First, make all the pom-poms. Wrap yarn around one-half of the pom-pom maker. Incorporate other colors if desired. Wrap yarn around until the pom-pom maker is very full.

2. Wrap the other half of the pom-pom maker with yarn until very full.

3. With the maker closed, snip through the rounded part of the yarn.

4. Take a strand of yarn and tie a very tight knot in the middle of the pom-pom maker. The tighter the better!

5. Open the maker. Trim the pom-pom to form a nice, compact sphere.

6. Arrange the poms on the vest. Glue on.

Is your Netflix queue fully stocked? Good! You’re ready to make all the poms! Wrap yarn around one-half of the pom-pom maker. Incorporate other colors if desired. Wrap yarn around until the pom-pom maker is very full. Wrap the other half of the maker with yarn until very full.

With the pom-pom maker closed, snip through the rounded part of the yarn. Take a strand of yarn and tie a very tight knot in the middle of the pom-pom maker. The tighter the better!

Open the maker. Out should pop a very hairy pom-pom!

Trim the pom to form a nice, compact sphere.

Oh my gosh, so many poms!

Arrange the poms on the vest. Glue on. I made patches of little pom-poms to break up the giant fuzziness of the big pom-poms.

You. Are. Fabulous.

Get it, girl.

It’s like wearing a blanket!

FYI, you’ll get VERY warm in this vest.

I just had to share this shot of all the yarn scraps. This box is 2 x 1-feet long and I legit filled it with scraps. I want to use it for a DIY, but I can’t think of one just yet… let me know if you have an idea!

Feel free to repurpose this vest as a rug after your ugly sweater party. My feelings will not be hurt.

What will you make with pom-poms? Show us by tagging us on Instagram + using the hashtag #britstagram!

DIY Production and Styling: Irene Lee
Photography: Brittany Griffin

Skip The Sweater And DIY An Ugly Sweater Dress This Holiday

Ugly sweaters — we <3 you, but this year we’ve decided to opt for something a bit longer and even more OTT. Say hello to the ugly sweater dress! These are perfect for the girl that doesn’t let dressing in costume die on October 31. Grab some felt and a hot glue gun to amp up your ugly sweater into a holiday miracle this winter.

These sweater dresses are cute, colorful, and hilarious — one of our favorite combinations!

Snowman Sweater Dress

Materials + Tools:

Instructions:

  1. Cut out an orange triangle, five large black circles and eight small black circles from felt.
  2. Use a hot glue gun to attach the felt pieces to the sweater to create a snowman face.
  3. Tie the patterned fabric around your waist to create the snowman’s scarf.

This ugly sweater dress is so easy to make. All you need to do is cut out one triangle and five circles from felt. The two eye circles and three button circles can be the same size. Then, make the eight circles for the mouth much smaller.

Lay out your shapes to create the snowman’s face and body. Use a hot glue gun to attach to the sweater once they are in the correct location.

Tie the fabric around your waist, or above your pregnant belly :) , to create the snowman’s scarf and to section off his head and body.

Our creative director Anj has the perfect pregnant belly for this snowman sweater.

So cute!

Fireplace Sweater Dress

Materials + Tools:

Instructions:

  1. Cut out flames from yellow and orange felt and glue onto a large black square to create the fire. Glue onto the bottom edge of the sweater dress.
  2. Use felt the same color as your sweater to create bricks around the fireplace. Use hot glue to secure in place.
  3. Create Christmas flowers, stockings and a holiday garland out of the other colors of felt.
  4. Glue the stockings to the arms of the sweater and adorn the corner of the fireplace with Christmas flowers.
  5. Hot glue two chains of ribbon to the neckline of the sweater to create a long layered necklace. Place your holiday letters onto the ribbon to create the garland.
  6. Finish up the sweater with tinsel garland along the arms of the sweater.

Cut out flames from the yellow and orange colors of felt and glue onto a large black square. This will be your fireplace.

Glue the fireplace to the bottom edge of the sweater. Cut out red bricks and glue around the fire.

Create felt details like Christmas florals, stockings and a “Happy Holidays” garland. Use hot glue and different colors of felt to create these pieces.

Glue ribbon around the neckline to create the “Happy Holidays” garland.

Add the stockings to the bottom edge of the arm sleeves and then tinsel garland on top.

And the stockings were hung from the mantle with care.

Two thumb's up.

Christmas Tree Sweater

Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree.

Materials + Tools:

Instructions:

  1. Find the measurement of your neck, chest, waist and upper leg — jot them down for reference later on.
  2. Cut out squares that measure 20 inches, 25 inches, 30 inches and 35 inches.
  3. Fold in half and trim the bottom edge into a curve. Pair your smallest measurement with the smallest measurement of the square and cut out a U shape of the corresponding size.
  4. Hot glue pom-pom trim around the bottom edge of your circles.
  5. Stack the circles on top of each other and then slide the dress in place. Hot glue the circles to the dress.
  6. Adorn the circles with Christmas ornaments.
  7. Cut a star out of yellow felt to pin into your hair.

Measure out four different sizes of squares — we measured out one 20-inch square, two 25-inch squares, one 30-inch square and one 35-inch square. Fold in half and then trim the bottom edge into a curved shape. Cut out a U shape that corresponds with the measurement of your neck.

Each layer will want a different U shape to correspond with the area of your body it will sit on. Measure your neck, chest, waist and upper legs and use these measurements.

Hot glue pom-pom trim around the edge of your felt rings.

Stack them up and hot glue to the sweater dress.

Add Christmas ornaments to spruce up your Christmas tree.

Finish off the outfit with a felt star headband and battery-powered Christmas lights.

Who wore it better?

Grab your gang and squad up for the ultimate Christmas photo.

Happy ugly sweater days everyone!

Show us your Holiday ugly sweaters by tagging us on Instagram!

This post has been updated.

nsfwugly christmas sweater

Hilary Duff Is Housing Mandy Moore & Family During LA Fires: "Altadena Strong."

Amid the tragedy of the LA fires, neighbors are opening their homes to one another. In addition to AirBnb offering temporary housing and various YMCAs and Red Cross locations opening their doors, victims are finding safety with friends and family — and that includes your favorite celebrities. Like Hilary Duff and husband Matthew Koma, who opened their home to Mandy Moore, Taylor Goldsmith, and their family.

Here's what Mandy Moore and Griffin Goldsmith have said about Hilary Duff and Matthew Koma — and the LA wildfires.

Despite losing everything, Griffin is touched by Hilary Duff & Matthew Koma.

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A post shared by Dawes (@dawestheband)

After Mandy Moore and Taylor Goldsmith's home was affected by the wildfires in Altadena (they lost their garage, music studio, and back house), Mandy's brother-in-law Griffin Goldsmith revealed the family had been taken in by Hilary Duff.

"All of this so overwhelming," he said on Instagram. "Our dear friends @matthewkoma and @hilaryduff thought it wise to set up a gofundme for us to help with everything moving forward. Not to mention they are currently housing my brother’s family. They’ve taken care of my entire family from the moment this began. I will never be able to thank them adequately. This is the kindest act any human could do for another. They are the most beautiful, selfless people we’ve ever known."

"I’ve never been so moved in my life," he continues. "We are completely blown away. I can’t talk or think about it without crying. Like I said there aren’t words to describe how I feel. I’m doing my best. You all have completely changed what the picture of our future in Los Angeles looks like."

Mandy Moore shared the GoFundMe for Griffin and Kit on Instagram, writing in a since-deleted post that the couple "lost their home and everything they own in the Eaton Fire."

"With their first baby on the way in a matter of weeks, they need our support now more than ever," Mandy says (via People). "Griff is a touring musician and also lost his entire arsenal of drums/percussion he uses to make a living. It’s all so much. So many have asked how to help during this unimaginable and stressful time … Please consider donating and sharing to help them rebuild."

And when people criticized her decision to share the GoFundMe link? "Kindly F OFF."

"People questioning whether we’re helping out our own family or attributing some arbitrary amount of money Google says someone has is NOT helpful or empathetic," she continues. "Of course we are. Our buddy Matt started this GoFundMe and i’m sharing because people have asked how they can help them. We just lost most of our life in a fire too."

And the main part of Mandy Moore's home is still "mostly intact."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mandy Moore (@mandymooremm)

The Princess Diaries actress shared photos from her family's property, revealing that the main part of their home is still standing. "It’s not livable but mostly intact," she said on Instagram January 10. "We lost Taylor and griffin’s studio with every instrument and piece of equipment they’ve ever owned. We lost our garage and back house. Everyone we know lost everything. Every house on our street is gone. My in laws. My brother and sister in law- 6 weeks from welcoming their first baby. Our best friends. Feeling weird survivors guilt. We love this community and will do everything we can to help rebuild and support. Thanks for everyone for checking on us and offering us help. Altadena strong."

Resources and more information on the LA fires can be found here.

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Trim Your Tree With Ugly Sweater Ornaments This Holiday Season

Ugly sweaters have become a staple of our winter wardrobe. Not only are they great for themed parties, but also for lounging around while you're dealing with your food coma hangover. This year we decided to take our love for ugly sweaters one step further — say hello to ugly Christmas sweater ornaments. Yes, these little sweaters are meant for dolls, but they make the cutest little additions to any Christmas tree. Follow along below to learn how to create mini Christmas sweaters in three different styles.

Materials:

Tools:

Rhinestone Sweater

Bling out your itty bitty sweater with as many rhinestones as you wish. Pick every color of the rainbow, stick with a festive red and green, or go with your favorite color! Some may say rhinestones are tacky, while others may say they provide unlimited opportunities for smiles and sparkle :)

Use puff paint to hand letter your best holiday pun. Bonus points in the paint color matches the rhinestones. You can also definitely practice on a sheet of paper beforehand to work out any kinks.

Embroidered Sweater

Use long angled stitches to create a Christmas tree in the center of your sweater. Pick a thread that a dark green for a more classic look or go teal for a modern finish. Just make sure you stick a piece of paper or cardboard inside the sweater so that you don't accidentally sew all the way to the back.

Finish it off with an embroidered phrase in a color of embroidery floss that will really stand out. Don’t forget to top off your tree with a star!

Tacky Ribbon Sweater

Use bold Christmas ribbons to take your sweater to the tackiest level. This is a great way to use up some leftover ribbons after you've wrapped presents!

Use the aluminum wire to create mini hangers for all your sweaters. Slide the hanger into the sweater, then hang it on your tree or mantle.

Pair these sweater ornaments with a tree skirt that is just as cozy. But let's be real — no one will even see the tree skirt by the time all the presents are underneath ;)

Guilty — I have jumped on the “lit” train.

Snap all your #elfies this holiday season and tag us on Instagram! We love seeing what you all are up to during the holiday season.

If you're loving these ugly sweater ornaments, then follow us on Pinterest and subscribe to our email newsletter for more DIY inspiration!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

holiday ornamentsugly christmas sweaterchristmas

12 "Outdated" Kitchen Trends You Should Ditch In 2025 (But You Probably Have)

Kitchen renovations are no joke – they're a major investment, so you’ll want to think twice before committing to fleeting trends — especially for big-ticket items like cabinets, countertops, and appliances. I’ll admit it: I’m still without a backsplash five years later because I can’t commit! While it’s perfectly fine to follow your heart if you love a particular look, kitchens can quickly feel outdated when you lean too heavily on short-lived fads. To help you create a timeless, stylish space, we’ve rounded up outdated kitchen trends to avoid — and easy ways to modernize if your kitchen is stuck in the past.

Scroll to see if you have these outdated kitchen trends in your house right now!

Mark McCammon

1. All-White Kitchens

The all-white kitchen craze has officially run its course, often feeling cold and sterile — like say a doctor’s office. Today’s kitchens are all about warmth and character, with palettes in soft neutrals, earthy greens, or bold, moody shades like oxblood and midnight blue. Choose a color that speaks to you for a timeless, inviting space you'll love for years to come.

Pixabay

2. Granite Countertops

This early 2000s trend has been overdone and feels so dated now. Marble, sleek quartz, even butcher block are more classic choices.

Curtis Adams

3. Ornate Cabinetry

The color and detail of this traditional kitchen feels drab and dated. Instead, look for flat-panel or Shaker-style cabinets with clean, minimal lines.

Terry Magallanes

4. Farmhouse Decor

This kitchen is a lesson is don'ts. The grey vinyl flooring (especially hideous!), farmhouse stools, and white cabinetry hail from a decades-old trend that needs to disappear in 2025.

Home Depot

5. Glass Mosaic Tiles

Glass mosaics, popular in the 2000s and 2010s, tend to lean toward a transitional aesthetic, which is the opposite of an organic, minimalist, or vintage-inspired design kitchen are craving now. The grout lines are bit difficult to clean too between all the tiny tiles. Zellige tile or a slab of marble are a more sophisticated look for today's kitchens.

Level 23 Media

6. Black & White

The stark contrast between black and white can come across as harsh and overly dramatic, a look that peaked in the 2010s. The farmhouse sign doesn't help warm it up either. Soften the look with earthy, natural tones.

Curtis Adams

7. Subway Tile

Subway tile is classic, so there’s no need to rip it out if it still brings you joy. However, the white subway tile paired with dark grout has overstayed its welcome. This overdone trend became so ubiquitous that it lost its charm and individuality, leaving kitchens looking more cookie-cutter than full of character.

Amazon

8. Industrial Lighting

This nod to the past needs to, sorry, stay in the past. Look for organic, natural forms and lighting that reflects your kitchen's unique aesthetic.

Shutterstock

9. Tuscan Style

This rustic kitchen feels dated with its heavy, ornate features like dark wood cabinetry and trim. Go for clean, brighter spaces.

Shutterstock

10. Tile Countertops

Natural stone, marble, and wood are trending for 2025. Grout-filled countertops like this one are not. Time to go!

Max Vakhtbovycn

11. Moroccan Mosaic Tile

Kitchens are becoming elegant places to cook, eat, and gather. This busy design can look cheap. The white mid-century Eames-style chairs, sorry to say, are also out.

Andrea Davis

12. Barn Doors

Using barn doors between the kitchen and other spaces is a look that is officially out. They proved to be not that functional and the look is now dated and too kitschy. Buh bye!

Check out our online newsletter for more home decor inspo!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

kitchen trendsoutdated kitchenoutdated decorkitchen designhome decor trendshome decor ideashome decor

30 Easy & Low-Carb Dinner Recipes For Your Whole30 Month

Every January, I commit to a Whole30 month and throughout the year follow the low-carb program for a week or even a day. This year, 2025, I'm going to try to adhere to a low-carb diet all year long. My body just doesn't react well to carbs and it's generally a healthier way to live. I recently tried True Story's Whole30 Approved Bundle, which has been a great starter kit to get back in the swing of a low-carb routine, especially at lunchtime when I don't have time to cook from scratch.

Now there are tons of Whole30 recipes that you can enjoy without breaking the rules. The creativity of these dinner recipes make you feel like you're not giving up on dairy, grains, sweets or fun, but instead are venturing into a style of cooking that's healthy and *delicious.* Enjoy the adventure and experiment with these versatile mains that you can add to your monthly cooking routine.

Easy Paleo Chili Recipe

Make this easy Whole30-compliant dish that's full of healthy veggies (no beans!) and so simple to make. (via The Endless Meal)

Meatballs Without Breadcrumbs

For an easy dinner, try these meatballs without breadcrumbs made from ground beef or pork. Just add a veggie and your favorite sauce! (via Where Is My Spoon)

Sweet Potato Toasts

Sweet potatoes are low in calorie and high in fiber and a good swap for your toasty cravings. There are endless topping combos to turn them into a delicious and savory meal. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Sheet Pan Chicken And Asparagus

This Sheet Pan Chicken and Asparagus recipe is Whole30 approved and ready in less than 30 minutes! (via The Girl On Bloor)

Creamy Chicken Mushroom

Serve over cauliflower rice or spaghetti squash, this Creamy Chicken Mushroom recipe is made with garlic chicken thighs and a delicious mushroom sauce that's made creamy with healthy cashew butter. (via The Endless Meal)

Chicken Artichoke

This chicken smothered in a creamy spinach and artichoke cream sauce is Whole30-compliant and so delicious! (via Clean Cuisine)

Whole30 Chicken Zoodle Soup

Whole30 Chicken Zoodle Soup

If you’re looking for a soul-soothing dish that’s still diet-friendly, you’ve come to the right recipe. (via Brit + Co)

Whole30 Loaded Baked Potato Soup

Hearty comfort food isn’t always compliant with the latest food trends, but this loaded baked potato soup just happens to be Whole30 approved. (via Brit + Co)

Whole30 Animal Style Burgers

Whole30 Animal Style Burgers

Crunchy lettuce leaves replace traditional buns to make burgers that are Whole30 compliant. You’ll be able to stop your drive-thru dreams after just one bite. (via Brit + Co)

Chicken, Pesto, and Sun-Dried Tomato Egg Pizza

Instead of a wheat crust, this pizza is made on a high-protein egg base. A creamy pesto made with pine nuts and cashews will make you forget all about cheese. (via The Whole Smith’s Good Food Cookbook, photo via Michelle Smith)

Whole 30 Salmon Avocado Salad

The most unexpected bite in this salmon salad comes not from creamy avocado, but rather from bright bursts of tangy grapefruit that liven up the entire dish. (via The Whole Smith’s Good Food Cookbook, photo via Michelle Smith)

Whole30 Broccoli Chicken Twice Baked Potatoes

Thank goodness white potatoes aren’t off-limits with Whole30. Turn them into an entire, satisfying meal by stuffing them with broccoli, chicken, fresh herbs, and spices. (via The Whole Smith’s Good Food Cookbook, photo via Michelle Smith)

Whole30 Chicken, Lime, and Avocado Soup

Don’t forget the avocado. It adds a cooling, creamy effect to your bowl. (via The Whole30 Slow Cooker, photo via Ghazalle Badiozamani)

Whole30 Instant Pot Chicken Cacciatore

This Whole30-compliant chicken cacciatore is comfort food at its best, made by swapping zucchini noodles for pasta. (via The Whole30 Slow Cooker, photo via Ghazalle Badiozamani)

Whole30 Instant Pot Chinese Sesame Chicken

Make this sesame chicken at home in your Instant Pot so you don’t give in to your take-out cravings. (via The Whole30 Slow Cooker, photo via Ghazalle Badiozamani)

Taco Salad Bowl + Sautéed Plantains

Dig into this hearty salad served with sautéed plantains and a homemade Whole30-compliant taco seasoning for a totally satisfying dinner. (via The Real Food Dieticians)

Twice-Baked Sweet Potato Egg Boat

Twice-Baked Sweet Potato Egg Boat

Roasted sweet potatoes, eggs, and the toppings of your choice (bacon and avocado, for example) create a hearty base for your day. (via Brit + Co)

Hashbrown Egg Cups

Sometimes nothing hits the spot like a cozy hashbrown egg cup. Opt for only shredded sweet potatoes in this dish to keep it compliant. (via Siriously Deliciousby Siri Daly / Time Inc., Books)

Sheet-Pan Shrimp Fajitas

Tangy, spicy sheet-pan shrimp fajitas can be wrapped in lettuce taco “shells.” (via Brit + Co)

Air Fryer Whole Chicken

This Greek-inspired whole chicken cooks fast and tasty in an air fryer. Add roasted potatoes for a complete meal! (via Vikalinka)

Green Egg Shakshuka

If you’re not famished after work, treat yourself to a pan of mixed greens topped with baked eggs. (via Brit + Co)

Spring Chicken Salad

Chicken, potatoes, and greens are always a choice grouping. Here, the addition of a pesto dressing transforms them into a vibrantly flavored dish. Use snap peas instead of English peas to keep things Whole30-compliant. (via Brit + Co)

Whole30 Shepherd’s Pie

Topped with a creamy cauliflower-potato mash, Whole30 shepherd’s pie is just one way to satisfy your comfort food cravings. (via Brit + Co)

Halibut en Papillote

Made with halibut, shiitake mushrooms, and a touch of sesame oil, this homemade fish dish is oh-so-memorable. Serve it with cauli rice to help soak up the extra sauce. (via The Clean Plate: Eat, Reset, Heal by Gwyneth Paltrow)

Instant Pot Salmon Dinner

Instant Pot Salmon Dinner

Sweet potatoes, broccoli, and orange-covered salmon cook up all at once in an Instant Pot within minutes so hanger doesn’t have time to strike. (via Brit + Co)

Keto Vegan Alfredo Zoodles

We think Whole30 will forgive us since alfredo sauce isn’t something people tend to binge on. Top it with shrimp or chicken for extra oomph. (via Brit + Co)

Whole30 Mashed Potatoes With Mushroom Gravy

Make a big batch of this and serve it alongside a steak. (via Brit + Co)

Sweet Potato Egg Boat

Twice-Baked Sweet Potato Egg Boat

Don’t knock it till you try it. Egg, bacon, avo, and sweet potatoes surprisingly go very well together. (via Brit + Co)

Paleo Dressing

This bowl combines roasted root vegetables and sausage for an earthy, filling combo. Serve it with some cauliflower rice for a complete meal. (via Brit + Co)

Whole30 Chicken Salad

This easy grilled chicken salad, ideal for the nights when you want to quickly throw something together, happens to be Pinterest’s top recipe. (via Brit + Co)

As you already know if you've made it this far, getting through a month of healthy meals is all about the meal plan! We hope you've found some inspiration for easy, flavorful, colorful, and tasty meals that we imagine might land in your regular meal rotation beyond your Whole30 month? Find more inspiration in our weekly newsletter or enjoy a free month of our on-demand baking and cooking classes.

Main image via The Endless Meal

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