A Tale of Two Blankets

I'm working on the two native-style blankets (cloaks) and it's giving me a headache. Byuri will be getting one based on a Chilkat blanket design, but those were traditionally woven from mountain goat wool and cedar bark - neither of which I have - and with Byuri being just 11" tall I need a way to make it "look" like an authentic blanket without it actually being one. I've made a leather fringe, and one of cotton threads which I've sewn onto the chamois 'blanket', then combed and stained it. The design will be drawn on with marker, but the fumes are rather powerful, so I'm alternating working on Asa's button blanket.

I've made button blankets in the past and used red felt for the edging and design on the back. But that made for a very stiff blanket, and I'd like this one to be more supple, so am using plain red cotton. Problem is it frays, and it seems too daunting too clip all the edges and fold them under. I need as few layers of fabric as possible.  I figured out it works best if I cut out a few areas with a very sharp scissors and then go over the edges with Fray Check, then let it dry before cutting any more. Once the entire design has been cut out, I'll zig-zag it onto the blanket. 

So, I'm alternating between Fray Check fumes and marker fumes, and going outside in between to prune all the winter-kill out of a favourite flowering  bush. A bit of this, and a bit of that, and eventually all three tasks will get done. Of course, then it will be time to make all the tiny polymer clay buttons, and baking those gives off fumes too!  I need some serious ventilation! Good thing it's getting warmer out - I better go open some windows and let the breeze in.