Sweater Refashion #2

Hi Everyone,

I had such fun with the last sweater refashion that I had to do another.  The biggest problem with this refashion was that I accidentally trashed my picture of the BEFORE and I was already too far into  the refashion to go back.  Check out the transformation and the final product below.

 At this point you can still see the BEFORE.  It was a never worn, 100% cotton sweater that cost me $4.99 from Goodwill.  It had long sleeves, a button front, and a fold over lapel collar.  Very boring!
I wanted to make it into shaped cardigan  with a scalloped edge and 3/4 sleeves.

So, I purchased some cotton lace in a matching color and applied it to the sweater with a chain stitch.  Once the lace was set, I used the serger  to take off the excess and crocheted down the raw edges from the inside to give it a finished look inside and out.  I also shaped the side seams to fit using the same technique.

Chain stitch application

                                                    Here it is before I cut off the sleeves.

 Here it is finished! I am really happy with the way it turned out and  I am ready for more...
I would love to hear your comments.

Happy Refashioning!

Mary

My First Sweater Refashion!

Before

This sweater started out as a 1X beauty. It cost $4.99 at Goodwill and appeared to have never been worn. 

After!

 I took off the sleeves and cut a significant amount out of the body.  Then I crocheted it back together.  Finally, I crocheted lace around the bottom and the sleeves. Check out some close up images of the transformation below.

 

As I mentioned, I took off the sleeves first.  Then I pinned the side seams to fit.  After I took off the excess with the serger, I used a chain stitch to crochet the sides back together.  

I have bags of lace from my former days as a sweater designer (long time ago) and fashion designer for a number of children's manufacturers.  I was and still am a fabric and trim collector.  After all, I could use it all someday! LOL!  This choice was a perfect fit.  

This sweater goes well with leggings and jeans.  Yesterday I wore it with leggings as you see here.  For the outside, I wore it with a jean jacket and a black and white scarf.  

Well, onto my next project coming up soon!

Happy Sewing...Mary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One 90's jean jacket +thrift shop collar =Refashioned Jacket

Hi everyone!

The finished project!

A close up!

Meet my new favorite jean jacket.  It started with and old mandarin collar  jacket from the late 90's that had very little shape.  I have been holding on to it for a long time hoping the right chance would come along to make it new.  I think I found the right mix.  Here is the finished project.  Then,  I'll show you how I got there.

Take off the collar from here

Add it here!

As the picture states, all I did was add the collar.  My second step was to  take in the sides, under the armholes, and slightly slim the upper sleeve.  From there I was done!

I am not done with the tapestry jacket.  I have plans to use it for several other projects!  More on the way...HAPPY SEWING and REFASHIONING!

Mary

Thrift Shop Refashion of Mens Dress Shirt

Hi Everyone!

                                    This is the After!  
 

Here is the Before:

This project turned out great, but it wasn’t an easy battle.  I get very picky about fit and getting the darts and pleats in all the right places took me a lot of time.

Step 1:  Cut off the sleeves

Step 2:  Take in the side seams and pin the new darts and pleats in the front and back

Step 3:  Fill in the armhole gap with a gusset and redraw the armhole

 

Step 4:  Cut a new sleeve using an existing pattern out of the old sleeve

 

Step 5:  Set and sew  the sleeves

Step 6:  Final fittings on the body and permanently sew the changes.

Step 7:  Press!  Now it is ready to wear. 

I paired it with a pair of leggings and my cap toe, ballet flats.  Proof positive that a "fifty something" can wear leggings.  My rule is the top must cover the bum and be long enough to cover the widest part of your legs.  In addition, this top can be styled in numerous ways.  I can see it with skinny jeans and black pumps.  It would also be cute with capris and sandals for summer.

What do you think?

Happy sewing...Mary