This may come as a shock, but I can't afford to make all of my own clothes (it's mostly the time, but new fabric costs a lot too). Yet, I also have to put my own spin on things here and there. I've decided to start documenting my upcycling-escapades on this blog, starting with my favorite cashmere sweater.
So, you know that adorable cashmere sweater you have that fits you perfectly and makes you look hot and sweet at the same time while also somehow being miraculously comfortable? Ok, so you know when your wonderful husband is trying to help you out on a super busy day and does your laundry for you...and that adorable sweater goes in the dryer. When it comes out and it's the perfect fit for your mini-me, you may feel like throwing it out, or the husband - but don't throw either out! First, your husband was actually being very sweet, and second, your sweater could still get even sweeter...
So, you know that adorable cashmere sweater you have that fits you perfectly and makes you look hot and sweet at the same time while also somehow being miraculously comfortable? Ok, so you know when your wonderful husband is trying to help you out on a super busy day and does your laundry for you...and that adorable sweater goes in the dryer. When it comes out and it's the perfect fit for your mini-me, you may feel like throwing it out, or the husband - but don't throw either out! First, your husband was actually being very sweet, and second, your sweater could still get even sweeter...
Here is my cute cashmere sweater after it came out of the dryer. You can't tell from the photo, but it's now a child's size sweater. It shrank in all directions, so it's tight around the waist and bust and it only comes down to my belly button.
So, what should you do with a sweater that's too small? Make a cropped cardigan! All you need is a pair of scissors, a sewing machine with a zigzag stitch or a serger, some matching thread, and some complementary trim. Optionally, add buttons, hook and eye tape, or loops and knots for closures. Just cut up the center and use the trim to add to the circumference (so you can fit into it) and cut the sleeves off (if you want). Add the trim with a zig zag foot and add your closures and you're done! I used a cream double-layered lace and cream satin blanket tape for my trim, and some small white hooks and eyes to hide the closure.
So? Even cuter right? The thing that took the longest was hand-sewing the hooks and eyes, but if you did something faster on a machine, like buttonholes, this will probably take an hour max. So, the moral of the story is you can always save a cashmere sweater!
