This sweater was a fun re-fashioning project this January! I've been on a "sweater altering" kick over the last few years, and this cardigan was in dire need of a little attention and aesthetic help.
Poor thing.
I won't tell you how long this sweater has been waiting to be loved, but I'll just say that it was squarely in the "UFO" camp. (BTW, I still do intend to finish all of those! Maybe this year....)
After taking it in considerably and shortening it, there still remained the problem of the shoulders. There were really bad wrinkles emanating from them and after briefly considering taking up the shoulders I realized that my best bet was going to be adding shoulder pads. Sigh. Again with the shoulder pads! I hope I don't regret this trend later.... :-/
I do think it helps quite a bit, though!
I'm not a big purple lover, so this sweater needed some serious cute help if it was ever going to become an active member of my wardrobe! This embroidery design was detailed in a 1950s crafting book.
Buttonhole stitch, fern stitches, and sequins combined to make a charming pattern! It was looking a little odd in the middle of the process, but the whole is very much better than the sum of the parts! ;-)
And my 1940s polka dot dress makes the perfect backdrop for this dress! :-)
This painted metal brooch is perfect for adding a spring-ish touch to even wooly sweaters. :-)
· Photos by Kathryn ·
Posts
This looks fantastic! One of the best re-fashioning projects I've seen in a while. The embroidery and sequins really add a fun and whimsical charm to the sweater. Lovely job. :)
ReplyDelete-Emily
Wow, you really transformed it. It looks great!
ReplyDeleteSo stinkin' cute! You did an excellent job, Lily! I wouldn't have even guessed there were shoulder pads if you hadn't said so. The length is perfect, and the embroidery is so sweet. You may not be a big fan of purple, but the color looks fabulous on you! I never really gave purple much thought until watching Little Dorrit. It was "her color", and I think she is such an endearing character that it made the color higher in my estimation. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michelle! I'm so grateful for the vote of confidence on the shoulder pads. They're one of those things that once you know, it's hard to un-know, so I'm glad for the outsider opinion. :-D
DeleteLovely! I've been wanting to re-fashioning cardigans for years, but for some reason I'm scared to try...
ReplyDeleteThanks Sarah!
DeleteI completely understand your fear of altering sweaters- I struggled with that for years (even after I started, too). I'd recommend experimenting with less expensive ones, to start. I find that there are a few learning curves, and I do have a few that I like less than others. That's not a bad thing, though! They're still much better than they were before, plus I now have the added knowledge to ensure that my next projects have a better chance of success. :-D
Anyway, all that long-winded-ness to say- I hope you give it a try sometime soon! I'm sure you'll do a great job! :-)
This is gorgeous, Lily!! You absolutely made over that sweater!! It is so beautiful, and I love the idea of embroidering on a sweater! Why didn't I ever think of that?? It adds the perfect touch!
ReplyDeleteLovely outfit as well!! It does look scrumptious with your polka dot dress. :)
That is so cute! I love the embroidery on it.
ReplyDeleteOh this sweater turned out SO cute Lily! I love it!
ReplyDeleteBrigid
the Middle Sister and Singer
This is WONDERFUL! The embroidery is incredible!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is a brilliant redesign and I just love the embroidery!
ReplyDeleteLovely! Did you stabilize the sweater knit behind the embroidery? It adds so much interest. I agree with others, it's a becoming color on you! Laura from Quietude
ReplyDeleteThanks, Laura! :-)
DeleteNo, I didn't use any stabilizing. The sweater holds its shape rather well, and I was able to have loose enough tension (a constant struggle!) to not run into issues. I'm rather a fan of embroidering knits now though; they have ready-made guides for straight lines!! ;-)
You have given this a beautiful new lease of life. The embroidery is perfect
ReplyDeleteIt is such a beautiful sweater and my favorite color!! It is amazing what transformations can do!
ReplyDeleteFabulous refashion Lily! It turned out quite grand! Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteOh! And I just love your hat as well! :)
Fondly,
Cassie
the elder one of Calico Sisters blog
I just discovered your blog and have fallen in love. I simply LOVE all things that have to do with different era clothing and your blog was just what I needed to occupy my Spring Break! Can't wait to see what you do next!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Maddie
www.sequinandchic.com
Thank you so much, Maddie! Welcome, and thanks for commenting! :-)
DeleteOh my word! I adore how this cardigan turned out! Can I be really cheeky and beg you to please, please, please share that embroidery pattern Lily? It's just so stunning, and I'd love to try it out on one of my own plain Jane sweaters as I have plenty of those.
ReplyDeleteYou really have given this cardigan a new lease on life though ~ it is stunning! Fantastic work. : ) ❤
xox,
bonita of Lavender & Twill
Bonita, thank you so much. :-)
DeleteI'd be happy to share a scan of the magazine! It might take me a month or so, but I will get around to it. :-)
Love how the elaborate embroidery reveals itself to be somewhat simple and maybe even do-able up close. Nice.
ReplyDeleteThank so much, everyone! :-)
ReplyDeleteSplendidly pretty, springtime perfect outfit and such beautiful photos, too! You always look like a million stylish dollars, sweet dear.
ReplyDelete♥ Jessica
Thanks so much Jessica! You're so sweet. :-)
DeleteAmazing work! It's beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteI love purple, a I think you did great with this sweater. I have a pin very similar to that one, but the flowers are blue
ReplyDeleteMardi
Hello Lily,
ReplyDeleteThis was super amazing and so clever of you to do! You are indeed talented (and equally lovely)!
:)Hope