To say that I'm a little anxious about packing for this weekend is a slight understatement! I hate the change of seasons (although I'm totally pleased to be heading into the cooler months), it's like I forgot what I wore last year at the same time. Did I wear this top with those pants? OR this top with a skirt? Add to the mix the yoyo nature of my waistline and it's panic stations! I'm only taking a few things away with me so I hope I get the mix right!
This week I finally got around to restyling a merino jumper that was given to me (by a generous friend's mum) over Summer, with the aim to take it with me this weekend. It fitted nicely and I loved the inky grey colour, but I tend to overheat rather than being too cool so I prefer cardigans for letting in a bit of cool air. In a few easy steps I restyled the jumper into a great layering cardi and used up a favourite thrift store find - beautiful vintage trim.
That's the before pic, v neck 100% merino knit jumper - pullover.
You'll have to excuse the beautiful Autumn light streaming through my workroom bedroom window. I turned the jumper inside out and ironed on a piece of visoflex along the middle of the jumper. Visolfex sticks to fabric with an iron, with a paper backing that you peel off, you know the stuff?
With the paper backing still on, I cut up the middle.
I peeled the paper backing off and ironed each side over onto itself creating a nice ironed seam, that won't unravel. It also creates a edge that won't stretch too much as you sew it.
I pinned the trim around the ironed seam. The neckline had a finished edge so I didn't put visoflex around that. I stitched the trim on, trying not to stretch the knit as I went. I know that I wouldn't be able to get the trim fitting nice and flat around the neck, so I pulled the knit as I stitched, creating a ruffle effect which I love I'm learning to live with!
It's got me looking at some other jumpers I've got that I don't often wear due to that "heat" factor. They might be next in line for a make over? I think next time I'd like to try a crocheted edge. So are you a cardigan or a jumper/pullover girl?
This looks great! I love the collar just the way you did it!!
ReplyDeleteit looks gorgeous - well done x
ReplyDeleteClever clever clogs! - I might have a closure in one of my button jars, if you haven't found anything suitable by the time you come down - or you could try a Random Little Things cardi keeper (essentially two brooches with a chain in between. I bought Miriam are house and tree one for her birthday. She's worn it on her blog a bit.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! Love the trim you've used.
ReplyDeleteLiz @ Shortbread & Ginger
Holy crap that visoflix idea is GENIUS. I've wanted to do a similar thing for ages, but I totally didn't know how to stabilise the centre after it was cut. Genius I tell you! Wish I was coming this weekend! Have fun!
ReplyDeletexo
Ooops, commented on the wrong post! Love this cardi restyle, awesome!
ReplyDeleteI'm a big fan of the ruffle and that trim. I have to pin this, i really want to have a go. See you soon!
ReplyDeleteYour new cardigan looks fantastic! I love the trim. I really didn't think it was possible to make a cardigan out of a knit jumper. I'm a total cardi girl too...I seem to overheat at the drop of a hat, especially around my neck. I find cardi's are more flattering over my rather non flat stomach too! xx
ReplyDeleteI was just thinking that I was sure that Nin would be able to help you out with a closure and then I read her comment! Love your restyle and can't wait to see it in real life- eeek not long now and my to do list is growing not shrinking!!!!
ReplyDeleteLooks gorgeous. x
ReplyDeleteThis is gorgeous! Awesome job!
ReplyDeleteWoah, that looks amazing, well done! Lovely to meet you (very briefly) tonight, see you tomorrow!
ReplyDelete- Emma
Smarty pants.
ReplyDelete(I'm impressed)
so clever - I see all these jumper restyles out there and wonder if I'm that clever
ReplyDelete