from drab to FAB

Hello my sweets. I am so excited to share with you my current project that started with a clean up of my closet. I came across this great cardigan sweater I loved at one point – but my emotions about it changed and for the last little while – it just screamed BORING. So, I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to update the look.

I went on a little scavenger trip to Value Village and was on the lookout for a simple wool sweater to incorporate into this one ;) I definitely succeeded in getting exactly what I wanted – and when they merged… they both turned to FAB. This is a sneak peek of the before and after for the cardigan. Take a look:

Are you excited already? I hope so. I will give you some time to dig around in your closet for some old cardigan or sweater you want to re-vamp. Go ahead – I’ll wait…

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To felt a wool sweater: all you need to do is take a 100% wool sweater (read the label) and wash it in hot water, then put it in the dryer for 1-2 cycles. It should shrink quite a bit, and that’s what you’re after. That’s it. You’re ready to cut it up now ;)

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To cut up up sweater: I wanted to preserve the body of this sweater, so I only worked with the sleeves. I cut the sleeves straight through. Evened out the cut (used that piece for the circular shapes). Then I cut into the middle of the sleeve, straight through (see image #3) and then cut out triangular shapes from the sides. (this method gave me the exact shape I was after which was the triangles and the long double triangles.

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To make felted wool leaves:

1. cut shapes from the sleeve (see image #3 above)

2. fold over the one long double triangle

3. pinch on the bottom and hand stitch loosly in place.

for the centre piece– roll the long piece so the one side is flush to one side and stitch in place.

To assemble:

Arrange the individual leaf pieces as you want on your sweater (or other item). Play around until you find the design you like. It could be a-symetrical for a bit of a unique style. Go for a lot of contrast with a different coloured background etc. There is too much you could do. Let your style instincts guide you ;) Once you decide, simply hand stitch all the pieces together (this is a good tip if you think you may want to change up the look again and possibly use this ‘large leafy flower’ elsewhere). Again, hand stitch the whole piece into your background piece. Have fun!

By the way, you still don’t know what happened to the sweater I cut the sleeves from. Well, it’s now a ‘pullover’ and just wait till you see it ;) Stay tuned my friends!

Pssst. I actually went to a meeting this morning – in this very same outfit to give the updated sweater a test run ;) Guess what? I got a few compliments on the sweater ;) I didn’t say anything that I made it – I’m not THAT confident  yet ;)

Have fun digging in your closet and go ahead and change something drab into FAB! (and come back here and tell me all about it ;) xoxo