DIY: From Cotton Sweater to Circular Scarf...

When thrifting, I'm always on the look out for sweaters.  They represent so many possibilities to me.  You may have noticed my cushion cover here in my living room.  I've been sewing cushion covers from thrifted sweaters long before Pinterest existed.   I was recently in a thrift store and was rather taken aback by the cost of some of the sweaters I was seeing.   Albeit, they were in very good condition, so not necessarily fodder for cutting and sewing.  Yet still, I had a hankering for a little DIY, so I headed over to the children's section.  I found this little treasure in the boys aisle, and loved the colour scheme.  Home it came.  It was too small for covering a pillow, and I secretly wanted to wear it anyways, so I decided to make a circular scarf out of it.  Here's a quick DIY for those of you that aspire to create a little something out of a little something.

 Above left is the original sweater.  Above right is the finished circular scarf, and a quick pair of fingerless gloves

1.  View of sweater indicating where I will cut.  

2.  Close-up of scarf edging pinned and ready to be sewn.  The cut edge has been folded over twice onto right side of scarf, revealing the wrong side of fabric.  Machine stitch close to edge.

3.  View of finished scarf hem.  Note that the new neck opening of the scarf was originally the waistband of the sweater.

4.  Close-up of finished scarf edging.  My gold horse is now upside-down.  I shall consider that a unique new designer motif.

I found the neckline {originally the waistband}  a little large for my liking, so I sewed a small dart at each side seam.  After sewing, I cut open the seam and hand sewed a few stitches so it would lie flat.  I cut and edge stitched the sleeves to create a fingerless glove.  I created an opening for my thumbs by stitch ripping the side seam just above the ribbing, and then machine stitched each end to secure the original seam.





There you have it.  I now have a cozy scarf that slips easily over my head.  I can tuck it in closer to my neck for extra warmth, or allow it to drape in a more open fashion.

Linking up for Ta-Da! Tuesday at Faith Hope and Charity Shopping.  Pop on over and take a look at what people have been creating.