When fabric and haberdashery became more expensive… my grandmother told me to check the thrift stores first, sometimes she’d find a blouse for a few dollars she could scrap for parts…
Since I made opera length gloves, I’ve been on this diy kick. Especially going to the flea market every week, I see lots of clothes with great potential, it takes some looking, but they are there. It all started when I found this huge Irish cable knit sweater with really nice wool, for $1… I turned it down, but it was a shame to pass up such nice material. When fabric and haberdashery became more expensive than buying off the rack clothing, my grandmother always told me to check the thrift stores first, sometimes she’d find a blouse for a few dollars that she would scrap for parts, like silk or buttons… all very clever. So I took the flea markets looking for sweaters made with wool, cotton, or hand knit, with all the synthetics out there, it was more difficult than I thought, but I mangaged to find a few oversized sweaters to cut up. I just cut off the arms to use for legwarmers, and sewed the body into a neckwarmer. Right now I’m making these as gifts, but hopefully I’ll have enough energy at the end to keep one for myself, scratch that, the legwarmers I’m keeping… merino wool legwarmers aren’t cheap!
{ 30 comments… read them below or add one }
the neckwarmer is fantastic! i was just planning on knitting one for myself – maybe i’ll check for old sweaters first.
Ohhh I love a snood! Good work x
Great idea!
❤ fenke, oh it’s worth a try, since you are so good at sewing, i bet it will only take 20 min. though, i wish i could knit!
❤ frankie…thanks love!
❤ cecile
i love how the frill ruffle skirt (dress?) contrasts with all the warm knits! and the legwarmers are great!!
So clever! Awesome job, you little seamstress!
Brilliant idea! I’m off to find all those old sweaters I hate. Why do my aunties always buy me sweaters for xmas??
This is one of my favorite outfits to date! I really love what you’ve done with old sweaters…you have inspired me to try some sewing projects when I go back home to my machine!
Did you just sew the edges for the neckwarmer or did you double it and sew it shut?? I love this and have been looking for one (I can not knit), and this is a much better idea! Thank you so much!
❤violettvile… oh it’s a skirt, and i wear it wayyy too much, best $14 i ever spent.
❤beka, thanks!
❤dressed…. ooh you are lucky!
❤kayla… thank you! ooh, i can’t wait to get my sewing machine fixed, i’ve been doing this by hand… stubborn me.
❤vintage…i had to fold the edges and sew them, i’ve gotten better where you can’t see the seam, but when i doubled it, the warmer didnt come out right, believe me i tried lots of ways!
That’s such a chic outfit and the neckwarmer and legwarmers are stunning and well constructed, you are talented!
I would totally wear that entire outfit and just top it off with my gorgeous diamond earrings I bought from http://www.idonowidont.com and have the cutest winter look of the season!
I just wish I had the DIY talent and ability to make something as chic as a neckwarmer, what a cute idea!
Darling, you are fantastic. I decided for my new years resolution I am going to learn how to sew. EEEK! You totally inspire me with your diy projects.
I love love both of these.
Brilliant! I want some armwarmers, but thrifting a decent wool sweater for peanuts is so not gonna happen around my way. I’ll be keeping an eye out though.
Love the legwarmers, I have kneehighs just like em.
love diy project. especially since they are one of a kind.
Wow great work!
nice job! serious cuteness! i’m going to latera bunch of thrift finds tonight. exciting! also. WOW. that lace bolero. amazing. the back is incredible.
oh my. that was “altered” not “latera”. a failed frankenword on my part!
You have a great sense of style, seriously cute.
I’ve been wanting a knit cowl but have been kind of dreading taking the time to knit one. Making one of an old thrift store sweater is so clever!!
you look so franken cozy!!
oh! on it!!!!! xox tla
That is such a good idea that frankly I am flabbergasted…
You look so good! So cozy! I’ve had a sweater lying around that I bought just to cut up, but I’ve been to lazy… I’m seriously inspired now!
❤krista…if i can do it, you can do it, i’m the worst crafter ever… trust me.
❤alixrose, aw thanks so much!!
❤e.ss…ooh yeah, armwarmer, i have those too, now all that’s left is a belly warmer, and maybe a boob warmer. i’m sure you can find good thrift stores, just sometimes, its all about going regularly.
❤eyeliah…ooh knee highs, i like i like
❤…love megan, yeah, one of a kind is what makes it special!
❤swan… hehe frankenwords! i hope you post some of your altercreations!
❤thanks blake!
❤Rhiannon, i’m 10000% sure you will find an amazing sweater to do that with… i’m always amazed with all your finds!
❤ meli… damn right frozen, its effin freezin here!
❤love artist… cool!
❤april… once you do it, you’ll be addicted, actually i have a few left i gotta start going on.
What a timely post in our tough economic times! I’ve started washing a Goodwill wool sweater in the hot wash every time I do my laundry to ‘felt’ it so I can make mittens and a hat for James for Christmas. Great minds thinking alike! We miss you out here in effin cold San Francisco (there’s frost on the ground everywhere, and I can see my breath in my apartment). Merry Christmas!!
I’d never have guessed these pieces were parts of a sweater. Good job!
❤ooh aidan… how sweet! i can just imagine james’ delight! i miss you too love!
❤ allure, ahha..it is!
you are soooo smart…I was making neck warmers out of regular scarfs…I didn’t think to use anything else.
Without wanting to sound stalkerish, I found some black leather opera length gloves for really cheap in London and thought of you!
Unfortunately I was all out of cash (Christmas is expensive!) but when I get back to the city I’ll have a look for them again. There were loads, so hopefully I’ll be able to grab you a pair. If I do, you’ll have to send me your address.
x