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Friday, February 1, 2013

A Turtleneck Turned Cardigan With Elbow Patches



So, I had this beautiful oatmeal colored turtleneck.
The problem is, I never wore it!
If I got hot, it wasn't easy to just pull off...not only would
it wreck my hair, but wearing something underneath
that was presentable alone just looked too bulky
underneath it.  So, it laid in my closet unused.
I much prefer a sweater than I can take on and off
throughout the day!


I saw on Pinterest how to turn a turtleneck into a cardigan HERE
and how to add elbow patches to a sweater HERE, so I
thought I'd play around with this and see how it turned out!

I cut straight down the middle and the neck opened up into a nice collar!
There wasn't any unravelling since I cut right between the stitch rows.
  Just a little part on the corners needed a dab of Fray Check. 
So, the collar was fine as is, but the front edges looked unfinished,
as you can see in the center photo, below.
 I used some Heat-n-Bond tape to roll the raw edges of
the front and then did a quick slip stitch underneath to hold it in
place.  This worked great on this sweater because the cuffs
 and bottom were already made to roll as the finished edge.
 I cut out a heart pattern and used it to cut two layers of felt,
one slightly smaller than the other and bonded them together with
spray adhesive.  After pinning and making sure they were in the
right spots, I attached them to the sleeves with embroidery
floss, using a blanket stitch.



I think it turned out pretty well!
And you know what?  The heat-n-bond, felt,
and embroidery floss all came from the auction trash.
I know!  Crazy the way that trash supplies my home. ha.

This was a fun afternoon project! 
I just might try another one!


53 comments:

  1. I'm amazed! Love the way that collar turned out, and the whole thing is just cute!

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    Replies
    1. I know! I was really surprised at the collar! I'll get so much more use out of it this way.

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  2. Wow that was very inventive of you
    I guess Pinterest can help with it's view
    Of course not sure saying trash supplies my home
    Is something you want to advertise at your dome haha

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    Replies
    1. haha...true, very true
      but you all know it's crazy at my zoo!

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  3. I love this, I did the same thing when I saw it on Pinterest, mine wasn't a turtle neck though, it worked great! Love the colors too, Betsy, I love your new header, I love red boots!!!

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    Replies
    1. I saw some that were regular pull over sweaters!

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  4. I like it!!!!!!!!!!!!
    I was wondering what your sewing project was. :)

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    1. Now you know! I was sure it was going to be a flop! ha.

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  5. very cool..i really like your patch...woot nice make over of the sweater...

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    1. thanks! actually there are two patches...one for each elbow! :)

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  6. Absolutely adorable...just like you! =) I love it! I love it! VERY clever. Thanks for your inspiration...I will definitely be pinning this.

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  7. I love absolutely and love the color you know:)
    But I love your header, just lovely I love your red boots I want a pair to my next winter:))))

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    1. I have a lot of fun making that header! Picmonkey.com do you use it? Really fun! I already had the snow, but added the hearts and snowflakes.

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    2. oh I sont know Betsy I will see, I was finished a post that I have to send. But love your red boots I hope to find someones in the winter:)

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    3. I loved your post! What a yummy looking dish!

      I got the boots online. Land's End.

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  8. Oh my...it looks like it was created to be a cardigan. Just love those heart patches...Like getting a brand new sweater. That collar turned out perfect. The header is so cute...Makes me want to stomp my feet..teehee.

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    1. You probably had balmy weather in the mid 70's today, didn't you!! We got more snow! It was in the 20's all day. ha.

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  9. Oh, how pretty! Try it on!

    (That Pinterest sure is addicting.)

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    Replies
    1. haha...I did! But no photos. :)

      loving pinterest....so inspirational!

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  10. Smart way to redo your sweater. I'm with you. A sweater can't be too big and bulky. Personally my internal thermostat has been broken for years, so no telling when a sweater will have to come off. I like the elbow patches.

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    1. Yep, I like to be able to take it off. I'm usually cold, but you never know! I get hot when I vacuum. ha.

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  11. Oh Betsy, this look perfect, you did so well.;) I have the same problem with turtle necks.;)
    Love your new header, so cute.;) Have a great weekend,
    xoxo

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    Replies
    1. I need to do another one just to see if it was a fluke! HAHA...I mean, why didn't that neck unravel? It was too easy! ha.

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  12. Hi Betsy .. what a great idea - clever you .. and I'm sure it'll be put to much better use now - waste not want not .. clever 'girl' .. and excellent waste from the auction!! Cheers Hilary

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  13. Wow!! That's amazing!! You've totally changed that jumper into a really fun cardigan! Yay!!!

    Take care
    x

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  14. That turned out GREAT and is now very useful. I have made a cardigan from some of my Hubs old sweaters for myself.

    I am putting you on my blog roll!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. well, that's a great idea, too! I'll have to look through his closet! haha. Think he'll notice? :)

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  15. genius! but then you knew that, right? That turned out really nice!

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    1. well, pinterest is the place for great ideas! ha. I can get lost in there! But I was proud of myself for not just pinning but actually doing. Sometimes I wonder. haha.

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  16. Very cute! I'd try it but I donated all my turtleneck sweaters last year--when I started with the middle aged temperature swings I couldn't stand anything around my neck.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. you know, those hot flashes haven't hit me yet! Not that I'm complaining! haha. I'm hoping they skip me altogether! LOL!

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  17. Very nice work...I like the pink and brown heart. I'm in the process of doing the same thing to a black pullover sweater. Although I even want to shorten the sleeves to a 3/4 length.

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    1. you'll have to put it on facebook when you're finished!

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  18. I totally agree with you about turtle neck sweaters; that's why I don't own many. What a marvelously creative solution. I love your new sweater, especially the elbow patches.

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    1. I know! I love the way they look, but they just aren't practical for me.

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  19. that is so cute! you will look especially adorable if you wear it for Valentines day.

    I get many of my craft supplies (and I have a room full of them) from my mom and daughter who are both shopaholics :)

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    1. yes, the heart patches were chosen just for February! :)

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  20. Wow, you did a great job! I'm an avid sewer and knitter but I've never actually tried this, yet. You've inspired me. Nice blog. Glad I stopped in via Brian's place.

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    1. Hi, Geraldine! Well, anyone that is a friend of Brian's is a friend of mine. :) Thanks for visiting!

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  21. Oh, this turned out posh! You are indeed a woman of many skills and talents! And your newest header is a show, too.
    Christel

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    1. I was so pleased! I can't wait to try another one!

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  22. I think you're brilliant! this is gorgeous - clever you!
    Mary x

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    Replies
    1. well, it was someone else's idea, so I can't take credit for that! ha.

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  23. Wow, that is very clever! Well done. It looks great.

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  24. I have rarely owned a turtleneck sweater, maybe two of them in my whole life. Not much need for them out here. I am still mostly wearing tank tops and shorts most days. But it has to do with that built in menopausal heater my body developed, although with most days in the 70's doesn't hurt. Even oldest granddaughter is wearing tank tops and shorts. But we have been cool on the rainy days, so it is wonderful to feel a little cooler.

    I really do like how the collar lays down so nicely and perfect timing for the heart patches. And your house is not filled with things from the trash, it is filled with things from the repurposing pile. And being the environmentally conscious creative person that you are, you love to be challenged to find each items new purpose in life. And look at how well you do with each item.

    I am so in love with Pinterest and all the amazing things you can learn there. I have posted a new board called "Critters" and I have started pinning beautiful pictures of birds and a lot of cats. The wee wittle ones love to look at all the pictures of the Critters. Heck I like to look at them. It is almost like we are reading a book when we scroll through looking at the pictures. I even make up stories to go with some of the pictures. And so easy with the iPad to do it, especially while I have been sick.

    I know you will enjoy the sweater for many years. It is really pretty.

    God bless.

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    1. I love all of your pinterest boards, Sherry and follow them all! :) I've been inspired to do so many things on there! Now I need to keep picking ones to actually do!

      What a great idea having a big picture book of critters online! I'm sure the grands love it.
      We are at 15 below zero today with the windchill. Amazing that we live in the same country, isn't it? haha.

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  25. A good solution, Betsy and hope you can now wear it Hugs ~ Eddie

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