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Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Sweater Revival DIY
If you are like me, then you too have about a half dozen plain, cream-colored sweaters and cardigans sitting in your closet. They are versatile, yes, but boring. Lately, I have been reaching for my plain-jane sweater and wishing it was a bit more interesting or at least a better color. Everyone seemed to enjoy the last tutorial, so I have another one for you. It is very inexpensive and quick, too. I'll show you how for under 5 bucks and about 15 minutes, you can turn your boring little sweater into something a bit more fun.
Here is what you need:
old light-weight sweater in cream or white
1-2 yards of ruffled trim
small pack of Rit dye in your color of choice
rhinestones
matching thread
washable glue
Here is what my sweater looked like when I stated. Cute but pretty plain.
Here is what you need:
old light-weight sweater in cream or white
1-2 yards of ruffled trim
small pack of Rit dye in your color of choice
rhinestones
matching thread
washable glue
Next, fill your washing machine 1/4 full with hot water and add your Rit Dye. Stir it with a spoon to make sure the dye is evenly disbursed. Then add the sweater and trim, and let the machine run it's course.
A few notes on using Rit dye in your machine:
1. less is more (I used only 1 teaspoon of teal)
2. watch for clumps! (this can ruin your garment)
3. always run your machine empty and on hot immediately after
Okay, so here is my sweater and trim after a wash in teal dye.
Next, pin your ruffle trim onto the sides of the sweater. Pin and sew on with coordinating thread.
After all my ruffles are sewn on...
Next, grab your rhinestones. Now, you could cut off all the buttons and sew on new ones. That would yield great results, but there are two reasons I didn't do that. One, buttons are actually pretty expensive, especially cute ones. Some of my vintage buttons are $8 each, which would make the buttons alone for this project cost $56. Second, I didn't have enough cute buttons nor did I want to take 30 minutes to sew them all on.
Instead, I decided to glue a sparkly rhinestone on top of the button. I have a bunch of these flower-looking rhinestones lying around. I think I got them in the bridal aisle of Hobby Lobby.
Instead, I decided to glue a sparkly rhinestone on top of the button. I have a bunch of these flower-looking rhinestones lying around. I think I got them in the bridal aisle of Hobby Lobby.
Next, I used a washable bead glue to glue the rhinestone on top of each bottom, like this....
So, $1.99 in dye, $1 in rhinestones, $2 in ruffled trim and.... cute little embellished sweater.
Before/After
And finally a {bad!} photo of it being worn. I hope this inspires you to revive something in your own wardrobe!
And finally a {bad!} photo of it being worn. I hope this inspires you to revive something in your own wardrobe!
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20 comments:
GORGEOUS but where do u get those button covers and what are they called exactly? GREAT WORK it's soooo cute! I'm a BIG FAN of your work!
ahodges070501@live.com
I LOVE the subtle difference between the way the dye took for your sweater and the ruffle trim! absolutely gorgeous!
I love it!! I can not wait to try it. And Traget has great tops at great prices to do this with!!
Fantastic! I really need to take the sewing machine out of the box and try to work some magic like you do, your very inspiring Jess <3 Thanks for sharing!
What a great way to re-purpose..thank you !
Never tried dye, but this has inspired me to give it a whirl. How did you end up drying your sweater? I'm a little nervous that all my clothes after this would end up teal. Which I do admit I love the color, but not sure everyone else in the family would appreciate it. The one wash in hot really did the trick huh?
Briana
Oh I love your color selection with the dye! What a great DIY, I'll have to try this, I'm sure Ive got several old sweaters lying around that could use some freshening up!
Such a great idea! You've inspired me today!
By the way, I'm really enjoying listening to your playlist right now. Thanks for putting in on your website. My son and daughter have popped in twice to ask about three different songs. Now I have some new downloads for the family--thanks!
The outcome of the cardi is sooo pretty! I absolutely love the shade of teal! I'm always hesitant when it comes to dyeing clothes, my last try many years ago left me with patches of uneven color. Looking at your experience makes me want to have a go again. Any tips for dyeing dark colors? Is there anything I should do before coloring?
looks adorable. As always, an inspiration!
LOVE the idea ... but curious as to what type of trim you used and where you got it???
OpusMuse, My tips with dye: less is more. I neve,r never use the full package. Also, stir really well and watch for clumps.
Jessica, the trim came from Hobby Lobby!
Great idea. At first I thought the picture of a man with a hairy chest!!!!
I have to tell you...I clicked onto your blog to see what was wrong with this poor persons skin! So glad it was just your dress form (whew!)
The picture you have showing this looks like its being worn by a harry chested man! You need to put it on a cleaner maniquin
Looks like they are the faux gems you can get those on the beading dept of the craft store
This is a great DIY but you should know- Your dress form looks like a hairy man chest in pictures. That's all I could see on Pinterest and I was like whhhattt Ew!
Haha
In the up close photo after all the ruffles have been sewn on, it kinda looks like the sweater is on a man with a hairy chest.
How do you button it
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