How to upcycle sweaters…
Upcycling sweaters…Part 2
So, back in July I started a new post on ‘How to make an upcycled sweater’. I listed exactly what to gather, and you did that, and you’ve been sitting with your supplies and dress form or patient friend, who has since abandoned you for a real life…lol. You waited, and waited, and during that time I’ve created many a new thing from upcycled sweaters, BUT
I kept forgetting to take pictures of what I did!!!
Without the pictures, I don’t think it is quite as good. So, yesterday during the process of creating I actually remembered to TAKE PICTURES. Lemme get them stored online, and then let the sweater fuzz fly! On to making an upcycled sweater skirt and shrug! While you are waiting, take a look at the elements of the sweaters you plan to unravel.
Are there arm or torso cuffs that could be used as a waistband or edging? Is there a central design to a sweater that can be kept intact as the focus for the new design? Where do the seams run? Are the arms inset in a circle, or do they run diagonally up to the collar? Is there a zipper or button panel you can keep intact to use as the fastening for the new design? What portions of the sweaters can be deconstructed as larger ‘pieces’ of fabric?
Before the end of this day, the full tutorial will be complete, but remember, a lot of the design is up to your imagination and creativity. And if you are using a serger for the first time, practice threading the machine. Have a supply of needles on hand, as you may break a few going through the heavy layers. And unless you are using VERY lightweight sweaters, a cheap sewing machine or serger will not do. If you know your machine has a hard time going through thick layers, you might get frustrated. I mean a cheap quality machine, as my Juki was $349, but does a fantastic job on even the heaviest layers, so long as I take it a little slower.
And you might also like to have a trash can for sweater fluff, and another for actual trash. I use the soft sweater fluff to stuff pillows and further the eco and green-ness of sweater upcycling. The smaller scraps are used for my upcycled sweater scarves, and the smallest scraps I can’t use are gifted to a friend who makes dolls and can use them to make doll clothing. So get ready to keep some sweaters out of landfills and save the earth one sweater at a time.
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