|
|
Post by anxiousmom on Jan 25, 2016 1:58:56 GMT
I randomly buy cashmere and wool sweaters to felt and turn into other things. Not too long ago, I bought a really nice, very thick dark grey cashmere sweater for the rock bottom price of $1.50. It is missing most of it's buttons which I am going to replace. I did the hot water/hot dryer thing to felt it and it came out of the dryer the softest, most cuddly sweater you can ever imagine. It must have been partly felted at some point in it's life as it did shrink a little- to the perfect size for me to wear.
But. It has that ribbing along the bottom that creates a band. I hate bands, they make me feel like a grandmother and I want to cut it off. Since it is felted cashmere, it won't get raggedy edged, but I would like to do something to finish the edge somehow.
Any suggestions? I can do funky, and it will likely be worn with jeans. I was trying to come up with something different beyond a regular hem. When I figure out the edges, I will figure out fun buttons to go with it.
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 20:15:10 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 25, 2016 2:01:22 GMT
I'm a tattered lace fan, and if you like something like that, you could add it. I get lace at vintage or antique stores - they often have a section with doilies and lace bits. You can dye it or leave it as it is.
|
|
Peamac
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea # 418
Posts: 4,240 
|
Post by Peamac on Jan 25, 2016 2:16:32 GMT
Here's a link to a website for refashioning clothes that might have some ideas for you. I like the lace idea, or if you have some cute fabric you could make a narrow trim for the bottom. You could crochet a trim for it, too.
|
|
|
|
Post by rst on Jan 25, 2016 2:23:32 GMT
Can you post a pic? I like the idea of adding some crochet edging or some thifted lace pieces.
|
|
|
|
Post by anxiousmom on Jan 25, 2016 2:29:34 GMT
Can you post a pic? I like the idea of adding some crochet edging or some thifted lace pieces. I'll have to do it tomorrow...my phone died and needs to be recharged, but it is a very common dark grey cardigan. All I want to do is cut off the bottom where it is gathered in that band that draws it in rather than a more boxy shape. I am not sure about the lace-I don't know that it would be right with the dark color of the sweater or maybe I am not sure that it would be my style? I would have to pay someone to crochet something.  |
|
scorpeao
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,524
Location: NorCal USA
Jun 25, 2014 21:04:54 GMT
|
Post by scorpeao on Jan 25, 2016 2:30:32 GMT
What about a thick grosgrain ribbon that is folded along the bottom...you know, half on the inside and half on the outside? I'm not sure I'm explaining what I mean clearly.
|
|
|
|
Post by rst on Jan 25, 2016 2:38:10 GMT
What about doing a chunky hand done blanket stitch along the cut edge? When you mention a more boxy profile I can see where something lacey/frilly might not be the thing. But I would be tempted to try either a shade or two lighter or a shade darker in maybe a sock weight yarn, and a nice sized blanket stitch -- you could experiment with size to see what looks good, but even as big as 1/2 inch spacing. That's definitely something you can do yourself, and it wouldn't take too much time. If you decide you don't like it and want to sew a strip of fabric or ribbon over it later, no harm done -- the stitching will just stabilize it, or could easily be pulled out.
|
|
|
|
Post by anxiousmom on Jan 25, 2016 2:40:42 GMT
What about a thick grosgrain ribbon that is folded along the bottom...you know, half on the inside and half on the outside? I'm not sure I'm explaining what I mean clearly. I know exactly what you mean, I have been googling 'refashioned sweater' and seeing a lot of it, but mostly lining the inside of the button placket. |
|
|
|
Post by anxiousmom on Jan 25, 2016 2:44:02 GMT
What about doing a chunky hand done blanket stitch along the cut edge? When you mention a more boxy profile I can see where something lacey/frilly might not be the thing. But I would be tempted to try either a shade or two lighter or a shade darker in maybe a sock weight yarn, and a nice sized blanket stitch -- you could experiment with size to see what looks good, but even as big as 1/2 inch spacing. That's definitely something you can do yourself, and it wouldn't take too much time. If you decide you don't like it and want to sew a strip of fabric or ribbon over it later, no harm done -- the stitching will just stabilize it, or could easily be pulled out. That is kind of what I was thinking, I can blanket stitch like no one's business. Yarn would be fun, but what kind of needle eye would fit that? |
|
|
|
Post by papersilly on Jan 25, 2016 2:54:49 GMT
I bought a cashmere sweater from a thrift store to felt for a Christmas Gnome project I was doing. It cost less than $2.00 and it was a cream color with no stains or tears. The label said Neiman Marcus 100% Cashmere. I threw in the washer in hot for over an hour. Then I threw it in the hot dryer for another hour. It didn't shrink and came out the softest, most plush sweater you ever saw. You thought it just came new from the department store. I couldn't bear to cut into it so I gave it to my niece and she loves wearing it with jeans or leggings.
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 20:15:10 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 25, 2016 2:57:33 GMT
What about doing a chunky hand done blanket stitch along the cut edge? When you mention a more boxy profile I can see where something lacey/frilly might not be the thing. But I would be tempted to try either a shade or two lighter or a shade darker in maybe a sock weight yarn, and a nice sized blanket stitch -- you could experiment with size to see what looks good, but even as big as 1/2 inch spacing. That's definitely something you can do yourself, and it wouldn't take too much time. If you decide you don't like it and want to sew a strip of fabric or ribbon over it later, no harm done -- the stitching will just stabilize it, or could easily be pulled out. That is kind of what I was thinking, I can blanket stitch like no one's business. Yarn would be fun, but what kind of needle eye would fit that? darning needles or yarn needles. They come with super big eyes that can take yarn. hancockfabrics.com/susan-bates-luxite-yarn-needle---2-3%2F4-in.-581843.html?gclid=CPDPxMf7w8oCFU1gfgodRwIEFA |
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 20:15:10 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 25, 2016 3:10:55 GMT
|
|
Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 20:15:10 GMT
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 25, 2016 3:21:38 GMT
|
|
|
|
Post by crazy4scraps on Jan 25, 2016 3:25:27 GMT
I was thinking blanket stitching around the raw edges too, possibly in a contrasting bright color.
|
|
