Wednesday 20 November 2013

FO: Rescuing a Moth-Eaten Sweater!

It's not a knitting FO, but I'm super pleased with how this turned out:

Remember the sad tragedy of my cashmere sweaters, all chewed up with holes? Since they were already ruined, I figured I'd at least try to rescue them.

And it worked! I picked out 5 colours of cotton embroidery thread, and just free-styled. I started with the larger patch on the bust- that's where the biggest hole was. I darned the hole shut, and then began working irregular shapes in different colours over it. I then used pairings of 2 colours at a time to cover up any of the smaller existing holes.

Once that part was done, I looked at the sweater and figured out where else I'd like a little tiny bit of colour, to balance out the 'design' and make it seem intentional, like it came from Anthropologie or something.


I like the amount of colour I ended up with- it feels like just the right amount, especially with the stripes. Once cashmere sweater saved, Another two to go!

20 comments:

Hilary said...

That looks adorable, Julie! Anthropologie for sure. :)

Teresa said...

What a great idea! I looks perfect.

evergreenknits said...

Definitely very Anthropologie-ish!

(In fact, next thing you know, they'll steal this idea and have it in their stores)

Monica said...

Perfect! What a fantastic fix. I need to get the darning part down, but I'd have no trouble with the embroidery. I'm going to give it a try! #carpetbeetleslivehere

eliza said...

this looks so fantastic! i just love it! i'm so impressed with your abilities and taking what would in other circumstances be a ruined sweater and turning it to your benefit!

Unknown said...

Love how you've added little hits of colour all over to make the patch look intentional. Totally works. And what a gorgeous backdrop for this shoot! Perfect location.

knittynurse said...

Very creative fix and the FO looks amazing!

Loulou said...

Brilliant! I didn't have the pleasure of seeing the 'before' but I sure like the 'after'. A very cool looking fix. Way to go.

Windybrook Spinner said...

Wonderful! Nice embroidery.

Silvia M. said...

It turned out great. I'm glad you found a way to turn tragedy into beauty. :)

Alli said...

Fantastic Julie! And you've reminded me that I have a couple of sweaters of my own that could use this kind of repair! Thanks for the inspiration!

Anonymous said...

Nice effect... Like it was pixelated!

kachazet said...

Well, it was a really good idea! Looks great!

duni said...

nailed it!

WildflowerWool said...

Great fix!

Unknown said...

Another option is to needle felt over the holes which I have done (well, in addition to embroidery where my dog ate a hole through a newly purchased wool coat). Perhaps combine the two for some interesting texture?

I love the colors you chose for your embroidery!

Ghislaine said...

What a wonderful idea! Looks even better than before!

Nat at Made in Home said...

Love that up cycling effect! Adding colours was a great idea,

Unknown said...

What a great idea and it looks great on you as well!
Good job!

Nik said...

This is pretty awesome and I love the pops of color. Cashmere is definitely too precious to simply toss. Great save!