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:

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

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  2. What a great idea! I looks perfect.

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  3. Definitely very Anthropologie-ish!

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

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  4. 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

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  5. 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!

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  6. 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.

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  7. Very creative fix and the FO looks amazing!

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  8. 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.

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

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  10. 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!

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  11. Nice effect... Like it was pixelated!

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

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  13. 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!

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  14. What a wonderful idea! Looks even better than before!

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

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

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

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