The 40s Inspired Cardigan
Front, view 1.
+ + +
Front, view 2.
+ + +
Front, closeup view.
+ + +
(Source: By Gum By Golly)
This re-fashion has been inspired by the beautiful colorwork cardigans that are popular in the 40s.
The Facts
Fabric: Thrifted cardigan, size large
Pattern: n/a
Year: 2012
Notion: n/a
Time to complete: 30 min
First worn: Hasn’t been worn yet
Wear again? Yes
Total price: $8
I haven’t been a knitter for years and I wasn’t about to attempt my own sweater project, especially on something this complicated. I found this colorwork sweater in the thrift shop. It was bright, had well-defined colorwork, and was way too large. The sweater itself is a size large and fits probably a bust 38 to 40.
+ + +
You can see how large it is on the dressform.
+ + +
Closeup of colorwork.
+ + +
I used Casey’s tutorial to take in the side seam through the sides, up through the underarm area and tapering to nothing by the elbow area.
+ + +
If none of this makes sense, it’s ok. Bean also looked very confused during the sewing stage.
+ + +
I used the zig-zag stitch to seam the edges and finished them off with my server.
+ + +
I also fixed up some loose knitting stitches that looked like they were about to fall apart. I sewed them together by hand. The sweater itself is very warm and will come in handy during the cold winter we’re still having.
I had this EXACT sweater in the mid-90s!!!! It’s the exact one. I remember wearing it to a student leaderhsip conference in DC and I have lots of pictures of it from that trip.
VERY cute : ) Love those sweater re-do’s!
Lovely! I’ve wanted to see another example from Casey’s excellent tutorial. And of course you know I love this style of cardigan. ;) Looks great!
Really cute cardi
Very cute! I’m loving this trend for re-making knitwear. It gives me hope for a total non-knitter like myself.
Wow, what a cool redo. I’m thinking now I misunderstood the concept, I thought we had to reFashion something we made. I’ll know better next time and can’t wait to try this. I love Casey blog, she does some cool hairdos!
Such a great idea and a much more flattering shape. Some cardis can be so boxy. You look great in the warm reds.
I agree, it’s a very good look on you. I learn so much from you sewers, it never occurred to me that you could make a huge knit sweater smaller. That’s one more thing to use my serger for. Love your kitty cat. He looks like he’s quite the fan, just like the rest of us.
I love this!! I’ve been wanting a colorwork sweater. I knit, but it would take me AGES to make one myself. I am going to hunt for one of these next time I’m thrifting.
Great job! I have a beaded 80′s batwing jumper waiting to be remodelled – hope I can get it to look more fifties!
Very nice, so simple and effective! I think I’ll keep my eyes open for something similar. Thanks! :)
Instant gratification, love it! You’re reminding me that I really need to take in a too-big thrifted sweater :)
What a cute cardi! An excellent refashion from a thrifted item. :)