Sunday, February 01, 2015

Sunday Sew-Day: Cashmere Cuddles

This hot pink cashmere sweater has been chillin' in my refash stash for quite some time now. If memory serves, I paid $2 for it. I knew I had to have it because (1) hot pink and (2) cashmere. But I knew I would never wear it as is because (1) short-sleeved sweaters are weird and (2) holes. Lots of little holes.

Cashmere Cowl and Mittens - BeforeCashmere Cowl and Mittens - Before

I decided to make a simple cowl from the body of the sweater. I cut straight across from underarm to underarm. Then I folded over a new hem along the top and stitched it up. One cowl complete!

Cashmere Cowl and Mittens - In ProgressCashmere Cowl and Mittens - In Progress

But it seemed a shame to waste the rest of that cashmere. So I cut off the sleeves and folded each in half, with right sides together. They were just big enough for a pair of mittens, so I traced out my hands with pins, avoiding the holes as much as I could.

Cashmere Cowl and Mittens - In ProgressCashmere Cowl and Mittens - In Progress

Once both mittens were sewn, I used my tiny, super sharp scissors to trim away the access fabric.

Cashmere Cowl and Mittens - In ProgressCashmere Cowl and Mittens - In Progress

They are the most decadent, least practical mittens in the world.

Cashmere Cowl and Mittens - After

There are still a few little holes, but they're a lot less noticeable when the cowl is all scrunched up around my neck than they were stretched out on the original sweater.

Cashmere Cowl and Mittens - After

FYI, it's challenging to take pictures of both of your hands when you use a remote control with your camera. I actually had the remote sandwiched between my right hand and my chin in this one, awkwardly pressing the button with the inside of the middle finger. Sure, I could have just set my timer instead, but where's the fun in that?

Cashmere Cowl and Mittens - After

Honestly, the mittens probably won't be worn much, but I'm totally in love with the cowl!

Cashmere Cowl and Mittens - After

I know I said no more boring backyard pics, but I was trying to use it to my advantage here. I felt like a grey cardigan and a weathered fence background would really showcase the hot pink accessories. And I gotta say, I like the results.

Cashmere Cowl and Mittens - Before & After

10 comments:

  1. Morning, Carissa ------ I also like the photo effects. Up North here in Montana, we use the thin stretchy gloves alot and the mittens would get your worth here for days when it is chilly, but not cold enough for gloves. So this refashion is a good one to think about for Spring.

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    1. Mostly, I meant they're impractical because they seem likely to get snagged on something, causing even more of those little holes. They are decently warm though, for as thin as they are - really all we need in Texas.

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  2. Ha! Pushing the remote against your chin...bloggers are not limited by doing their own photography at all! :o) (But most of the time Hubby does my photography)

    JJ
    www.dressupnotdown.blogspot.com

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    1. My husband used to do my photography as well... begrudgingly. So I got a camera, and a tripod, and eventually a remote so as not to cause marital distress. :)

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  3. Love the idea and the hot pink. That color was so popular in the 60's and 70's. We used to wear the hot pink along with a soft pink. The cashmere mittens would make great mitten liners too as cashmere is so warm. Also, the pink looks really good on you.

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    1. I hadn't thought about that - layering them with a sturdier outer mitten. Great idea!

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  4. Love the cowl and mittens together, with the grey cardigan. It's a very polished look!

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    1. Thanks! I'm a big fan of wearing mostly neutrals with a pop of color.

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  5. That pink looks really nice on you. Not everyone can wear pink successfully. Love the photo, too.

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    1. Really? I feel like there's a shade of pink for everyone. Maybe you just haven't found yours yet. :)

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