in like a lion, out like a lamb

Hello and Happy March!

It's pretty exciting that Spring is on the way. It may take a little longer, but I know it's coming and that helps immensely. I've been busy with school projects these last few days, but I managed to make myself a little something that I wanted to share with you. You see, I have no patience for knitting -- I really wish I did and maybe one day I will -- so the next best thing for me  is sewing something that others would knit. I have several really soft cashmere sweaters I have either thrifted or been given over the years and some of them are no longer wearable due to little holes or issues with the fit (especially now that I'm pregnant and none of my clothes really fit). I can't bring myself to get rid of them, so I decided to start recycling them, and for starters, I decided to make myself a soft and very warm cowl. I thought I'd share the tutorial with you in case you have some old sweaters around too. Here you go.

Lay your sweater flat and inside out and cut straight across just below the arm holes.

You can now discard the top portion of the sweater, or if you want, you can make a tiny cowl out of the turtleneck for your little one. Yes, Junebug will have a soft cowl just like mama...don't worry we won't wear it at the same time.

Here is the part where you have a choice.

1. If you have a serger that is working properly (mine has issues right now), you can serge the cut edge in a snap and be done.

or

2. You can fold it over, pin it securely, and hem it on the sewing machine.
I used a thread color that was close to the same color as my sweater, in the same family, if you will, but not exactly the same (hard to see this here). I like a little color contrast.

 
The hem is complete.

Now it's time to make your cowl fit properly. I tried mine on and roughly measured how much I needed to take it in. After you do that, pin the top and bottom edges securely. Remember: the top (the edge that was once the bottom of your sweater) should be a little smaller than the bottom. Essentially, you want to taper the line slightly from bottom to top (see sharpie).

(I should have used a different camera lens for this shot. Sorry.) Anywho, you can see that I stitched a line from top to bottom. I used the serger stitch on my sewing machine, but you certainly do not have to do that.

Lastly, cut the excess off and turn your cowl right side out.

There you have it. A soft and cozy cowl from an old cashmere sweater. This should get me through to Spring.  No knitting skills required.

Cheers,

Leya

Comments

[AJ]

Very cute and so much faster than a knit cowl! :)

[sherri/the claw]

that is super cute. i've been sewing more, but nothing that fancy. your package for you and junebug should be there any day!

[Ren]

What a super idea- I love the color too- Suits you well.

[Lisa]

I love it! I have a yummy orange cashmere sweater with a moth hole in the arm that I haven't been able to throw out and now I know just why I was saving it. You are awesome! Thanks!

[shannon]

So awesome. I'm definitely making some of these for my little bears.

[Mariss]

Super cute. You and Junebug BETTER wear your cowls together! Perhaps a set for the whole fam ;)

[shona~LALA dex press]

I'm sure there will be enough people out there with knitting skills keen enough to bestow Junebug with handmade blankets + booties + hats. Not everyone would think of turning a cashmere sweater into a rockin' scarf.

[Modern Crush]

I think this is awesome! I have a sweater that is on its way out... I just might try this. P.S. I see you had no kitty helpers... how did you manage that?! Lol... Awesome tutorial Leya<3

[Carly]

I just did this with an accidentally felted cashmere sweater! I also took the sleeves, cut them to fit from my knuckles to about mid-forearm and cut thumb holes. Instant wrist warmers to match! Because it was felted there was no stitching (button holes for my thumbs) required. Now I don't feel so bad about the accident!

[barbara]

cute and easy! i better get workin' on mine before winter is over :) thanks for the tutorial!

[Rachel]

That is so cute and easy, I love it! Thanks tons, I'll be linking.

[Fallenfarfromthetree.blogspot.com]

Super cute! I wish I'd thought of that before sending my shrunken, felted sweater to Goodwill!

I wonder if you could turn the scraps into babylegs or something?

[Suzanne]

U r a genius! I have a hokey, un un-ravelable sweater that needs this treatment. Thank u thanku THANK U!

[KnittingGene]

Just so you know, my 15 year old daughter still thinks it's OK if we're wearing somewhat coordinated outfits (ie similar but not matching black knit dresses), so go for the matching cowls! And Junebug could sport coordinating leg warmers made from the sleeves. Thanks for the clear tutorial.

[Kathi Kraftyzales]

I used a cable knit cashmere sweater (resale shop find) and cut it into tube socks. I wanted cable knit socks in this beautiful cream color, but knitting takes too long. (I've been knitting the same sock for three winters on double-pointed needles and still haven't finished)
So when I found this beautiful sweater with a small hole on the front, I happily purchased it for $1 and made 3 pairs of socks. The front made one pair, the back another and the sleeves made one each. Use the finished cuff for the ankle part and Voila!!! Socks. Make them as short or long as you want.

[Lori Jones]

way cowl(cool) hehe!!