Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Jumper, jumper, cardigan, pants

Remember that man's jumper that I refashioned (unintentionally) into a midrif... well I didn't give up on it. Out came the good scissors and I cut up the front to make it into a cardigan. Because of the extra fabric in the neckline, it hung really well... but it still sat too high, especially at the back. Even though I could wear it with layers, I didn't feel comfortable in it so I knew if I left it, it would sit in my wardrobe and I would never wear it.


Still not wanting to give up, I laid a pair of my boy's pants on the cardigan and started cutting. Again, I found the whole "sewing without a pattern" thrilling.... (this could become addictive!)....


...and ended up with a pair of Size 1 pants. I used the sleeves for the legs and the band that was around the bottom of the cardigan as the waistband, folded over to hold the elastic.


So that's the refashioning story of the jumper, jumper, cardigan, pants.... a story I am so glad I started and preserved with, and that ended well!

19 comments:

Mrs Button said...

What an excellent adventure. I've had a lovely time visiting and giggled at the fate of that poor monkey in the duct. Loved the road tested pants and shall be back to have a go at those toy boxes which are excellent. We need about 20 of them! Lisa.

Tania said...

Even though I reckon versions two and three were majorly fabulous, you really are on the wicket (sorry keep snoozing off listening to cricket on the radio at night) with those daks.

(oh, and I have decided sewing without a pattern is just the thing for me, the I Am A Firstborn, I Must Follow Every Rule' type).

Sandrine said...

Wow this is a never give up ad!!And it did paid;)I can not help myself imagining a bubble in your little one picture seating on the grass thinking ...I just told mum from day 1...this was perfet for my pants!;)You did a brilliant job Nikki!

MooBear Designs said...

WOW.. and just think the person who originally bought it new had no idea of the adventure in store for their daggy grey jumper... Let alone a lucky little boy who has a new pair of pants!!

xo Steph

Maria Rose said...

Wow, good grief! I wonder if this is the end of the road or if they'll have another incarnation once size 1 doesn't fit?

Gina said...

Brilliant. Good on you. I'm glad you didn't let the jumper-cardigan sit around not being loved. Now it'll be loved to death!
I butchered another (non-felted) jumper a few weeks back, and decided to use the arms as pants, but have yet to finish it... this has inspired me. Loving your work, and your 'never-give-up' spirit!

CurlyPops said...

You are the recycling master!

Miss Muggins said...

Well what a journey that jumper has had! The pants look so comfy and warm. I love that you can see possibility and opportunity in anything!

Tiges and Weince said...

Maybe thats your creative answer Nikki, recycling fashion??? Great job.

Unknown said...

Oooh they look so nice and warm!!!! Good job :)

Peta @ Pippiwillow said...

ACE! All this upcycling - refashioning -sewing without a pattern business (esp this bit)! naturally I love the idea. Great pants Nik. Now we need to find a jumper in small marquee size to felt then turn them into adult size warm wooly duds!! Peta

Cathie said...

super Nikki! maybe refashioning is your calling! you definitely are fab at it. E looks adorable even in trackie daks :)

Karen said...

Ok - now after being pants let's see if you can turn them into a softie!
I saythis because I know that a pair of park pants on a one-year-old will soon need further modification, when the knees wear out!

Thea said...

What an amazing life cycle that jumper has had!

Selina said...

Nice job Nikki!

Leonie Guld said...

Wow, I love it, all of it. congratulations to you. This is brilliant!

admin said...

oh wow! amazing!!!

LaurieStar said...

Wow! You are amazing! Now that's really a "jumper!" I love it!

Mookah Studio said...

Wow! I love your creativity....wish I had half the talent to do stuff like that. While I was a 'good' student at school I was a bit of a failure at sewing (not interested), and now what am I doing (trying to) for a living? Sewing, making stuff, being crafty, exploring my creative side, and seeing where the journey leads me.....