"She's a Lady" Cardigan Tutorial!

Hello!!

How've you been? I just came back from a week vacation of visiting old friends, so I'm feeling super! And I'm so happy to be home because I've been waiting forever to share this little refashion with you. My sweet (and nauseatingly gorgeous) friend, Danielle, was my obliging model for the day. This is the first time in forever that I've photographed a model that wasn't running away or sticking her tongue out, so I had lots of fun. :o)

Isn't she stunning?? It's a wonder that I can stand to be friends with her. (hehe!)

Here it is on me:

Whilst over on the west side of Washington, I was able to finally meet a sweet "blogging friend" of mine, Crys. She's the author of He's Got My Whole World in His Hands,  a fun craft & etc. blog full of pretty projects and photos! She was a pleasure to meet, so very easy-going, and just a beautiful person. And her children are darling! 

It was so nice to meet you, Crys! :o)

So, then!
You'll need a plain cardigan and some extra material of your choice. My "material" was this satin tank I picked up months ago at a thrift store for $.50.
"Why do you need a size 24w shirt??" my husband asked me at the time, silly, precious man.
To cut up and add to a sweater of course!

1. Measure the top of your cardigan from the top of the shoulder to the opening in front. Triple that measurement, and that's the length of strip you'll need. (i.e. 6" collar, 18" strip)
2. Cut two strips, 3.5"by your length measurement, fold right-sides together, and sew down one side.
3. Turn the strips right-side out, and press with iron, seam in the center.

4. Turn both ends under and stitch closed.

5. Pin each end to to opposite ends of your cardigan, being sure that your seam faces down.

6. Fold into pleats, pin, and sew down the middle with a straight stitch. You may have to mess around for a while to make sure your pleats are even, so just take your time. You want to make sure they match up well before you sew!

7. Using one 27"x5" strip, repeat steps 2-4, and tie into a bow. Then you can stitch it to your sweater, or attach a safety pin for more versatility!

And there you have it. 

For $.50, I turned a "never-worn-this-even-though-I've-had-it-since-high-school" cardigan, into a "favorite-sweater-ever" cardigan. Hot dog!

And thanks, Danielle, for being my pretty face for the day!

A couple of notes:

• Do pay attention to the washing instructions for the material you are using for the pleats and bow. It may turn a "tumble dry low" sweater into a "lay flat to dry" sweater. 
• If you can't find extra material in a matching color, try a cute coordinating one! Or even a fun print.

If you try one, I'd love to see it! You can shoot it to me in an email, or upload it to the flickr group.

Have a wonderful, wonderful day! 

:o)

-Dis