"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


Comments

  1. Glad you had a refreshing week away- I just adore meeting "blog friends" in real life. Love the cardi too, perfect for the crisp fall that has come upon us!

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  2. I loooooooooove it! So simple and pretty!

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  3. OMG I LOOVE IT! I can't wait to try this!

    shelblogs.blogspot.com

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  4. Another beautiful revamp! I love it and will definatley be making me one!

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  5. I am currently suffering from BORING cardigan syndrome, so this is just what I need. The transformation looks lovely!

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  6. That's adorable! It could also be a sweater that you cut up the middle, turn into a cardigan and then do the top! I love it!!!! -Kelsee

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  7. Ohmygosh! I love it! Can't wait to try it on one of my millions of boring cardigans. :)

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  8. I have been contemplating cardigan refashions, and absolutely love this one! I will definitely be trying this soon.

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  9. Oh my beautiful! You have inspired me! Thank you for the great tutorial.

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  10. Wow! So beautiful! Good to hear from you AGAIN!!!

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  11. what a wonderful and beautiful post! Thanks for sharing the tutorial with us!

    ~Michelle
    http://faeriedustdreams-michelle.blogspot.com/

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  12. Oh Dis - you've done such a lovely job! And that colour - amazing!! So glad to hear you're feeling happy & well. x

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  13. Gorgeous as always Disney! Love when you drop by :)

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  14. I love the idea! How adorable! Thanks for checking in....I still miss you! :)

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  15. This is just so cute! I really enjoy your blog!

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  16. I am glad to see you again!
    Very beautiful idea of a refashion :)

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  17. So great to see one or your creations again:). That's neat you got to meet Crys. I want to meet you too:).

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  18. The cardi looks adorable ...I love that big bow!

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  19. simplesmente fantástico, muito lindo e criativo!
    Amei...

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  20. I am going to try this! I love this idea!
    You are all great! ;)

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  21. Well, another perfectly saved cardigan!

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  22. So lovely, and you used the perfect colors too! Love to see you pop in once and awhile - we miss you! The crafty blog world just isn't as lady-like without you :)

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  23. So happy to see your smiling face again! :) Thanks again for all your clever refashioned clothes! After I get all my crafting/sewing done for my little ones 1st Birthday, I will have to do one of these for myself.

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  24. I love this!!! Thanks for the tutorial, I can't wait to give it a try.

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  25. LOVE this! :) Thanks for another great refashion tutorial, Disney! :)

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  26. It's very sweet and pretty. It almost has a vintage or old fashioned feel to it.

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  27. Awesome! Who knew $.50 could make such a difference??

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  28. i love when you come back to us!
    i can't wait to try this. thanks so, so much~

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  29. Oooooh! This is really gorgeous, Disney! Looks like a fun weekend, too. You are both so beautiful.

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  30. I know exactly which sweater and fabric I'm going to use for this. It's been sitting in my refashion pile justing waiting for this idea. Thanks! So glad to hear from you again! :)

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  31. I lay awake last night thinking about how to embellish a blah dove-gray tee I picked up a while back. I think I may adapt this for that. You inspire me, as usual! :)

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  32. This is fantastic. I might have to buy a sewing machine just so I can try this!

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  33. Fabulous, as always!! I linked to your tutorial over at Craft Gossip Sewing:
    http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-shes-a-lady-luxe-cardigan/2010/10/25/

    --Anne

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  34. Don't know how you do it! Another instant classic. And beautiful styling, too. It looked so luxe, I was afraid it would be a complicated tutorial. But no! Genius. Thanks for a lovely post.

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  35. Thanks so much for the post! I love finding these nice surprises, now that you don't post regularly.
    Love,

    Maria from:
    http://mycurrenthobby.blogspot.com/

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  36. LOVE this tutorial! Love how versital it is, too.

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  37. Awesome! I am definitely putting this on my sewing list!

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  38. mmm i love this!! i will have to add it to my "to-do" list. thanks for the inspiration!!

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  39. Disney! so good to see you back at it! I looooove this cardigan so much, I have so many that I just get bored with but can't bring myself to throw away, I MUST give this one a go!
    so glad you had a nice week away!
    cheers
    xxx Karina
    Project K

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  40. I love the way you did your hair in that pic. I'm going to try it! And, I love the refashion. If you ever think of a cute way to make a shirt that's a little too short (that's how most of my shirts are) longer, I'd love to see a refashion on that!

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  41. Love it! Simple and beautiful, and I just love when colors from two projects come together so well in one. Good work, Disney!

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  42. This is SOOOOOOO pretty! I have to make one myself! this is awesome for my sisters wedding day!!!!!!!! or just for xmas! LOVE THIS IDEA!

    with love from the netherlands...

    Miranda

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  43. totally gorgeous! as usual! simple and girly and perfect!

    ~selina

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  44. It's so wonderful to see you back again!!!!! I have truly missed reading your splendid blog! Your daughter seems to be growing every day from an adorable little girl to a lovely young lady!

    I simply MUST try this sweater tutorial! I love fall! It's so full of cardigans, boots and flow-y skirts!!! Thank you so much for sharing this!

    ~Erin

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  45. I've always been drawn to your site and I love all of your tutorials but this one I must try at once!

    Thanks!!!

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  46. That's gorgeous! And the buttery color is perfect! Thanks tons, I'll be linking.

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  47. Oh my goodness--I LOVE THIS!!! I have just the cardigan I need to add this to. Thank you so much for sharing this.

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  48. so beautiful!!! and sooooo happy to "hear" from you again! you have been missed!!
    Many Blessings!
    Jill

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  49. I'm so glad you've all liked it! I think it's my model that sells it. :o)
    But it sure is nice to get some use out of the cardigan! :o)

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  50. So pretty and feminine! I really need to learn how to sew!

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  51. Oh my goodness! I LOVE this sweater!! So feminine and chic!

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  52. Love it, Dis! I especially like the styling with all of the fun necklaces peeking out from underneath. Good on ya!

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  53. What a beautiful cardigan!! You're model is indeed gorgeous, too!

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  54. LOVE this and love that you are updating! I've missed your inspiring posts!

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  55. This is just so gorgeous. Take the cardi from MEH to YEAH! I have to try this!!! :)
    MODELmumma

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  56. Yahoo Disney! So great to read your wonderful posts again. I have a cardigan that I wore on my wedding day that needs some TLC. This post (or a variation of it) might just do the trick.

    Jamie

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  57. I'm so glad you started posting again. I really missed all of your great ideas and tutes. Thanks!

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  58. I've given you some awards, you can go here to claim them: http://tifanis-mom.blogspot.com/2010/10/yeah-another-award.html

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  59. I am so glad that you are back, I really missed you and all your cool revamps!! Thanks for always sharing your terrific ideas!!

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  60. I'm not sure I will ever make this for myself, but I really appreciate knowing how. Usually, I find sewing instructions a little mystifying and confusing. Your instructions are really detailed and actually helpful. In addition, the photographs really help! Thank you!

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  61. Awww, so nice to see you my dear! Love the cardi! So fun and you look lovely! Hope you are well. hugs.

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  62. How pleasantly surprised I was to click onto your blog hoping against all hope that maybe you've posted a little something...we miss you and I love this tutorial, can't wait to try it! As always, you inspire us with creative, modest, economical & beautiful tutorials...thank you!

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  63. Great! You're back! I was missing your posts :( The cardy is super cute and girly, love it! Thanks for sharing this great idea x

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  64. It's lovely to see you pop up in my feed reader, Disney! Always gives me a big smile. What a great tutorial - thank you!

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  65. Love it! I just got a cardigan from ON with a whole in the back for .13 so I am going to try it the whole way around to see if I can cover the hole. Thanks so much!

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  66. Hi!
    I love your work.
    Please came back!

    Grettings from Portugal!

    ***

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  67. Super Cute!! You sure are talented. Glad you are back to posting occasionally. KarenK

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  68. Now that my dear is AMAZING!
    You both look adorable in that fancy cardigan!
    Kisses from Bainbridge Island!
    xo

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  69. thanks god u r happy, we miss u at the bloggworld but its nice to see u come back when u can, i admire u!!

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  70. i am so happy you are back! i can not wait to make one of these for myself!

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  71. I missed you Disney! I love love this cardi! I want to make my own! I'm deff going thrift store shopping this week! :P I'm glad your week was good! you have a wonderful day too!

    karin marie :)

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  72. Seriously, are you sure you are calling it quits with your blog? When we have a talent, it's an awful thing to waste,You never cease to amaze me and I miss your regular posts! Thank you for this one. So cute!

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  73. Glad to see you back. LOVE the refashion makes me want to buy a cardi just to refashion it.

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  74. As always I absolutely LOVE it!!! Such a classy way to spruce up a cardigan. Thanks for sharing! =)

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  75. Simple and Stylish. Thanks for the DIY post. Love this site.

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  76. Would you mind showing a quick tutorial on how you tied your bow? Do you use a certain method? I try to tie bows and they never seem to look symmetrical! Thank you!

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  77. I have so much to tell you, and just this little box...argh...first, if I had a picture of what I'd want my blog to look like in a few years, yours would be it. So beautifully laid out with great content.
    Second, I really loved reading your post entitled ME. Your beauty shines all the way from the inside of your soul...I'm sure as a result of your relationship with Christ, (which I share with you)...third, I loved seeing you with your daughter. I have three little children and it's awesome seeing another lady committed to her child...and fourth, I'm a clothing designer, so I found all of your tutorials completely amazing and beautifully photographed. Long story short, you definitely have a new fan and follower here!
    Kristina J.

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  78. love love love it! Now I wish I had a little cardigan!

    vivavividred.etsy.com

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  79. I am soooo making this!! LOVE IT!!!

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  80. this is great, perfect for making a common sweater special and one of a kind! thank you for sharing...glad you got to meet a sister :D
    kudzu

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  81. Dis, this is so cute! I have a couple sweaters that would be PERFECT for just this. I never wear them now unless I get cold around the house, but with your really beautiful idea they'll be perfect for over a loli dress. Thank you so much!

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  82. This is a great tutorial I'm gonna try and make one myself.

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  83. I love this !! I have made some stuff from your blog. Always so full of inspiration. I have awarded you a "lovely" award for your blog. Please check my blog for how to redeem it. Congrats!!

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  84. Oh my gosh Disney, I love love love this cardigan!! You did fantastic job as usual. It is so fun to see your new post. :)

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  85. Ohhh! How pretty! I love this! Thank you so much for sharing! :)

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  86. I can't wait to go and do this, so inspiring! By the way welcome back, I've missed your creativity and insight.

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  87. The cardigan is absolutely beautiful and I am so happy you are posting again! Even if it isn't as often as before, it is still great to hear from you and to see your beautiful creations =)

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  88. Followed you over from Cheris' blog. Love, love the cardigan.

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  89. I'm ready to purchase my first sewing machine and am wondering which one you would recommend or which one you use and how you like it. Any advice appreciated!

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  90. Looks great! I love the yellow.

    -Ponytails

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  91. oh gosh! I have the same two pieces of clothing in black.This is an awesome idea.Thank you for sharing this idea~Anne

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  92. LOVE this, so gonna make it! Thanks for the super cute refashion tutorial Disney. :)

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  93. I absolutely LOVE this cardigan. I'm going to have to try this!

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  94. This is great! I've posted about it here - http://wp.me/pkcUM-Ev

    thanks,
    Emily

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  95. I really love what you have done with this simple cardigan!! I cannot wait to try this out myself. What a great idea! :)

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  96. Loved it so much, we made one of our own. http://trophyw.blogspot.com/2011/09/sweater.html

    Thanks for sharing your awesome ideas.

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  97. Dis - I am LOVING this idea. what a great way to spruce up a blah cardigan! Thanks for sharing, I now have a weekend project :)

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  98. I've been eyeing this how-to for a very long time. I finally got a good cardigan to try this on. I can't wait (^_^)

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  99. OMG. This is the cutest refashion I have ever seen!

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  100. Hi, thank you for sharing. Such a great tutorial! I posted your tutorial on my blog with a link back to your blog, hope it’s ok http://makeitandwearit.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/from-boring-to-beautiful-cardigan.html. Please write me if there is a problem makeandwear@gmail.com.

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  101. such a gorgeous revamp.. well done!

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