Sleeveless Sweater

Finally back with another refashion! I've been enjoying my downtime watching old movies lately, instead of sewing, but after a poor night's sleep I felt motivated to refashion something. Strange, I'd have thought a nap or caffeine preferable, but hey, when one feels the urge... ;).

I started off with this thrifted sweater: size L men's seed stitch in a taupe/gray. I've had this inspiration piece pinned on Pinterest for ages now, and I've been keeping an eye out for just the right piece to use. Well, as you'll see my final piece isn't an exact replica. It started to take on a life of its own as I went, as many refashions do.

I started by cutting off the sleeves and up one side. I folded the back in half (to my measurements) and cut a new armhole. I wanted it to be fitted across the back and have some drape in the front.

Next, I trimmed up the back neckline and opened up one of the sleeves.

I grabbed some safety pins and started playing around with my pieces to find the right look. Here's a look at my first and second looks. I ended up liking this second (what I'm wearing, with a little trimming), so I pinned everything in place exactly where I wanted to sew.

I sewed along my pinned sides and in a couple of strategic points to create the drape I wanted, then got to trimming. I trimmed even more than pictured below, but my scraps are of good enough size so I'll be turning those into more cozy goodies.

Here's my completed piece! I left all raw edges raw, though I'll probably straight stitch around them to prevent fraying (so far, the knit is small enough and it hasn't frayed at all). And I trimmed up the bottom edge so that there wasn't any excess bulk along the side. I love it belted as you see below. Can't wait to wear this to work and see how many people ask if I bought it there ;). So far, I've had that question on several occasions regarding thrifted/refashioned clothes!

I put on a pair of clearance earrings and black pants that cost $20 together. The belt is thrifted.

I also love it without the belt and am currently cozied up in this number!

I still want to recreate my inspiration piece a little more closely, but I adore how this came out. Here's a look at the before and after.

Hope you enjoyed this one!
Peace,
Andrea