Easy Sweater Alteration

I've had 3 people this week ask me what some good starter sewing projects are. So this is for y'all. It's so funny to hear this, because I'm still a starter myself. But, what has helped me learn and gain confidence in my skills is my thrift. Shopping at Goodwill or yard sales is a great way to try stuff out. Since I've never taken any sewing lessons, most of my learning has been trial and LOTS of error. But who gives if it's only a $3 investment? Go hog wild, friends. Threading your machine is the hardest part.

I found this sweater at Goodwill a while back. I loved the scalloped sleeves and whatever the name is for the bumpy appearance. But, it swallowed me whole and was obviously an old, frumpy Grandmotherly cardigan in it's past life. But that's kind of what drew me to it. I remember my Grandmother wearing one very similar to this. Since it was just a few dollars, I could afford to try my hand at a quick, 10 minute alteration. For anyone who reads this blog is a good/professional/semi-professional, or educated seamstress, turn yorn eyes. If you're just starting out, have a new machine, have cheap clothes you want to adjust to new curves post-baby, etc, you can dig it.




I used a fitted long sleeve t-shirt as my template. I wanted it to be a fitted cardi.


Turn inside out. Using a marker, I traced about 1/2 inch around the lines of the t-shirt, extending the length to the bottom, and sleeves to the end of the arms. Pin, cut and sew. I used a zig-zag stitch since it was knit. That's it, folks.