Earlier this week, on Tuesday, my husband Michael took me to Asheville, NC to see Ingrid Michaelson in concert (she was great!). Before the show we went to visit my Michael's youngest brother, Andrew, at the J.Crew store where he works. Andrew doesn't work at just any J.Crew store he works at the J.Crew clearance center. This is the last stop for unsold J.Crew merchandise. Super cheap prices, for J.Crew clothes anyway. This is a dangerous place to be, especially with Andrew playing salesman (he's good!). He tried to convince me to buy an $85 cardigan. $85 sounds like a lot, I know but this sweater is part of the "J.Crew Collection" which means that only 10-15 of the sweaters were made, practically one of a kind for a mass produced company like J.Crew and the original price was more than $200. The cardigan was simple with an embellished trim around the front. I loved the winter white color and it was 100% cashmere. It felt LOVELY but it was $85 and if you have read this blog for more than 2 seconds you know I am cheap! So naturally, I passed on buying the cardigan but not before snapping a picture so I could re-create something similar.
the J.Crew cardigan:
I went to the thrift store and found a sweater in perfect condition- $2. With $3 worth of chiffon I made ruffles because I like them better. The original had kind of odd silk triangles and circles trim.
the before:
I wish I had taken a picture of me wearing it so you could see how big and boxy it was.
my version:
i added a hook and eye so i could also wear it closed.
the ruffles
It's not cashmere but I think I actually prefer my version. Who needs cashmere anyway? I would always be worried that my kids would smear something on it. Total cost $5. Sweet!
27 comments:
Wow--great job! I think I like yours better, too. I have to admit I've become a cashmere snob--I want to wear it every day!--but my cashmere sweaters all come from the thrift shop and cost no more than $8. Then I don't have to worry about the kid-smudge too much.
OK...I totally like yours better too! Amazing job!
WOW~ great job! I agree, yours looks better! :)
i love a good diy and yours turned out great! it's a good feeling when something you make is even better {to you} than the original!
First off, Ingrid Michaelson? I'm SO jealous!
But more importantly, I love love love what you did to that sweater. Eat your heart out j. crew!
I especially love the shortened sleeves-- that length is very flattering on you.
I'm curious, did you do anything to finish the cut edge, or did you leave it raw? I've got a short sleeved navy blue sweater that I never wear. I think I'm going to have to copy you...
I do love yours better - and cashmere is something to be enjoyed sans kiddos.
thank you, thank you. you're all too kind!
steph- yes, to finish the cut edge of the sweater i took a strip of light weight fusible interfacing (about 1"x the length of the cut edge) wrapped/folded it over the cut edge and ironed it on- similar to bias tape only ironing it on instead of sewing. (i'm a little tired-- does this make any sense??) it worked perfectly especially since i had an almost white sweater. i am not sure how it would look on a darker color but give it a try. i do hope you copy this one Steph. Then we will be even because I am SO copying your most recent t-shirt redo!
Wow, your version looks amazing!
i saw this in person and it certainly looks beautiful! Certainly not something that would only cost $5, but I'm constantly in awe of what you are able to create anyway. i like your version better than J.Crew - both in style and price!
Erin, wow! Wish I could take the credit for teaching you how to sew.
love you,
mom
Love what you did! It looks great.
Lovely!
Fabulous! You are so talented. And I like yours better than the J Crew version.
I like yours SO much better than the J Crew version as well! You did such a great Job! WOW! Go You!
Oh I love this!! I am so going to try it! I've been looking for cardigan to ruffle, but what a great idea to just cut a sweater! You are awesome!
I like yours better too! That J Crew one is crap!
I'm always looking for something soft and sweet enough to wear in to the kids school when I have to go there. Seems I never have the right "visiting the school" outfit. (vs. workout attire, t-shirt/jeans, going out clothes, or church clothes). Something in between...
That looks AWESOME! I am a JCrack fan and that looks better than theirs. You are so talented! And, I love your gorgeous, curly hair.
You.are.a.genius!! Will you post directions on how to do this?
What a fantastic job and for an amazingly low price.
You are amazing. Your sweater looks great!
Love your version, I second the request for directions if you don't mind!
Totally impressed by this! I would have never known it was a DIY because you did such a great job with those ruffles!
So cute... I absolutely love the alteration. I need to get brave and cut some shirts up and practice changing them up. It makes me nervous...don't know why--
literally SO cute!
Anne
No WAY!!!! You are amazing! Please let me be you someday!
this is fabulous! I was doing a google search and found you......Now I have to go find something else to embellish!
Robin
Wow, I am so getting a thrift store sweater so I can try that! I'm pinning it...
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