When I’m thrift store shopping sometimes I run across things that are so cute but they are the wrong size. And sometimes when things are the wrong size they can still work; especially when it comes to sweaters, oversized is really in right now. But this sweater is just a little too big…and with both the style of sweater and floral pattern, it just isn’t working for me. Still, I love it and I think there’s a way I can fix it. Of course, I could just take in the sides and sleeves to fit me, but I have another idea in mind for this one.. Also, please don’t mind the sudden hair change. I got my hair cut in the middle of working on this project!
The plan is to define the waist, add gathers and take it in on the sides to fit me. I think these changes will complement the sweater well.
I first tried it on and found where I wanted to cut the sweater in half. I marked the edge at that length with one of my craft clips.
After I took it back off I measured from the clip to the end of the sweater and then marked all the way across at that length with pins. I payed careful attention to matching the edges because I didn’t want the button holes to be off. Once it was marked I cut it in half carefully. This was an important first step to make sure I had as much width for the ruffled lower section as possible.
Next I began working on the sides of the top, taking them in to fit me better. I tried the sweater back on, inside out and buttoned up. I placed a pin on either side as a guide to help me know how far in to sew.
I took the sweater back off and took my time to pin the sides together, also making sure the amount I took in on both sides was even. I started by flattening out the sweater as much as I could, then lined up the sleeve seams, then began repinning the side. Once I had pinned the side all the way to the sleeve seam, I used my measuring tape as a guide and pinned in a straight line from the seam to the edge of the cuff.
I then followed my pins and sewed across. I tried it on to be sure it fit alright then cut the excess fabric off.
Finally I matched up the seams and edges of the top section with the lower section then evenly gathered the fabric in between as I pinned/clipped across. When I sewed the pieces together I pulled gently on the lower fabric section to help create ruffles.
This is what it looked like from the inside once it was finished.
And this is what it looks like on the outside!
Now that my sweater fits, I think it will look really cute with jeans and boots, or a red dress…I also have a dark colored romper I plan to pair with it!
