Project - Cardigan and Scoopneck - Redux a Turtleneck

Last year, I really got into cardigans for their comfort and style versatility. They can be dressed up or down and are certainly much more chic than the hoodies I had worn for a while. I was trying to find the perfect cardigan, but somehow finding one proved difficult. I'm a picky shopper and try to buy things I will actually wear. On one of my shopping excursions I noticed some turtleneck sweaters that were on clearance. They had all the elements I wanted in a cardigan, except that they were pullover tops. That didn't deter me! They were inexpensive enough that if my reduxing didn't work out, the money spent wouldn't break the bank. I came up with a plan, bought three of them, one each in black, grey and fuchsia pink (I'm also a notorious bulk buyer - when the price is right, I can't help it!) and began the redux. 

I started with one sweater first and cut up the center front. I bought the sweater about three sizes too large so there would be some extra fabric to play with. I had extra fabric from the sleeve ribbings which were very generous. I was able to cut two patch pockets and two narrower sleeve ribbings from the original piece. I sewed the new sleeve ribbings on and marked and sewed on the patch pockets. I didn't finish any of the raw edges on the center front or the patch pockets. The knit fabric was fine enough that I knew it wouldn't ravel or get ratty in the wash. I did the same to the remaining two sweaters and now I have three stylish cardigans!

On another outing, I found an awesome deal on Nicole Miller turtleneck tops in slinky, black rayon/spandex - only $3.99 each at my local Costco! I ended up buying two - one to wear as it was and another to redux. I hadn't planned out what I would do to the top, but I bought the second one three sizes too large again. After a while of contemplating, I decided to keep it simple and redux the turtleneck into a scoopneck top with a shaped, baseball shirt style hem. I love this hem shape as it gives femininity and interest in a subtle way. Changing the hem and neckline of a top are easy ways to freshen your wardrobe without spending money for something new.

Just in - Vintage 80s toys

Retro Fraggle Rock cars and Glo Bug! Don't they just bring back fond memories of your childhood?!

Fraggle Rock car toys - came with McDonald's Happy Meals back in the 80s

Glo Bug - glow in the dark

Project - Dining Set Redux

This next project I tackled is home dec related. I don't normally do home dec projects, but it was either try and redux this dining set or shell out a few hundred dollars for a new one. I chose the former and added chair cushions, covers and even recovered the table top with a water proof nylon.

Before

I had all the materials needed (fabric, stapler, double-sided tape) so all I invested was my time. The fabric came from my extensive cache (which could do with some reduction) and for the chair padding I used pieces of foam mat (the kind used in children's play rooms etc.). As a side note, these mats are wonderful for laying on your floor and cutting out fabric and patterns. I don't have a large cutting table so I lay my fabric and pattern pieces on the floor, on top of these mats to prevent damaging the floor.

I'm quite pleased with the finished product. This dining set has been through three moves and has dings and dents as a result. Reduxing gives it new life until I'm ready to upgrade.

After