Ruffled Cardigan

I love to sew. I can again credit my Grandma Eileen for this. When my twin and I were young we were in 4-H. My Grandma bought us a sewing machine and taught us how to sew when we were in 4^th grade. I have sewed off and on for a long time stating the kids took too much of my time. Well the kids are grown and I have much more time. Right now I am into refashioning! This was one of my husbands’ dress shirts. I cut off the collar so it formed more of a V-neck. I also cut off the cuffs. I pinned it to fit me and sewed one long seam up each side. Starting at the bottom, sewing through the armpit and into the sleeves.

I hemmed around the neck area. I wasn't too neat in doing this as I knew my ruffle would cover it up. At the cuffs I also hemmed & used a decorative stitch to do so. Sorry, I didn't take a photo of this. I had a dilemma on my hands then. I needed more material for the ruffle than what I had leftover. So I went to my local Goodwill Store and as luck would have it they had a broadcloth shirt just like it. It was even a Land's End like my husbands' so the color matched perfect. And to add to that it was 50% off! A whole $2.00. It was meant to be.

Taking the purchased shirt home I cut 5" strips from it. I sewed the strips together end to end. Now I have one long strip. I sewed it lengthwise right sides together. Turning right side out, iron and I'm ready to ruffle it. I chose to baste it down the middle and ruffled to my liking. I pinned & sewed it up one side, around the neck & down the other side. I have a new cardigan to wear once the weather cools off. I got my idea from two different sources and combined them. Thanks to Chicevelopements & Ruffles & Roses.