3.10.2011

Sweater to Banana Republic Inspired Vest

I love making my own version of something, it's just so satisfying to see something you like and make it yourself, especially when it costs less!
It's still cool and rainy here on the East Coast and will be for a few more weeks.  Today was one of those days where it was warm enough to go without a winter coat, but wind and rain meant I still needed an extra layer.  Even though IronFish makes fun of the current belted fashions, I still sported it today.

A while back, I saw the Fringed zip vest on Banana Republic's website.  I love their clothes but just can't bring myself pay their regular prices (sometimes I find a great bargain on the clearance rack, with a coupon and a gift card, then I'll splurge there).  For that matter, I don't like to spend full price on clothes even at Wal-mart!

I found this sweater at the thrift store for $4 (I'm pretty sure it originally came from Wal-mart actually, Faded Glory):
A little chain saw scissor action and the sleeves and zipper were history (yes, BR's has a zipper, I didn't want one).  I ran my machine about 1 inch inside the new cut edges and got to work fraying that inch.  Around the arm holes was a different story.  The knit went the opposite way of what I needed so I frayed one of the cut off sleeves and hand sewed it back on to give it a fringy look (that's a technical term ;).

Here's the finished result:
 And another view, a bit closer:
Sorry I had to act as my own photographer and model, maybe one of these days someone will figure out how to make human clones (I'd like one to dedicate to housework, please!)

Recently I've been very inspired by Tiffany at Making the World Cuter to dress a bit more stylish and since I'd like to upcycle my wardrobe a bit, I'm going to challenge myself to make at least one item of clothing per week, thanks to Elizabeth at Sew Chatty for the Wardrobe Challenge idea.

It was super comfy and I got a few compliments on it, despite the teasing I got from IronFish...

Peace be with you,

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Love it! wish I could be like you! You're my hero LOL ;) From your friend, Yvette

Emily said...

Yvette, check back to Tuesday's post, Pieces, I have one I think A would look darling in!

Sandy said...

CUTE!

Megan @ {VintageHydrangeas} said...

Love it! Such a great idea.. going to find sweaters now!

Anonymous said...

That is SO cute!!!! I love it!!! Will have to give that fraying action a go!
p.s.-thanks for stopping by my blog and letting me know about your beautiful creation! :)

twobutterflies said...

really cute - thanks for sending me the link

AllieMakes! said...

Very cute! Great refashion!
Thanks for linking up to Making It With Allie! I can't wait to see what you have for next week!
AllieMakes.Blogspot.com

Unknown said...

So cute and so smart! You look great in it too! Thanks for sharing the link-
Wendy

Katherine said...

Wow- amazing job! You are very creative- I would not have thought to deconstruct a sweater like that and you made it look so much better than it could've dreamed of before! Thanks for linking up!

Melissa said...

ooh, so fun! And so creative!
Thanks for linking up with http://itssewforyou.blogspot.com

Len said...

I learned I have to have a cheap tripod on hand for that exact reason. I needed a pic but no one to take that pic except me. I got mine for like $20 and it does the job. I really like the vest, I would have never thought to do that, I will have to add it to my "to do" list.

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