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Original poster

Anyone good at upcycling clothes? **Pic included**

37 replies

Biancadelrioisback · 26/09/2019 21:33

I bought a jumper in a charity shop last weekend and I've just dug it out.
It's really boring but in really good condition. Please ignore the blue spot, that was an accident.

I was thinking about opening up the seams at the sides and adding lace or ribbon? Maybe lace at the bottom? Perhaps cut the next down to a V and add ribbon detail?
Also wanted to roll the sleeved up and add a button and ribbon there to hold them rolled if that makes sense...
I've never upcycled before but have mended clothes and sewn a few things before so I'm handy with overlooking and sewing.
I don't have a machine so do it by hand so simple ideas please Grin

Anyone good at upcycling clothes? **Pic included**
OP posts:
Crunchymum · 26/09/2019 21:52

I think its nice as it is. Can't see lace or ribbon being an improvement I'm afraid.

Rivkka · 26/09/2019 21:54

I think it'll be easily ruined if your not careful and start cutting into it

Ginandgingers92 · 26/09/2019 22:04

Maybe some lace or fabric at the bottom and sleeve to make it look as though it's being worn over a shirt, but please no ribbon detail! It can make things look very childish- think 'Tammy girl' circa 1998🙈

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Soola · 26/09/2019 22:05

The seams have been overlooked and once you cut them it will all unravel.

I would just dye it a more uplifting colour.

Soola · 26/09/2019 22:06

Overlocked

benefitofthedoubt · 26/09/2019 22:08

Yes, dye it

PeanuttyButter · 26/09/2019 22:11

I would just pair it with some raspberry coloured jeans or black jeans and wear a vest top under it.

RippleEffects · 26/09/2019 22:18

What about a belt or scarf belt and button loop turn ups on the sleeves matching the belt fabric.

peachgreen · 26/09/2019 22:21

I like it as it is. Nice jeans, good boots, leather jacket and a scarf over it.

Chocmallows · 26/09/2019 22:24

I would dye it dark red.

SpangledBoots · 26/09/2019 22:24

You could crop it if you like wearing high waisted jeans or skirts. Or dye it a colour you love.

Epanoui · 26/09/2019 23:10

Unless you actually own an overlocker, and are quite skilled with it stick to dying it. Please make sure you know what it's made of before you dye it (not all dyes work with all fabrics).

The buttons, ribbons and lace don't sound like a good idea to me!

MoltonSilver · 26/09/2019 23:44

I think you're going to make it too busy with all the lace and ribbon.

Dying it is your best bet.

PizzaCrunch · 26/09/2019 23:47

I would dip-dye it a dark raspberry colour

LittleLongDog · 26/09/2019 23:52

Perhaps cut the next down to a V and add ribbon detail?
No. Just... no.

Original poster
Biancadelrioisback · 27/09/2019 00:24

Hmmm see I don't have anything 'good'. Everything I own is cheap or secondhand.

OP posts:
springydaff · 27/09/2019 01:16

I have hoards of good stuff - it all comes from charity shops!

I like it as it is. As a pp suggested, you could crop it but rehemming woollens is not for the faint hearted.

You could thread a ribbon through the neckband and pull it up so you have a gathered, higher neckline tied at the front.

Other than that, leave it as it is. The colour is good.

Jozen · 27/09/2019 01:22

I wouldn't do anything to it but I'd wear it with a bright scarf, even in a neon colour if that's your style.
Or wear with jeans and coloured shoes/ boots.
If the colour isn't you then dye it but I wouldn't be adding anything to it.

QueenofPain · 27/09/2019 01:37

Please don’t attempt to dye it unless it’s actual wool or a cotton knit.

Acrylic (seems like it might be) will not dye, it’ll just look dirty and strange.

Original poster
Biancadelrioisback · 27/09/2019 01:56

It's 100% cotton.
It feels really nice to touch actually. I just worry that this is too old for me. I'm a rather round 29 year old. I'll try some brightly colours scarfs to begin with before I attempt to dye it of mend it. I always have my sleeves rolled up though so may still add the sleeve loops

OP posts:
peachgreen · 27/09/2019 07:08

Nothing wrong with cheap or second hand. You can get nice cheap jeans (the supermarkets are great) and leather boots last forever so a second hand pair would be totally fine. Dressing well doesn't have to cost the earth.

Pinkyyy · 27/09/2019 07:17

Can you buy individual pearls and sew them round the neckline or in random places over the front? This is not the type of thing that you can cut and sew unless you're very advanced and I'm afraid adding ribbon and lace will have the opposite effect to what you're hoping for.

Gatekeeper · 27/09/2019 07:23

can only reiterate what others have said; if you embellish it with ribbons, lace and fripperies you will end up with a jumper that M&S Per Una would be proud of!

It should dye well if 100% cotton and look good with jeans or thick tights, skirt boots and chunky belt

AutumnCrow · 27/09/2019 07:24

Tie dye it

Or better, ask @KatyMac, if she's around

But I fear it may be just a rather irredeemable jumper, tbh

Myimaginarycathasfleas · 27/09/2019 07:48

You could weave thin ribbon through the holes to brighten the colour, you might be able to find some in the charity shops. You could also dye it if it's cotton.

I wouldn't invest any more money in it though. And definitely don't start cutting into it.

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