I happened upon a $1 rack of cardigans at H&M last fall....right place, right time. I grabbed a bunch, gave some to my sisters, and kept the basic colors. I realized I had not really worn them however, and I knew it was because they just needed a little more pizzaz to catch my interest on the go. So, resourcing that same scrap pile of leather swatches and trims, I decided to re-vamp, and now they are all competing for my attention. It just takes a little here and there to make it a new fun piece. Two of these are no-sew too! Not much instructions needed for these - mainly inspiration to get creative with what you have:)

1) DIY Shoulder Patch Cardigan - Up-cycle inspired by this lovely number from Emerson Fry's fall collection.
Materials:
Cardigan
Suede or faux leather fabric (I used a soft cotton suede)
Needle and Thread
Instructions: Measure the length of the shoulder hem with your cardigan on (since it stretches when it is worn). Also make sure it is pre-shrunk or hang dry only. You can hand stitch or sew. As you sew or stitch pull the fabric slightly with you as you go so that it is sewn at the stretched length. Trim the ends at an angle if needed. If you use a thick fabric use a thick needle. You will want to match your thread to your fabric.
2) Heart Patch Pocket Cardigan
Materials:
Leather or faux leather fabric
Tip: check your local inter design stores for any fabric books they are getting rid of!
Fabric glue
Instructions. Measure out your heart so that the top middle part lines the width of the top of your pocket. You want it to be high enough that it won't flop over. Cut, trace, and duplicate a second heart.
Glue only the area of the heart that will overlap the pocket. Pretty simple:)
The leather fabric I used had a soft suedish backing so it was perfect for fabric glue. Leather backings will not hold and you will need to sew.
3) Sequin Trimmed Pocket Cardigan - This is by far the easiest way to add a little glam.
Materials:
Pocket Cardigan (similar here)
Sequin Trim
Fabric Glue
Instructions: Simply measure the length of the trim along the pocket, cut, and use fabric glue to secure. Gentle wash and line dry.
Now go through your closets and see what you can do to change up some oldies to make new goodies:) Hope you enjoy!
Wow! This was great! I'm totally inspired to try the same thing! Love all three looks! Have a great weekend! xo
ReplyDeletelove these diys! I just posted about that Emerson Fry sweater yesterday and totally thought about doing the same thing! :)
ReplyDeletesuch creative ideas to recycle- I need to try one of these...I have so many old sweaters I could re-make thanks for posting Anna. I think the glittery pocket one might win :)
ReplyDeletesuch creative ideas to recycle- I need to try one of these...I have so many old sweaters I could re-make thanks for posting Anna. I think the glittery pocket one might win :)
ReplyDeleteLOVE this idea! I need to try one of these :)
ReplyDeleteI love that these add a little extra something without making the cardies over the top or not wearable! great job!
ReplyDeleteLove them all! Have a great weekend Anna ;)
ReplyDeleteAll of these ideas are SO creative!! I just wish I could buy that cute little heart cardigan already made--I have ZERO sewing skills ha. Have a great weekend beautiful!
ReplyDeletei was just thinking this morning that i needed to do something with my sad cardigans that i NEVER wear anymore.
ReplyDeletethat heart pocket is so darn cute. i may have to test my not-so-great sewing skills this weekend!
love them all! Happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteWow, so nice and easy and glam! Am a huge fan of cardis in all shapes and coors - wil have a look at what i can do over the weekend!
ReplyDeleteI love the shoulder patch idea - so cute! Have a wonderful weekend!
ReplyDeleteThe suede shouldered one is my favorite! I am still shocked (and sooo jealous) about the 1$ cardigans!!!
ReplyDeleteI totally want to try my hand at making heart elbow patches on a cardi. But I'm not crafty. Maybe Grace will help me :)
ReplyDeleteSO CUTE AND CLEVER ANNA!!! I love all three but esp the heart pockets. ADORABLE.
ReplyDeleteLove this Ana. And that sequin shirt with the chambray is genius!
ReplyDeleteLove this lady!! What a fun trio of cardis in your collection now! Gorge :) xx Marisa
ReplyDeletegreat ways to upcycle your cardigans. I love the last one.. I should that with some of mine!
ReplyDeleteSara
http://seventwentysomethings.blogspot.com/
Absolutely love these easy ways to refresh my cardis!! Going to do one of these for sure!
ReplyDelete-Annie
(www.livesimplybyannie.com)
I always say, "when in doubt, shop at H&M!" - you gotta love those $1 sales - thanks for giving me ideas on how to spruce my cardis up!
ReplyDeleteThese are all so fabulous! I definitely have my eye on a couple cardigans in my closet that need some love. Craft time this weekend!
ReplyDelete$1 cardigans?! SO jealous. That's my own personal heaven.
ReplyDeleteLove these ideas-- especially the sequins. You can never go wrong with sequins!
First of all...you found $1 cardigans?? I think I need to follow you around when you shop! IF, I lived near you that is ;) Love the diy ideas. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYou are TOO good. The sequin and heart pockets are the cutest ever. And hello...a $1 cardi sale?! This is amazing.
ReplyDeleteThe cardi's look awesome!! Great post!
ReplyDeleteSo cool! I love the heats. -Heidi
ReplyDeleteI love #2. LOVE LOVE LOVE it! I linked this post in my Fashion Friday post today...
ReplyDeleteThanks for the DIYs!
danielle @ detrimentalbeauty.com
You need a pin button on the end of this post! I will be pinning when i get home! such great ideas :)
ReplyDeletexo,
Amy
itwasloveat.blogspot.com
#1 ans #2 are my fave! And it seems such an easy project to do!
ReplyDeleteOh Anna...the cutest. Love the little sparkle you added! xo PS happy weekend friend!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, $1 cardigans?! That's just bananas. I really like the pockets- especially the heart idea.
ReplyDeleteyou kill me with your cleverness...seriously! fantastic ideas. and love the bracelets!
ReplyDeletei feel like i need to live next door to you so you can revamp all of my clothes and make jewelry and stuff. oh and cuz youre awesome. duh
ReplyDeletethe heart pockets and your cheekbones in that last picture are KILLING me! So glam.
ReplyDeleteUm $1 cardigans??? How lucky!
ReplyDeleteI love all three of these DIYs.
Wow, a $1 rack! Lucky, lucky, I've never seen anything like that in my neck of the woods. Very cute -- love the sequins idea beat.
ReplyDeleteStumbled upon your blog via Pinterest. You are GORGEOUS and you have a new fan!
ReplyDeletewww.clarabelleblog.com
Oh my...a $1 rack of cardigans. Sounds like heaven to me. You look so stylish in those cardis, my friend. I need to do some layering. I'm inspired!
ReplyDeleteI love your blog! You've got a new follower:)
ReplyDeleteHope you can visit my blog and follow me back if you like it :)
http://styleglaze.blogspot.com
Nice color cardigans with awesome colors scarves! if you want to look stunning this winter wear cool color
ReplyDeletecardigans with stylish boots!