DIY: Spring Baby Cardigan [by Janae]

In high school I wore shrugs all the time. 10 years later, I am wondering how to transform them into something useful.

I guess I just cant let them go! As I was spring cleaning this week, I decided to transform them into cardigans for my daughter Hazel.

This is super easy! You can hand sew or use a sewing machine. If you do hand sew it, all you need is a measuring tape, needle and thread. So easy!

1. Measure around child's torso, chest and around the upper arm. Write down the measurements. I also grabbed one her sweaters and measured it to get an average measurement.

2. Put your shrug inside out and lay it flat. Then use the measuring tape to mark the length you intend to use for child. I used pins to mark it.

3. Sew up both side of the shrug, following the measurement points. The arms can be tricky, you may need to fit it on your child a couple of times to get the correct fit. Sew along the marks you have made. I started with the sleeves and worked my way down.

4. Once sides and arms are sewn, check the opening of the neck. This shrug was too big on Hazel's neck area. A fun and quick way to fix that is to sew around the neck and pull the string until the material gathers.

I also added new buttons to make it more fun and colorful!

I always trust my sewing instead of a factory made outfit. Here is your chance to sew the buttons on really well, so little fingers can't tug it off.

Here is the finished product! Depending on the length of the shrug, you can pair them with tights or put it over a sweet spring dress.

*Isn't this DIY adorable? Thank yous to Janae Hardy for sharing this beautiful project today. Check out her blog if you haven't yet! She's amazing. XO. elsie

Comments

that is such a cute idea! well done...

Posted by: Darling Nikki | March 18, 2010 at 03:02 AM

Beautiful! And again, lovely springlike colours! Xx

Posted by: Olly | March 18, 2010 at 03:21 AM

that is so so so cute. i LOVE what you did. so creative!

Posted by: rachel! | March 18, 2010 at 03:48 AM

adorable! Way to repurpose!

Posted by: Mim | March 18, 2010 at 05:17 AM

So pretty!

Posted by: Efrat Kashat | March 18, 2010 at 06:28 AM

I love it! That is so cute!! Love the model too!!
xoxo~Meg

Posted by: Meg | March 18, 2010 at 07:02 AM

So cute! And Hazel is adorable! I'm pretty fond of her name ;)

Posted by: Hazel | March 18, 2010 at 08:05 AM

GORGEOUS

Posted by: Brianna | March 18, 2010 at 08:17 AM

Beautiful! realy like your idea!

Posted by: Mona | March 18, 2010 at 08:22 AM

Love this idea!

Posted by: Meghan | March 18, 2010 at 08:40 AM

How gorgeous! Makes me wish I had a girl. :)

Posted by: Mandy Ford | March 18, 2010 at 09:36 AM

SO cute! At first - I thought, "No, no, that shrug is still cute on you. Do not take scissors to it!" But you have managed to simply make it over and amp up the cuteness factor by fitting it to your adorable daughter.

I'll likely be sending my readers over today to see this one! Great job!

Best,
Tara
Art is Vital. Love is Vital. Shopping is Vital.
http://elanvitalanthology.blogspot.com

Posted by: tara | March 18, 2010 at 09:41 AM

This is adorable! I can add some cuteness to my hope chest :)

Posted by: Roxanne | March 18, 2010 at 10:14 AM

such a brilliant idea!

http://cupcaketrash.blogspot.com

Posted by: cupcake.trash | March 18, 2010 at 10:15 AM

Love it! If only I had some cute shrugs! I WILL be utilizing the neckline idea, though. Brilliant.

Posted by: rachel denbow | March 18, 2010 at 10:45 AM

Haha how cute is that!? I love the colors of the cardigan :)

Well, I'm hosting a giveaway you might be interested in entering :) Here's the link in case you pop on over and check it out!