I've had this comfy grey cashmere cardi for several years now. Over time, though, more and more holes have appeared from general wear and tear; one year even a visit from the dreaded clothes moths (and brothers, sisters, cousins etc). So too many darns for decency made me think it was time to inject a new lease of life.
Inspiration came from Amanda Blake Soule's lovely Handmade Home. Photos of her children wearing the cutest of jumper hats meant there was no contest and after a couple of rounds in the washing machine to semi-felt, we were ready to go. Because I wanted to incorporate the cardi's ribbing into the hat but obviously didn't want the buttons, I had to cut the pattern from both the sides. It has four seams as a result but hey, is that not a very small price to pay for a cashmere hat?
By the time it was felted it had shrunk too many sizes for a change of heart, which reminds me actually of when carrot boy, as a toddler of course, had a quick play with the buttons on the washing machine, so shrinking (but not felting) one of my other lovely woollens. As you can imagine I was less than pleased at the time but he did me a good turn though, because it fitted so much better afterwards!
Comfy, soft, cosy, previously worn by your old Mum. What's not to love? Plus there's loads of room for growth, currently being worn in the style of David Beckham you will see. An easy peasy project, the hardest thing was working the photocopier!
Wishing you a happy day, whatever you're doing x
Fantastic - I really love it. xxxx
ReplyDeleteHere, you would pay (can you believe) over $50 at boutique Jacadi for something not even something as precious. Perfect. Grey is so versatile.
ReplyDeleteLove it and will bear it in mind for when my beloved grey cashmere gets too shabby to wear. Well done and extra points too for being "green" my mother whose mantra was always waste not want not would be pleased with you too!
ReplyDeleteJane x
cute hat, lucky boy!
ReplyDeletecate, x
brilliant xoxo
ReplyDeleteGreat idea Kate and there are plenty of things dave has shrunk around here for materials! x
ReplyDeleteWhat a brilliant hat and a great idea.
ReplyDeleteRight then where are my old jumpers and cardis?
Nina xxx
I once shrunk my OH's best woollen fishing jumper. Well he would leave the washing to me! You are so talented to change a moth-eaten cashmere cardi into such a stylish item of headgear. By the way Nicky Hayden would wear that hat! x
ReplyDeleteJust had a funny thought. I wondered if Posh might have made the one that Becks wears, then I realised that none of her skinny jumpers would ever fit around his fat head - especially after shrinking! xxx
ReplyDeleteVery cosy and perfect upcycled hat! :-) It's great that he'll wear it as well, always a bonus.
ReplyDeleteSo warm and cosy. And lovely that it is cashmere and won't make him itchy.
ReplyDeleteWhat a simple but brilliant hat, in cashmere it will be so soft and snuggly.
ReplyDeleteWhat a thrifty and fabulous project. The results are perfect for your lad.
ReplyDeleteGreat project! When my girl was a babe, my husband shrunk a couple of my sweaters, I turned them into cozy baby pants using the sleeves!
ReplyDeleteFantastic! Love that idea, how do you make it felt like, a quick spin? Looks great and I bet it is so soft.
ReplyDeleteI knew you were clever Kate, especially after just reading your last post but this is simply the greatest idea! Being cashmere it must be so wonderfully soft and cosy.
ReplyDeleteJeanne
x
Brilliant - bet you can't resist patting him on the head!
ReplyDeletea perfect refashion/upcycle of something much loved to you which will now be much loved by your wee chap. just perfect!
ReplyDeletewishing you a happy weekend
warmest
Ginny x