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Embellishing Old Sweaters with Dyed Scraps!
I was in a bit of a crafty recycling mode because, as we all know, project supplies can snowball into a mountain if you let them. I spotted some lovely dyed, patterned fabric left over from my Kanzashi flower project and decided to jazz up a few sweaters with patch pocket accents.

Of course, now it's calling out for more embroidery but I wanted to show you my pockets before I go all french knot crazy on them.

Posted by edie d. from New York, New York, United States • Published See edie d.'s 41 projects »
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  • How to embellish an embellished sweater. A Patch Pocket Sweater Refashion - Step 1
    Step 1

    Starting out with these fabric choices, I thought the green folded-shibori fabric might enhance my vintage, baby blue crop sweater quite nicely.

  • How to embellish an embellished sweater. A Patch Pocket Sweater Refashion - Step 2
    Step 2

    After making a template drawing of a flying barn swallow, I traced it onto the fabric.

  • How to embellish an embellished sweater. A Patch Pocket Sweater Refashion - Step 3
    Step 3

    I embroidered my lovely birdy with a basic backstitch to keep it simple.

  • How to embellish an embellished sweater. A Patch Pocket Sweater Refashion - Step 4
    Step 4

    To attach the pockets to the sweater, I sewed an easy blanket stitch around three sides.

  • How to embellish an embellished sweater. A Patch Pocket Sweater Refashion - Step 5
    Step 5

    For a plum sleeveless cardigan, I picked the striped purple/pink fabric and embroidered a simple star with a chain stitch. This dye pattern was made with a bleach pen on fabric originally dyed with Rit Purple dye. When the bleach is washed out, the fabric is over-dyed in a Rit Petal Pink dye bath. It's one of my fave stunning color combinations!

    So whatcha think? An easy way to embellish your tired out wardrobe, right?

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