Wannabe Wednesday: Brrrrrrr! Edition
I am beyond sick to death of all this cold weather. Where the hell is Spring? Seriously?! I’m sick of jackets and winter refashions. Cold weather just sucks the energy right out of my pores. I’ve got lots of ideas for some fab warm weather refashes…but for now *sigh* I still need to wear cozy sweaters to keep warm. :/ Meh.
I’d looooove to have this sweater by Eileen Fisher right here:
But all I have is this sweater my mom decided she didn’t like and handed off to me:
I like the drapey body/fitted sleeves combo of the original version. Let’s see if I can eek out something similar!
First, I cut off the neck riiiiight where it was sewn on to the body of the sweater. This means it won’t fray and I won’t have to finish it off with my sewing machine.
Now for taking in the rest of it! The only parts I really want to take in are the sleeves and the bottom. I just sort of wung it (past tense for wing????)!
Then, I put it through my machine, making one smooth arc.
After trimming the sides, I still needed to take a good chunk off the sleeves and bottom if my sweater was going to look anything like the inspiration piece.
Then, I stitched up those edges with a zigzag.
Now my copycat is complete! 🙂
I didn’t quite ace this one. 🙁 My sweater really needs a band around the bottom, and the shape is a bit off from the original, but I think I can TOTALLY nail it next time. Learning new stuff it cool. 🙂 My new sweater is certainly good enough for a birthday dinner in honor of one swell fella!
Original Cost: $198
Copycat Cost: FREE (Thanks Mom!)!!!!
Savings: $198!!!!
Cheers!
40 Comments
Kathleen McDermott
Your sweater is prettier, more elegant and very flattering. I want your sweater.
Marjolein
I must say I actually like yours more than the origional. I really like it 🙂
Jennifer
This is such a great idea. DIY is huge these days and you have found a way to make something go from blah to fabulous. I am so excited to share this with my friends and attempt to create one of my own. Definitely a great way to update and recycle what is already in your closet.
RebeccaScaglione - Love at First Book
You make me want to go through my own closet (and my mom’s) and see what I can change before I give stuff away to a thrift store!!!!
minxs lipstick stained cigarette
I actually like yours much more, great job!
Farren
Love this refashion!! And that skirt/tights/heels combo is to die for!! Is that skirt made from a sweater or did you just get lucky and find a fricken sweet skirt? Also, the color combo is something I soon feel I need to replicate!
kat
You totally aced it! I don’t even like the original (the model’s pose and facial expression don’t help). Your sleeve length is sooooo much more flattering! I always think your refashions are better than the originals, but this one especially.
Sunny
Hmmmm…Fashionista request………Can you do a refash on a pullover cardigan(Like- short dress length-) made into a open front cardigan? I have a dozen like that that I would LOVE to redo- but am afraid will start to unravel the second I cout into them with the scissors!!! Help????
Signed with much love,
Your biggest fan in England.
😉
ReFashionista
Sure thing! I THINK I’ve done this before on this blog, but why not again? 🙂
Marta Brysha
I think the shape is nicer than the original, especially the sleeves.
Jennifer
I agree with the crowd. I like your version so much better. I’m not a big fan of bands on the bottom. To me, they make most bodies look more matronly. That color also looks really good on you.
Darlene
What a savings and yours looks even better! Love what you do with great finds!
aiyanajane
still look great! i agree, i’m over the winter, bring on spring!
love your refashions and the skirt your wearing!
jenny_o
I actually prefer your refashion 🙂 I also get such a kick out of your running commentary under the pictures!
Kathy
Love this so much! Ps your blog gave my daughter and I the courage to tie die her jeans which is a TOTALLY cool look! Thanks!
ReFashionista
Thanks! And Yay! That’s awesome! 🙂
Bonnie MS
I Love yours so much more then the original! Super cute and versatile 😀
laurenmaria84
You’re amazing! That’s so cute!
Lauren
livinginaboxx
Rosie
Wow! This is amazingly close and I like yours better. When I saw a sweater at the beginning, I was sure it was going to end in a pile of tangled yarn at the end. I’m completely impressed.
karenwhitney417
I like yours better too! The inspiration piece is more boyfriend-ish while yours is pretty and feminine. Pretty and feminine works better with that color and pattern 🙂
ReFashionista
Thank you! I really wanted a boyfriendish sweater, but this one will do just fine. 🙂
Millie
So cute!
ReFashionista
Thank ya!
Natasha Whitney Daly
Love it! And looks so hot with that skirt and perfectly matching shoes!! Nice.
ReFashionista
Thanks! The shoes were a lucky match, to be sure! 🙂
Gail
It’s been said before, but I think yours looks better than the $198 original!
ReFashionista
Thanks! You’re too nice. 🙂
Heather
Love the shoes too!
kC
I like your version better too. It has a more attractive fit. No need for change!
ReFashionista
Thanks! I was feeling kinda bummed about it (almost didn’t post it). You guys have helped me see it with new eyes! 🙂
Melinda Lee Jakobovits
I really like yours as is! I agree with the comment above about bands on shirts. Very cute! I do a lot of refashioning too and I’m always nervous about sewing sweaters. You did a great job.
ReFashionista
Thank you! I’m really trying to break out and try a few new things. 🙂
Susan
Love it, and it’s even more amazing with the cute shoes. Great job!
MrsAlwaysForever
Amazing! Looks completely different.
Samantha
Great job! Love how the shoes match too
noyestudios
I actually like your sweater better 🙂
StephieG
Jillian, it may not be an exact copycat, but it’s close enough for government work. I actually really like yours better than the original. I’m not really a fan of shirts with bands at the bottom, so your lack of band is what I really love about this. But if your going for something that is more similar to the original, I think the bottom band is probably all you’ll need.
ReFashionista
Haha…they’re lucky I don’t just wear pajama jeans and tshirts every day (I HAVE done this before). 😉
charityshopchic
I really like the shape of the new sleeves. Very flattering!
ReFashionista
Thanks! The sleeves were the one part I really liked about it. 🙂