Upcycled wristwarmers

When I saw a wool jumper at a carboot sale, in its already felted and pre-shrunk state, I knew that one day it would be fated for an upcyling project. It was just too good to be cast aside (100% wool? 50p? - it's a dead cert in my book). 

You may remember some upcycled legwarmers I made from the Mister's cashmere jumper (the one I accidentally shrank/felted in the wash)? Well, with the weather turning decidedly brrrrrrrrr here in the UK, I decided that wristwarmers were what was needed and that the same technique would be perfect.

This project is super-quick and easy.

You need to make sure that your jumper has been felted and will not fray, otherwise you may end up in a pickle.

First, cut off the arms.

Next, cut a vertical hole for your thumb. Remember the original cuff now becomes the bottom of your wristwarmers.

Try them on and trim off any excess from the top.

You could just leave them plain, but I decided a crochet trim would finish them off nicely.

With your choice of yarn, stitch a blanket stitch around the edges, including the thumb hole.

Now with your crochet hook, single crochet (UK double crochet) around your blanket stitch. You must ensure you end up with a final number of stitches which is a multiple of 3. Ideally, make 3 scs between each stitch and then you'll be sorted.

To make the scallop edge, ch1 and make 1 single crochet (sc) in the first st, *skip 2 stitches, make 5 double crochets (UK trebles) in the next stitch, skip 2 stitches, sc in the next stitch* repeat between ** around. 

Fasten off.

Now, laugh in the face of the Autumnal chill and wear those wristwarmers with pride. You may also add a nonchalant 'oh, I made these' when your neighbour comments on how nice they are.

Cheerio!

Sarah x

Cashmere upcycled or An apology to the Mister

Dear the Mister,

I'm so terribly sorry that your M&S cashmere sweater, which you received as a gift ages ago, which has been (mostly) washed according to the manufacturer's instructions and NEVER tumble-dried (much), has shrunk.



I'm sorry that you had to give it to me.

I'm really sorry that the arms have shrunk too much for me to wear it and actually, it's also too wide.

I'm very sorry, but there's only ONE solution. 
And that involves scissors and a cunning plan (Mwahhh haaa haaa haaa)... 

And for starters, an idea for a pair of leg warmers.  

First, cut arms off (not yours, the jumper's).



Second, try on for size and take in if too wide. I just did a basic and somewhat wobbly seam on my old sewing machine and cut off the unwanted bit.



Next, pin the top to create a straight edge.

Sew.



I used a blanket stitch as I quite fancied the 'Prairie look'



Hmmmmmm. Nice.

But could I do better?
I then had the idea about crocheting a border. So I did a bit of looking on t'internet and found lots and lots and lots of ideas.
I ended up with this, thanks to Cassie of You Go Girl!   



Make 3 single crochets (US) between each stitch around.
Make shell stitch pattern, based on repetitions every 6 stitches. I opted for *skip 2 stitches, 5 dcs in next stitch, skip 2 stitches, sc* repeat around, join back to beginning stitch with slip stitch and fasten off etc.



Much improved, methinks.

Cashmere leg warmers.
What? You haven't got a pair?
Dahhhlings, they're this season's must!

You know what to do.

And the jumper? 
There are plans afoot.

Have a great weekend, bloggy friends.
Xxx