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Easy Fix

May 7, 2015 by SewMaris 8 Comments

Technically, this Cosy Cardigan was not a UFO, but it had been living in the gi-normous UFO pile for some months. I had worn it several times, and love it….with one tiny exception.

When I originally made this cardi I didn’t want to put buttons/snaps/any kind of closure on it, but discovered that when worn the angled front edges refused to behave themselves. They are a bit floppy actually. And since there is no one alive who detests fussing with her clothing more than me, something had to be done. I get dressed in the morning, and that.is.all. Clothing placing/smoothing/straightening is a definite no bueno.

Striped Cosy Cardigan by Sew Maris

Can you see the slight difference on the right front (as worn)? I am hoping that softening the angle will help the front “stay put” a little better when worn.

Cosy Cardigan by Sew Maris

It really was a minor adjustment. All I did was rip out some of the topstitching, adjust the seaming to a gentle curve, trim the old seam allowance, and then re-topstitch. BAM! I didn’t even rip out all the topstitching, tho I did make sure to start and stop stitching in the navy part of the stripe. The navy thread blended so well the overstitching was not even visible, so yay!

I have been on a bit of a mission to clear out some of my UFO/not quite perfect garments. So far, one purple fail and this Cosy have been yanked from my pile. I hope to test drive this sweater next week, and am super hopeful this tweak will move it from an OK garment to a workhorse. I love, love, love the fabric and the styling, so, fingers crossed!

How long does it take you to “fiddle” with your not-quite-perfect garments? Do you fix, or toss?

Happy sewing!

Maris

Filed Under: Knits Tagged With: cardigan, knits, sewing, sewing with knits

Previous Post: « Vogue 8323 Purple FAIL
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Linda Moon

    May 8, 2015 at 10:56 am

    I have been inclined to put my UFOs away, thinking I will work on them later. A few months ago, I pulled a bunch from the last few years (there are more in boxes from earlier) and put each in a separate plastic box, stacked on my sewing table. For many, I have not known what to do to fix them, but I have been inspired by you & Myrna to pull them out, and see what I can do – or get rid of them!

    Reply
    • SewMaris

      May 8, 2015 at 1:10 pm

      I agree Linda! The main thing is to TAKE ACTION. Pitching is acceptable if the garment no longer suits you, or is too much trouble to correct, or was a passing whim of any kind. But leaving the piles in the sewing studio is physical and psychic weight on your creative soul!! Happy sewing!

      Reply
  2. Ginger

    May 8, 2015 at 12:59 pm

    Truth be told, I don’t fix OR toss my problem garments- I shove them into my UFO bag and then ignore them for a few years! 😉 Ugh, Maris, now I’m going to have to pull out my bag and fix something today… I feel guilty now!

    Reply
    • SewMaris

      May 8, 2015 at 1:11 pm

      NO GUILT Ginger! But see my comment above. Might be time to donate them to someone who will love/finish them. 🙂 Happy sewing!!

      Reply
  3. Linda

    May 8, 2015 at 1:13 pm

    You are absolutely right, Maris. I read once that the only sin is to leave something unused. It is better to burn it and release the energy, than to let it sit on the shelf. I believe it is so.

    Reply
    • SewMaris

      May 8, 2015 at 1:20 pm

      🙂 Hugs, and happy sewing!!

      Reply
  4. Sarah

    May 8, 2015 at 10:14 pm

    I’ve just been on a major wardrobe overhaul pulling out the unworn and FORCiNG myself to fix/alter what can be done to make them more wearable – sometime it’s lowering an uncomfortable neckline or raising a hemline (makes me sound like a tramp). It’s been a good exercise!

    Reply
    • SewMaris

      May 9, 2015 at 12:18 am

      I know,Sarah! I am trying to either “use it or lose it” with my sewing projects. In a way it is less interesting than a new project, but SUPER satisfying to get something out of the “almost done” or “not often worn because of XX” pile.

      Reply

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