The Sweater I Couldn’t Upcycle! (so I made a camisole instead)

[@christinebeaudoin8703]

Oh Catherine I am a knitter. Thank goodness you didn’t cut it. So much time ,effort and expense went into that sweater. What a great find. Congratulations !

[@CatherineSews]

Thank you! I'm glad too. It would have felt like vandalism!

[@kdcbattlecreek]

Thanks for considering the handwork! I learned a lot about manipulating buttons and holes, and working with the strap tube. Gorgeous!

[@JankoWalski-hz3lu]

Yeah, this is a beautiful classic cardigan, you made it fit just right and this way you get more versatility, because you can wear it with many different things underneath :)

[@JankoWalski-hz3lu]

Oh and this camisole is so lovely. I can't even tell if I like it more with the lace or without, I'd really want both of them xD

[@lauratobin9876]

I’m also a knitter & knitting a lacework sweater like that is a true act of love! It would have been a travesty to chop it up. It’s so nice to see it have a new chance to be worn & loved! It looks wonderful on you!

[@Lojay_5]

Love your channel. I am a self taught sewer since 11 yrs of age. I’m now over 60 and still picked up a tip or two. Thanks!

[@Hapi4U]

Knitter here! Lace weight Mohair, 4 to 5 skeins at $35 to $40 per skein, not including the time that went into the making of that beautiful sweater… we would have to hunt you down for cutting it 😂😂 Great work 👍👍‼️💯

[@TodayinJensSewingRoom]

It has never occurred to me to understitch a french seam. Genius! Also I always learn from your hand sewing. I've also been learning to try on try on try on as I go as I learn from your backlog of videos. Nobody has ever taught me such practical sewing before and I've been doing it for 50+ years! Thank you so much!

[@lorieburtt592]

As a knitter, I am so happy and profoundly relieved that you did not cut up that beautiful sweater!

[@colleenjolicoeur6059]

It takes a maker to love and appreciate someone else’s work. I love this result.

[@maryamcurtis]

I have my father's scissors, and they are solid steal. All of them are over 50 years old and were used when he was doing upholstery... Which is when I started sewing, when he bought me my own sewing machine and electric scissors. Beautiful work!

[@janeallen5969]

When you started the video I was mentally saying " Not that sweater!!!! Please not that type of change. I appreciated the deceased shoulder volume. Love all the gentle changes you managed. The camisole was perfect. Very nice use of the wedding lace. Hope you can show us the wedding dress of your sister in law.

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

I'm a knitter. Thank you for not cutting up that sweater. The yarn it was made from would cost a lot of money today. Your camisole and sweater are beautiful together. It was well worth your time and effort. Very nice.

[@alynneredmon9560]

Again, I have to thank you for your videos, I’m 75 and have sewn most of my life , I’m learning so much from you. Keep up the exceptional work,

[@johannevandenborn9892]

Found you, subscribed and love your videos; I am 72 years old, trying to sew more and really appreciate how you describe everything, easily and to the point. I sew doll clothes from thrifted girl clothes and can adapt all your tutorials to my pastime. Thank you ❤

[@macuisinesanssulfites4101]

« Zigzag first and then cut”; this is the first time I see you hesitate before cutting (I get cold feet all the time)! Thank you for being respectful to the knitter’s work. I occasionally knit and I can tell that this was the labor of love. I had forgotten your trick to make the thread secure when sewing buttons. One more reason to keep watching your videos. A good teacher doesn’t mind repeating things to her slow (that’s me 😉) students. Thank you again, Catherine. This outfit is gorgeous.

[@luckystoller6171]

Exquisite work! And you've solved the mystery of the French seam on delicate silk for me. Thank you!

[@Parakeetfriend4215]

That new cammie is so cute! So professional too. I feel a little envious. It's beautiful with that wonderful sweater too. As someone who only knits on a loom and does only a little crochey, I think that the creator of the hand knit sweater wouldn't be too upset. Her beautiful sweater was made to fit someone so well and shown off with the new cammie. I would be smiling I hope, yea, I'd be thinking "why didn't I think of that!". Very lovely together😊

[@maryjanegibson7743]

As a knitter, my heart would freeze at the thought of cutting up a beautiful sweater like that one. Modifying it as you did was lovely, but cutting it into pieces would be a travesty. Chop up all the fast fashion sweaters you like, but beautiful handknits are another story.

[@Mrs.Patriot]

Not matronly, but classic. It's beautiful. I knit and your instinct to keep it minimal was exactly right. Treasures should be, well, treasured!

[@ML-sy6le]

I was petrified you'd cut it. The changes look stunning. So enjoyed this episode.

[@dittohead7044]

Even us little old ladies don’t like looking matronly. At least I don’t. I think what you did was timeless and beautiful

[@airwreckaaaaaaaa]

*like* just for acknowledging the beautiful knit! 😂

[@vzeimen]

A lot of people would say I'm crazy but this would be one outfit that would benefit from some very thin shoulder pads. It's beautiful as is but shoulder pads would give it a very nice shape.

[@triciaschuurmans8804]

Beautiful, gorgeous cami. WOW you knocked that out like it was nothing. I'm 62 and am still afraid of sewing something like your cami. (Afraid of stuffing up expensive material) you really are gifted. Greetings from Perth, Western Australia 🌺

[@Kakkydidit]

I'm so glad this sweater found a home with you, Catherine! Thanks for the French seam tips in the camisole construction. - Kelly

[@judispencer8489]

Oh, To be able to cut that rapidly and accurately! Tis lovely❤

[@annescanapico7168]

I’m so glad you didn’t cut that beautiful sweater. The new look is fabulous

[@karennoll3801]

My little knitter's heart is so glad you didn't cut up that beautiful sweater. Your changes were perfect, and your button/buttonhole solution was so clever. The lace camisole added just the right touch. Congrats! Love your upcycling videos.....

[@Parakeetfriend4215]

I can see your husband happy with it too. It looks that good on you😊

[@michellethompson5755]

Beautiful! I love your soothing voice. No vocal fry!

[@maureenlewicki437]

Knitter here: It’s gorgeous glad you didn’t cut!

[@Mandaslefthandedcrochet]

Wow, that is so beautiful! I can't wait to watch more of your videos! Awesome

[@annholmes9650]

Thank God you haven't cut this beautiful cardigan up - I am a knitter, love the stitches on this garment! X x x

[@lindap9079]

Understitching a French seam is new to me. Thank you for showing us how.

[@smallfootprint2961]

So pretty. Glad you worked with the older garment, and just modified it.

[@createwithbarbbl4125]

Gorgeous pieces in this video. I thought the saving of the sweater was genius a real heirloom piece. The silk camisole was a labour of love. So intricate and a beautiful outcome.

[@kathybyers398]

All the knitters of the world salute you for making something beautiful that suits your style without destroying some dedicated knitters' hours, if not months, of work.

[@Maria-yf8fp]

Ok, this was very suspenseful! I'm glad that sweater ended up in your hands.

[@kathyjames9250]

Catherine, that lovely duo looks so pretty on you, and it does you credit to respect the original artist.

[@juliebutler1338]

Catherine, your voice is so comforting and encouraging. I really enjoyed watching this entire video. Bless you!

[@Ell5589]

As a knitter, I’m so happy you didn’t cut it up, you did a beautiful job❤

[@valeriagomes7041]

Tenho 56 e costuro há 43. Amo fazer upcycling e passei a te seguir pois seus vídeos são inspiradores e bem explicativos.aprendi muitas dicas contigo. Obrigado pelas lindas peças de hoje. ❤

[@gloglos100]

The generous sleeves elevate it and are current. Thin narrow sleeves are cheap.

[@bettyshannon786]

Sewing down the French seam before finishing the seam is brilliant!

[@tonileggate]

To close a buttonhole you simply use the yarn (similar or raveled from the cut-off) to raw the edges, vertically/horizontally depending on how the hole was created, with ladder stitch. The same way hand-knitted seams should be sewn. I love the result you got. A beautiful feminine pair.

[@vickidiodato9834]

I, too, would have used the wool from the scraps for the button holes. Either way looks great, though!

[@carolines2088]

Great video. Ive used crappy cheap "fabric" scissors my whole sewing life and recently when a new fabric store opened up close by, and i had some vouchers, my husband encouraged me to get some good equipment. And oh my goodness what a difference it makes to have good quality fabric shears! So much more fun! Yes expensive, but so worth it

[@hollyfield6566]

No, I'm a knitter and was ready to cry when I saw that sweater. It's beautiful ❤. I up cycle knits too and won't cut up beautiful hand knits when I'm lucky enough to find them.

[@judym7153]

Just when I think you can't surprise me anymore with your beautiful creations, you manage to surprise me. Thank you for your inspiring work.

[@abaigealduda2756]

Part of the fun of watching your videos is observing the choices you make for each project! This is sooo pretty and really suits you. I love the camisole and the linked, earlier video, too. I finally understand what "under stitching" is and how it is useful!!! I thought it was something slightly different. I think that it could be a really important skill/technique to use. I'm looking forward to more sewing in 2024, once I move. I'm getting rid of most of my things (clutter), but I am taking my sewing machine and the serger that I haven't tried to use since I bought it in July 2022. Looking forward to learning from you in 2024. Happy Holidays to you, and thank you for teaching and inspiring me in 2023!!

[@wendyb7993]

Great hack love it. You can remove the sticky tape residue using a pice of brown paper over it and a hot iron !! 😊

[@ManuelaPatzel]

I’ve been knitting since I was 5 years old and made many a sweater like this one. Was a professional tailor and I would definitely cut into it. But I seem to be in a minority here 😊 Either way, you did a great job.

[@sherijones8710]

I look forward to all new uploads of yours. Your a inspiration to me. I really like your personality and wish I had a sewing teacher like you.(I'm 65 and mostly self taught) I love to upcycling.)

[@joanneevansdaley34]

Yay, I echo exactly what you said. I have the same reaction to Catherine's methodology, skills, flexibility & personality. She's a treasure & an inspiration. J.

[@traceycoles1693]

Love this luxury make over! Classy clothes, for a classy lady! I've lost 8 stone in the last 6 months and need to be altering clothes to show it off.

[@Fuzzer227]

The good news is you found a way to rescue and wear this beautiful sweater❤

[@kathyburt3294]

wow! just wow!! thanks so much.

[@susanoerter1419]

very nice job

[@gravedigger447]

Knitter here: I agree with many comments - it's much better to thoughtfully cut into a knitted garment than never wearing it again. It's not a museum piece after all. Everyone now can appreciate the wonderful yarn and exquisite knitting. Thank you for sharing your lovely videos. Happy New Year from New Zealand!

[@sallyidso182]

Beautiful i’m in knitter. There is a technique called steeking where you knit a garment in the round then you sew to secure your stitches and cut and then add the button band or a sleeve or whatever.

[@kathleenpittaluga8117]

So, I am also a knitter. The sweater is beautiful, but the saddest thing of all would be that it was never worn again because it didn’t fit properly or look current enough. I wouldn’t have been sad for you had totally refashioned it! It should be worn and you have the skills to get it new life!

[@CatherineSews]

Oh, thanks for that! That makes me feel much more confident about future upcycles. I'll always respect the work, but I agree that it would be sad for it to go to waste as is.

[@livingcreatively1]

That is my opinion as well (knitter here too)

[@MrsBrit1]

Thank goodness! This took weeks to make, I imagine. If it had been a storebought, machine knit, go for it, but don't destroy a handknit when it's in good condition! This is a stunning sweater/cardigan as is. I just hope the person who donated it wasn't gifted this item, because that would be infuriating to me as a knitter and crocheter.

[@gloglos100]

I agree, the sweater is beautiful, so much work. Shoukd never be harmed, should be washed delicately, treated very well.

[@jp80a68]

As a knitter well done, it is beautifully knitted and would have taken many hours.

[@jenjoy4353]

I really admire your expertise!

[@susanskidmore9516]

…Catherine, I am a huge fan of your talents. I learn so much from all of your videos. Thank you for all you do. FYI:You might enjoy using goody, metal hair snap clip/barrettes instead of pins or jaw clamps for stabilizing as you sew on these types of fabrics. You might be pleased with the secure ease of maneuvering ability.

[@rosesbaker]

BRAVO!!!! Thank you for sharing this experience -- reminded me of sewing with my mother and grandmother. They were so verry talented... My mom made both my wedding dress and my sister's.... with us helping with the appliqued lace to the bodice..... great memories.

[@vivianhamilton616]

I just enjoy watching and listening to you share your expertise. I especially appreciate you sharing those buttons hole tips, and that french seam... just beautiful ❤️

[@IMOO1896]

When you said you couldn’t take scissors to the hand knit sweater, it reminded me of furniture flippers who find a magnificent wood piece that the can’t slap a layer of paint on it. They revive instead.

[@judywymore8867]

I so enjoy your videos. You make us all feel like we are your friends. Your ideas are so fantastic. Thank you.

[@dorothydishman4664]

Delightful session. Being a knitter, I agreed with not cutting, but only enough to fit properly and thus being able to enjoy using a beautiful garment. Thanks for such a lovely program.

[@kathyteague829]

You are so clever, Kathryn! I just love listening to you! You make such gorgeous makeovers! I didn’t know about the understitching on French seams. You taught this old dog something new. Thank you!🥰

[@juliealtmark7166]

I learn so much from your videos! I’ve been sewing for more than 50 yrs, but I constantly learn new techniques from your videos. The final product is beautiful! The one thing that I’m sure makes a huge difference is trying on at each step to check the fit.

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

So lovely. That sweater is way beyond any pattern I've tried and really does look great with the minor changes. The silk cami is really beautiful. I really love how silk drape but haven't gotten brave enough to try sewing with it

[@helenablignaut662]

Thanks for the tip with the french seams. As usual a stunning creation. ❤

[@joycekaminski1943]

NO Catherine, don't cut it up!!!! it is beautiful. As a knitter myself, it is amazing and would have taken ages to knit.

[@angelsmith4467]

Beautiful you saved the knit and made a beautiful camisole to go with it ❤

[@rrelampago1]

What a pleasure. Thank you. I learned a lot. I don't knit or pretend to sew. But I would like to try some simple things and you are a real motivator.

[@CobaltBlue835]

I just ordered my own Wiss scissors. You teach me so much everytime I check in. Thank you for respecting that knitted garment....

[@doudou53d44]

Beautiful !!!!!

[@cor3944]

So many thanks for showing how to repair a knitted cardigan. I wish I knew that technique before to aplly it to my moms woolen sweaters.

[@lakcurious]

Thank you for this great video! I inherited giant scissors like yours from my grandma. The scissors are now over a hundred years old and I really enjoy using them. 😊 ​

[@janetbrown790]

I love all of your videos. That being said I think this one has to be one of my favorites. I love making French seams, but never thought to understitch them. Thank you.

[@lesleyannjacobs1383]

I am a knitter. NEVER cut up such fine work. It is heartbreaking!

[@magsohara7908]

Lovely, lovely job on both pieces Catherine. So glad you didn’t can’t that beautiful cardi. There was a lot of work in that original knit but you took it from a tad dowdy to stylish - especially with the silk cami. 🧑🏻‍🎄🎄🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@judih.8754]

Nice! I learned about French seams and attaching lace. So cool. Thanks Catherine!

[@marywiggins7411]

Catherine, try the serpentine stitch or lightning stitch for lace on top of the body fabric. Also look for Famoré scissors, they have pointy little scissors that are marvelous for heirloom trimming or getting into little corners or delicate trimming.

[@susanhrdlicka1925]

I applaud you! It's beautiful by itself, but a little will make that all the better!

[@valeriecoopet9897]

They remind me of some scissors I saw on TV that a men’s coat maker used.

[@lorioverman1668]

Thank you for the tip when sewing a French seam. I differently will try this.

[@henriettelinkshanderin1449]

Thank you for treating the sweater with so much respect. I am a knitter and making this sweater must have taken many weeks. At the end of the video when you lift your arm we can see the seam allowance of the sleeve poking out. Maybe you want to stitch it down by hand. At least that's what I would do. I love the camisole. Years ago I saved the lace part of an old camisole but never knew what to do with it. Now I feel confident to attach it to something similar. Thank you for teaching us such exquisite techniques!

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks for your kind words and that’s a good tip about the seam allowance on my sleeve. I’ll definitely do that!

[@dsiemen1136]

Loved your sweater and new camisole. I hope you find another sweater to make one of your pictures. Those are so pretty. ❤

[@GigiMarieKing]

I’m a lotsa crocheter and sometimes knitter. Yep, definitely so happy that you didn’t cut it. I was thinking about how much time and money went into it, and all of the 200 reasons in the comments.❤❤❤

[@nicolehubbard3536]

Haha, well the outdated puff shoulder is back on trend, but I don't like it either! I'm glad you were able to reduce those. Very clever solutions for the button holes. I'm always learning something from you!

[@crazylanea]

Beautiful work! Thank you for giving that amazing sweater a longer life.

[@ladyflimflam]

I have a pair of those shears that came out of my dad’s toolbox. He used them for cutting roofing materials. There’s bits of tar on the handles.

[@lqqkitslory]

I randomly came across this video today, just as I was about to throw some old knits out, as they’re now far too big, as I’ve lost a lot of weight! It never crossed my mind to take them in with the sewing machine! Cheers, I’m going to experiment now 😃

[@CatherineSews]

So glad to hear this! Happy to have you on board!

[@marionmathews9852]

Outstanding results as always. I’m also a knitter, and it would have been a criminal act to butcher the cardigan totally. I loved all of the tips you gave whilst making that gorgeous camisole. They make for a beautiful pairing.

[@CMeyer-ut3dd]

Looks great!

[@danamatsukawa4762]

You are so inspiring. Thanks to you I upcycled myself a new hoodie by cutting down and reassembling one of my husbands yesterday. Thanks to other videos you made I was able to fashion a new sleeve.

[@jessicastevens5782]

lovely, and think this will have more longevity than the initial design. I use curved manicure scissors when trimming lace, to minimize the chance of cutting the silk even more.

[@googoogaga_]

the way you styled them is very cute, you look so pretty !!

[@stacey9scott]

What a pretty combo together! Beautiful job on the camisole.

[@marthamurray9855]

You are amazing! I love your comments and teaching skills. I have made a camisoles before but did not add lace. I liked the wide straps, French seams, understitching, lace application, button holes on the sweater, triple thread for buttons. Also you can really see what you are doing. Thanks so much!

[@romy4593]

I am thrilled with your decision! That is exquisite work!! Taking it in is just fine!!!

[@PrayNow4all]

Redoing the side/underarm seam is something I do 2:54 ALLLL the time.