I was fussing about not having the right cardigan the other morning—one to wear when I am a bit cold, over my jammies, while making breakfast. It needed to be soft, very thin, fitted, with 3/4 sleeves. Something I could throw over dresses and then maybe sleep as well. That kind of thing. I have about 152 cardigans and found it hard to believe that I didn't have one that met all these requirements, but I didn't. Until now.
This is a long-sleeved t-shirt (this one is from j.crew in the tissue-weight jersey, which I love to hate) that I took a pair of scissors to—and it's perfect. It's my new favorite cardigan and now I have about 3 more (and 3 fewer long-sleeved shirts) and I love them to death.
No sewing is needed. There are no seams to finish here—the jersey doesn't unravel. I have done this with both v-necks and scoop necks. I didn't add anything, I just let them hang loose or tie in a knot. Done and done. Someone take away my scissors. I'm going to wonder where all my shirts are this Fall, but for now I am thrilled.
thank you for the inspiration, as I have two of those v neck JCrew tissue tees that I can't wear during the baby bump growing season right now... this will be perfect for the office when the A/C is in high gear. you. are. brilliant.
Posted by: amyville in az | July 11, 2009 at 09:34 AM
This is a cute idea. I like reading how people refashion clothing. I need something light weight like this to wear at work. It is either hot or cold. I think I will look up some long sleave t-shirts and cut them up like you did!! This is great since I work in a kitchen and stuff pretty much gets pretty dirty and ick looking. Used long sleave t-shirts are cheep at the thrift stores. :)
Posted by: Diane | July 11, 2009 at 09:34 AM
Love it!!!!
Posted by: Kate Bessey | July 11, 2009 at 09:35 AM
Very cute and stylin'
Posted by: katie | July 11, 2009 at 09:52 AM
So cute and a great idea -- I know I have some old long sleeved t's around here and now I think some experimentation is in my future :)
Posted by: BoogaJ | July 11, 2009 at 10:00 AM
This is brilliant. I love it so much, I could cry.
Posted by: lera | July 11, 2009 at 10:04 AM
So so cute!
but the toddler in me wants to know WHYYYYYYY the jersey doesn't unravel. I didn't know that before.
Posted by: Jen | July 11, 2009 at 10:09 AM
After reading this I ran to get my sewing scissors and an old Gap long sleeved tee! And it looks great! Thanks for the idea. I love that I've given new life to an old (but favorite) t-shirt! Awesome!
Posted by: Laura | July 11, 2009 at 10:17 AM
that is beyond awesome. i will be doing this for sure, like, right now.
Posted by: Krista | July 11, 2009 at 10:39 AM
You always have the best ideas!
Posted by: Rebecca | July 11, 2009 at 10:47 AM
So perfect, too. Much better than a long sleeve tissue-weight t-shirt. Perfect. I think I even have a shirt to modify, too. Especially now that it doesn't fit due to a belly.
Posted by: Shannon | July 11, 2009 at 11:04 AM
I love projects like this - instant gratification! I wonder if you could somehow cut the back off more and make it more of a shrug....just something to cover your arms? Anyways, great idea! I'll be digging out my gingers and old long sleeved t-shirts. Especially since I'm headed north to Indiana from Texas in a few days. I'll need something like this I'm sure!
Posted by: Lee-Ann | July 11, 2009 at 11:21 AM
Easy peasy! Too bad I live in TX - but I might just make it for the cute factor anyway.
Posted by: Lisa | July 11, 2009 at 11:26 AM
that's a great idea. i have a few of those shirts i love to hate.
Posted by: barbara brown | July 11, 2009 at 11:35 AM
This is such a neat idea, 3/4 sleeves are great! I love to feel tissue weight jersey. Then I make something, put it on and it is so darn sheer!
Posted by: Elise/Bekväm | July 11, 2009 at 11:52 AM
OMG that is so cool!
Posted by: Charlene | July 11, 2009 at 12:02 PM
i do this as well, & have to agree that it's addictive.
Posted by: kat | July 11, 2009 at 12:34 PM
What a great idea!!
Posted by: Rose | July 11, 2009 at 12:40 PM
I have a 3/4 sleeve v-neck henley.. I wonder if it would look cute cut up to the buttons, and only buttoned at the top? Kinda opposite of your waist-tie. Hmmmm...
Posted by: drcarrie | July 11, 2009 at 12:44 PM
Just did it. Love it, I love it, Love it.
Posted by: Sarah | July 11, 2009 at 01:02 PM
Great idea, and it looks so cute! How comfy can you get? Love it.
Posted by: jennifer lorton | July 11, 2009 at 01:15 PM
thank you for sharing! i have made a date with a pair of scissors this evening. :)
Posted by: Janna | July 11, 2009 at 01:32 PM
Oh, I love this idea! I have a bunch of long-sleeved tees that after several (like hundreds of) washings are now too short in the tummy but otherwise in good shape -- this is the perfect solution! Thank you!
Posted by: Badger | July 11, 2009 at 01:39 PM
What a great idea!!
Posted by: PaiselyJade | July 11, 2009 at 01:57 PM
This is awesome! I only have a few cardigans, but wish I had more. I found that a few of my long-sleeved t-shirts were ill-fitting, so this was a great way to give them a second life. Mine were kind of big, so was thinking a ribbon or button placed either on the top or in the middle would be a fun addition sometime. For now, I'm going to revel in the fact that I completed a DIY project in less than a minute- yay!
Posted by: Nicole | July 11, 2009 at 01:58 PM
I have been lurking here for ages, and this is enough to bring me out. I now have four great cardis to wear over my post-baby belly thanks to you. Brilliant! Five minutes to new clothes. Great blog - thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Pixie Trish | July 11, 2009 at 02:11 PM
What a cute idea! I have two of these shirts in my closet right now and they're both just shrunk enough that they're too short to wear. I'm excited to refashion - off to cut!
Posted by: kmckiernan | July 11, 2009 at 02:41 PM
Oh, mein Gott!!!! It's EXACTLY what I've been looking for! Thank you for sharing this.
Posted by: Lorene | July 11, 2009 at 03:07 PM
This is the perfect answer to those stupid tiny holes that appear at the button level of all my tissue weight t's. Great.
Posted by: heather jane | July 11, 2009 at 03:13 PM
ah ha! I have a tissue-weight tunic from old navy or something that has a tiny hole in the front... just big enough to SEE the hole over whatever color I'm wearing underneath... this may be the perfect solution. And now that I typed that I see I'm nearly exactly echoing a commenter above. Thanks, Amy!
Posted by: Allison | July 11, 2009 at 03:21 PM
Oh, thank you! I have a J. Crew Tissue T, too, that doesn't fit me right...I'm petite, and it's not. LOL But I hated to get rid of it. So soft and comfy... Now I have to try this!
Thanks!
Posted by: Lori | July 11, 2009 at 03:42 PM
I don't know why, but you made me laugh. You turned something so ordinary into simple genius.
Posted by: Candace Marquette | July 11, 2009 at 03:42 PM
It looks fantastic. Aren't scissors fantastic...especially when combined with a fabric that won't unravel! I love it.
Posted by: jenny | July 11, 2009 at 03:49 PM
Brilliant! I am so going to do that. I know I've got a turquoise blue tee that would be perfect. Thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: Carrie | July 11, 2009 at 04:54 PM
Thanks for the great idea! How easy and cute!
Posted by: Shorty | July 11, 2009 at 06:25 PM
Wow! What a great way to recycle!
Posted by: Mallory | July 11, 2009 at 06:48 PM
Love it, love it, love it! Just made one up after dinner. Can't complain about a project that takes less than 30 seconds and turns out so well. Thanks.
Posted by: milkybeer | July 11, 2009 at 08:15 PM
Posted by: amy k. | July 11, 2009 at 08:53 PM
That's fantastic! I love how it looks on you! So, so creative...I'm in awe.
Posted by: Julie | July 11, 2009 at 09:17 PM
I do this too and love it.
Lee-Ann: Yes, you can cut the back shorter and make a shrug-like item. That is the way I have done it, and I'm so happy with the results and wear them all the time. I have one long sleeved and one short sleeved. Only I hemmed the edges, but that's just because I wanted it to look more finished; totally not necessary!
Posted by: K | July 11, 2009 at 10:08 PM
That is an awesome idea! I think I'll head upstairs with my scissors and start cutting!
Posted by: Amy | July 12, 2009 at 07:14 AM
!!!!!
I am a total cardigan gal and this idea os brilliant. Thanks!
*gets scissors*
Posted by: Brittany | July 12, 2009 at 07:54 AM
Just Brilliant! And perfect for someone like me with little sewing skills.
Posted by: Jennifer | July 12, 2009 at 09:22 AM
heading to my drawer scissors in hand!! thanks
Posted by: Seattle Mommy | July 12, 2009 at 09:24 AM
I'm always too nervous to rework the clothes I have...but I may be able to handle this. Great idea!
Posted by: Michele | July 12, 2009 at 10:17 AM
Freakin' genius! Seriously. I have a few long sleeved tshirts that have gotten, ahem, too tight and this is a perfect way to still wear them. Since wearing sundresses often shows more skin then I like, this would be a nice add as well. Thanks! xx
Posted by: Cheryl | July 12, 2009 at 10:23 AM
Oh wowowow.
I am so looking for long sleeve tshirts to customize. I always need something exactly like this and I never find it.
And this is just the kind of repurposing project I love to death.
Why didn't I think of this?
Posted by: rowena | July 12, 2009 at 12:39 PM
I am running to my dresser right now to start cutting and getting some use out of those shirts that no longer fit post baby!!
Posted by: Jamie | July 12, 2009 at 01:23 PM
Cute, cute, cute! And you can still use them this fall, just as they are! More versatile than just a t-shirt! Genius!
Posted by: Cheryl | July 12, 2009 at 02:21 PM
Awesome!!!
Posted by: Nicolle | July 12, 2009 at 05:41 PM
A friend taught me to do this! I do this when shirts get a hole in them too!
Posted by: Sarah Cosper | July 12, 2009 at 09:11 PM
Sass! Thanks for the awesome idea.
Posted by: Melissa | July 13, 2009 at 06:08 AM
Brilliant!
Posted by: Holden | July 13, 2009 at 08:09 AM
LOL! I do that to my pants when the weather is nice - cut em off.... it's usually when I am hussling to get my kids off to school. We call them "Shpants" (short pants). Now, my poor shirts are at risk :). Good post.
Posted by: Megan | July 13, 2009 at 08:39 AM
Why didn't I think of that? I have two long sleeve tees that I just don't love as tees but I think I will love as cardis. Thanks for that.
Posted by: Kathy | July 13, 2009 at 08:57 AM
Now that is a smart idea! What is old is now new again...winter clothes are now summer clothes! Hello scissors!
Posted by: Cat | July 13, 2009 at 10:04 AM
i'm going to get my scissors!
Posted by: beth | July 13, 2009 at 10:07 AM
Awesome - thanks! Coincidentally, I'm wearing the exact same shirt you're wearing in that photo today. "Vintage" Anthropologie rules!
Posted by: Jen Hewett | July 13, 2009 at 10:55 AM
Now I know why I kept those long sleeve tees I never wear.
Gotta go - just gonna reach into the back of the closet and pull one out to try this. Thanks for the perfect idea!
s.
Posted by: sue | July 13, 2009 at 11:15 AM
Excellent idea - I can think of a shirt or two in my closet that will soon be attacked by scissors!
Posted by: Micaela | July 13, 2009 at 12:09 PM
love this amy!
Posted by: Ansley | July 13, 2009 at 12:12 PM
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I bought a top and forgot to return it, it was not the right size... and now it looks great!!! I added a snap to the top of mine. Now I am looking for more tops to cut :-)
Posted by: carahoney | July 13, 2009 at 12:24 PM
It's also really great to cut a t-shirt down the front and wear it with a tank top. It hides the bra straps.
Posted by: Brittany | July 13, 2009 at 01:15 PM
I love that you cut into your current wardrobe without hesitation. I have such a phobia of cutting into ready made garments so I rarely do it. But you have such great success when you do! I really need to try this, rather than giving bags upon bags of clothes away to Goodwill.
Posted by: elliebelle | July 13, 2009 at 01:19 PM
Cute! You are so clever! :)
Posted by: Carolyn | July 13, 2009 at 01:49 PM
So creative and cute! I love your blog! I check it out almost every day...it really inspires me. Thank you !
Posted by: Kirsten Larsen | July 13, 2009 at 03:29 PM
Oh no! What have you done? I read this Saturday, made one (and wore one) yesterday. It's a strangely cold 60 degrees in Michigan today...so I needed another. I cut two t's that I embroidered last winter. I wore them to death, but now I have something new and fun instead of the same 'ol t-shirts. I have to stop...but for now...thanks!
Posted by: Lisa Payne Kirker | July 13, 2009 at 05:29 PM
i made one today...I love it!
Posted by: Hannah | July 13, 2009 at 06:19 PM
I am new to your blog and I just love it! It has been a great source of inspiration in my need to do more for myself, my family (future) and the environment. I've learned in life that it takes more effort to do what is right than it does to do what's wrong. In fact, it takes little to no effort to do what's wrong. It's been so easy for me to just buy some disposable without regard to where it's going or where it came from. Having said that, I've decided to change my lifestyle for the better by implementing ideas that will be a blessing to my family and the planet at large.
I'm a cocoa colored chic with a huge-mungus fro! It's extremely difficult to find products for my skin and hair types. Even some so-called black (no, I am NOT pc, honey! LOL!) products suck big time. Through your blog I've been able to get great ideas on how to make my own products that will suit me just fine. I've always longed to make products just for me, but feared that I didn't have the ability to do so... that is until Angry Chicken. Now I have the confidence to pursue my desire to use products made specifically for me. Not only will I know how it was made, but what's in it as well: simple ingredients using the simplest techniques. It's not that deep at all to do it myself. I haven't started yet, but at least I'm confident enough to know what I'm doing and that it's not that tedious and it doesn't take rocket science.
Thanks for all that you do to make the world a better place.
Posted by: Dee | July 13, 2009 at 06:21 PM
Posted by: amy k. | July 13, 2009 at 06:48 PM
I read this 5 minutes ago-guess what I am wearing right now hahahah!
Posted by: gretchen | July 13, 2009 at 06:51 PM
I'm totally sporting my new refashioned Jones NY long sleeve tee that so aggravated me as a tee-shirt - too heavy...now a sassy cardigan with tilted sleeves cut at a jaunty angle.
Posted by: deb stone | July 13, 2009 at 06:54 PM
You have such great ideas. It's so funny how briliantly simple some of those ideas are, and at the same time, nobody thought of them before!
I'm definately going to try this one, thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Karin | July 13, 2009 at 11:42 PM
Easy to do and its so stylish. Great ! Wonderful design.
thanks for the post.
Posted by: Relation Kevin | July 14, 2009 at 01:31 AM
brilliant...!
perfect for my long sleeve tops that are just a tad too snug in either the boob or belly area...
i just love the perfect weight cardigan!
Thank You~
Posted by: suzanne | July 14, 2009 at 05:02 AM
Genius, pure genius! I'm a big fan of your blog and you have inspired me so much, but this one has taken the cake. I'm going home tonight after work and making myself a couple of these. Thanks again for the ideas.
Posted by: Lily | July 14, 2009 at 07:45 AM
Man, I wish I could sew! I may be able to make my own natural products, but I know my limits! LOL! I have so many old pieces of clothing I have wanted made out of (um, don't laugh, y'all!) underwear and hairbands. I've tried to find someone who could do them for me but so far I haven't found anyone reliable enough to do it. They either want to charge an arm and a leg, or they tell me it's not doable. However, from what I've learned from Miss. Chicky, it IS doable (saw the striped undie set! Luv them!). Anyhoo, I'm trying to decide if it's even worth the effort or if I should just give everything to goodwill and call it a day. I REALLY need some drawers, y'all 'cause the ones I have now are starting to breath, if ya know what I mean LOLOLOL!! I don't wanna buy store bought 'cause I wanna try something different for a change. Plus, I like being an original not a clone of what everybody else is wearing. Gotta keeps it ree-al, y'all.
Anyhoo, if any of you guys know of someone who can whip out some drawers from an old pair of jeans, some t-shirts as well as some hairbands from an old knit scarf PLEEEEEEEASE let a sistah know. LOL! I can't pay much but I'm willing to give something for the work, plus they can keep the remaining material as I only want a few of them made. It would be great if I could use their expertise every now and then as I get more bolder with material.
I hope someone can help. And thanks so much in advance.
Posted by: Dee | July 14, 2009 at 09:43 AM
Whoops, that Old Navy long sleeve shirt with the unraveling hems just fell on my scissors.
Posted by: Annika | July 14, 2009 at 11:10 AM
Love it!! I took your idea and used it on some of my shirts. Made some shirts I didn't like into shirts I now love! My husband thinks I bought a new wardrobe, when actually all I have done is remade it.
Posted by: Shelly | July 14, 2009 at 12:49 PM
genius.
e.
Posted by: apples for poppy anne | July 14, 2009 at 05:00 PM
I stopped by Buffalo Exchange in Hawthorne last night and scoured the sale racks. For 6 dollars, I now have 3 new cardigans-- Amy, you're an absolute genius!!
Posted by: Jolie | July 14, 2009 at 05:05 PM
I have a comfy knit cardigan that I sleep in sometimes too- love it!
Posted by: beth | July 14, 2009 at 06:01 PM
You are so right! I just read your post and immediately pulled out last winter's maternity t-shirts and started cutting them up. I don't usually act so quickly, but now I have the perfect breastfeeding cardigan. A must for cool Portland mornings.
Posted by: Jill C. | July 15, 2009 at 09:23 AM
Awesome! I made one yesterday after reading this. It was perfect! I used a long sleeve v-neck I had bought but then never wore because I didn't like how if clung to my tummy. This worked great and now I get to wear and enjoy my pretty shirt!
Posted by: Melany | July 15, 2009 at 10:23 AM
genius!
Posted by: cassandra | July 15, 2009 at 08:40 PM
Love it! So simple and yet so effective. Off to raid my closet and find some scissors :)
Posted by: Katherine | July 16, 2009 at 12:34 AM
great, now I am having trouble putting the scissors away. I live in central Texas and it is H-O-T thi ssummer, but it's freaking cold in every building. These are the perfect weight and clevelry disguise any dribbles that may had made the same shirt unwearable.
Thanks for the idea....now why is it that jersey doesn't unravel?
Posted by: Stacey Van Landingham | July 16, 2009 at 08:10 AM
An awesome new look for the long-sleeved tshirt in my closet that I keep trying on and rejecting because it doesn't fit quite right...
Posted by: Jennifer | July 16, 2009 at 08:48 AM
Thanks for the excellent idea - found the perfect t-shirt at Old Navy tonight and cut it as soon as I got it home. I may have to go back for a couple more in different colors! :)
Posted by: Jenifer | July 16, 2009 at 06:10 PM
I do this too and always felt rather naughty about it, but I love it!
Posted by: Leslie Van Every | July 17, 2009 at 08:53 AM
This made me laugh out loud. I have a LOOOOOONG list of projects that I'd love to do but don't have the time/materials/chutzpah/whatever to tackle. This, though -- THIS I can do. Thanks for the kick in the pants. And the laugh!
Posted by: Heather | July 17, 2009 at 09:27 AM
one down - 3 to go! Love this!
Posted by: Sunshyne | July 17, 2009 at 01:06 PM
What a great idea! I just chopped up one of my long sleeve shirts and I love how it feels as a "sweater"! I am definitely going to have keep my eye out while thrifting for more shirts that I can do this to!
Posted by: Meredith | July 17, 2009 at 07:55 PM
Such a simple and great idea. Unfinished jersey hems are starting to grow on me lately. There's something casual yet a bit naughty about them.
Posted by: Ina | July 18, 2009 at 02:14 AM
k. i just did this and i think i am in love. MUST get more tissue t-shirts. now.
Posted by: Madge | July 18, 2009 at 12:48 PM
This will give new life to my long sleeve Target tees - what a great way to hide the grease spots that indicate "I forgot to wear an apron." Thanks!
Posted by: Merry & Mod | July 18, 2009 at 09:48 PM
Thanks for this idea! I turned a well loved top that was too short into a cardi. Love how quick it was. My top had a round neck so needed something extra...I added a botton and hidden snap fastner at the neck (have posted a pic on my blog if you are interested).
I've lived in mine all weekend - so comfy.
Posted by: Tricia | July 19, 2009 at 04:34 AM
wonderful idea!
Posted by: K | July 19, 2009 at 06:50 AM
Posted by: amy k. | July 19, 2009 at 07:19 AM
I made one last night and I'm in love with it. I'm wearing it today and my hubby even said I looked really cute this morning!
Thanks for the great idea! :)
Posted by: Allison | July 20, 2009 at 07:48 AM