Unravelling a cardigan?

DaisyNelson

Think this is a brilliant idea. Would never of thought of unraveling second hand knitwear to make up something new. Out shopping last week I spotted some beautiful knitted throws at £60. Might have a go at making my own, although I probably have to make up in squares. Unless you can get 3' long knitting needles. Off to charity shops tomorrow!

[Deleted User]

There is a great web-site for patterns for what they call afghans, and I call knitted 'cosy's They are based in Lancashire ,but I have ordered stuff online and their service is very good.
www.woollythoughts.com They have loads of different patterns and the hardest bit is choosing which one to buy.I did a cubic three D effect one for my daughter in ordinary plain stitch.Admittedly I did buy the wool as it was in three shades to match her sitting room colour scheme. It cost me about £14.00 but I have seen similar afghans in John Lewis' in London for £60-70 .

squeaky

janb5 wrote:

Can anyone direct me to the make do and mend thread- tried to search but without success...........

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=141201

Sweet_Pea_2

On a sort of similar line, I had a lovely chunky knit cardy/jacket that my mum bought for me from M+S. It fit great except the sleeves were too long, and because it was so chunky I couldnt roll them up. I didnt want to give it away because I really liked it and I didnt want to just leave it sitting in the wardrobe as it was quite expensive.
So I took a bit of a chance, (as I am only a basic knitter) and I unravelled one of the sleeves from the cuff up. Then I knitted a new (shorter) cuff, keeping a note of what I did so I could duplicate it with the other sleeve.
I wear it all the time now, you would never know what I have done, I am amazed at how professional it turned out!

Mrs_Miggins_2

It's great to hear of someone else undoing and reknitting. I don't think my mother ever bought new wool in her life, and I rarely do. The best place to buy handknits is at jumble sales. My mum always used to unwind into skeins on chairbacks (or my arms!), but I've never found it necessary - just wind into balls and leave for a bit, and it soon relaxes out.
On a similar note, I saw in a magazine someone selling mittens made from felted (ie washed too hot) wool jumpers (machine knitted). Basically they used the ribbing for the wrist part and cut a mitten shape, then sewed it together. I haven't tried this but will.
I have used felted wool cut into strips for hooked rug making (through hessian) - all you need is a rug hook.
Of course, I get all the jumpers from jumble sales (my one true love in life).
PS - top instructions for unpicking