“Off The Cuff”

One of the projects that Gayle showed us at our “Sewing Sistas” retreat started with a sweatshirt. She got the idea from a visiting teacher (tracking down her name) at another event. I love, love, LOVE this project. If you can sew a straight seam, you too can make one of these. My husband named this pullover for me, “Off The Cuff.” You will see why soon. Commercial break first.

 

Yes, my newest thing is my Etsy shop. Look for the name, “Designs by Heidi Emmett.” All my hard copy patterns and my new book (selling really well, thanks to all of you!) are available there.

Alright, let’s get started. Find a preferably plain sweatshirt. Yes, this men’s XXL is the exact color I wanted. The fish, hmm…we’ll see. Buy the sweatshirt larger than you normally wear.Big and loose is the look we are going for. Remember big and loose on top, tighter fitting on the bottom. Baggy tops and bottoms are not a good look for anyone.

I thought I had taken pictures of this project while at the retreat, but I didn’t, so I did it from memory improvising here and there. So it’s safe to say, you just CAN’T mess this up! Begin by NEATLY cutting off the neck, cuffs, and bottom ribbing. Notice that I cut beyond the stitching line of each piece, right into the sweatshirt itself, beyond the stitching. After the sweatshirt is complete you will throw it into the washer and dryer and some of the edges will roll or curl a little. You want that curled look. 

Step 2. Look at the cuff above and the pile of “string” below. Cut ONLY the ribbing off of each piece, EXCEPT the neck. Set the ribbing aside. The circle of “string” just below is from the bottom ribbing. Leave the neck and cuff pieces in circles. That FISH!! Hmm…still thinking…

For the back,If you have a tank top that you can cut up, great. I did not. I used a white mock turtleneck (had a hole in the sleeve) and took a tank top that I had (as a pattern) and cut out a piece. I left the hem on. 

Ah ha!! Great idea to hide that FISH! I covered it up with a pocket placed at an angle. 

I love “text” fabrics. The pocket measures about 6 x 9″ and I stitched down 3 sides (one long end is open). It has become a secret pocket. 

I stitched the white “tank” cut out onto the back , along on the edges. I remember a circle of hand stitching on the back. What to use, salad plate or soup bowl? 

The pen reads, “Fine Point Disappearing Ink Pen.” Works beautifully. Never, EVER, put one in your purse and write a check with it, like a customer at my store did. Ha, ha. Good thing she was a local. Even the bank had a good laugh. 

Three strands of a taupe colored embroidery floss, and two rows of stitching. Nice. 

The unveiling of “Off The Cuff.” Whoops, I forgot to tell you to stitch down the circles after weaving in the strip cut off of the bottom ribbing. Leave the neck edge alone as well as the bottom edge. Roll up the sleeves.

This is the most freeing project you will make! There are no mistakes, just new possibilities. I had so much fun that I promptly went to the thrift shop the next day and yes, found (some)  sweatshirts in the men’s section. O.K., O.K., I found six, but my husband snagged two of them. Give it a try, and a HUGE thank you to Gayle for this fab, fun, Off the Cuff, super creative idea. Oh, I almost forgot, I wore mine the very next day, went to three events, and got mobbed at each one because they all loved my Off the Cuff. I can’t wait to see what you make with your sweatshirt. I leave you with flowers of Spring. Enjoy your creative weekend. Take time for deep breathing. It’s a great stress reliever. Hugs, Heidi  

These are right out of the wrap from the florist. Don’t forget to check out my workshop, “Pick a Pattern” at our Artistic Alchemy Retreat. Go to: Artisticalchemyblog.wordpress.com for all the details (at home page, tap on Workshops). I’d love to have you join the fun!

Snap, snap. This one with the sun behind the tulip. These colors are so yummy. 

Rubix came up for a sniff just as I snapped this one. I had to include it too.