Something for Mama - Sweater Refashion with Cottage Style

So it's been starting to get a bit chilly here in the Midwest which has caused me to pull out all of our fall/winter wardrobe items.  I took inventory of all my girls stuff and made sure to get them what they need for this fall.  But what about Mama?  Sadly, I always spend all of our clothing budget on the girls these days because they actually need things.  Where as I just want new things.

So after accessing my fall/winter clothing situation, I came upon a sweater that I really like, but just needed a few minor tweaks to make it feel new again.  In a matter of 30 minutes, I had made my purple sweater over into something I am excited to wear again!

First of all, it was missing two of the three buttons - they had just fallen off with wear.  I covered metal shank buttons in coordinating fabric and decided to replace all three buttons.  The original buttons were the same fabric and color as the sweater. The new buttons definitely add more pop of color.

Secondly, I decided I would prefer it to be full-length in the arms rather than 3/4 length.  I put the sweater on and measured from the edge of the original sweater arm to where I wanted it to fall on my wrist.  Then I added an additional 1/2" to allow for the seam allowance.  I doubled the length measurement because I wanted the cuff to be lined.

I used a gathering stitch to make the added sleeve length a little bit of a ruffle.  When I typically do a ruffle on little girls clothing I do 2.5 - 3.0 times the width of the fabric, but this time I just did 2.0 times since I didn't want it to be too dramatic.

And there's me, taking a picture of myself in my daughter, Matilda Jane's room.  I actually don't think the picture really does the sweater justice.  I'm so excited that I feel like I have a new sweater for this fall without going to the store and buying a thing!!

So, what will you be updating for fall?  Have any sweaters or shirts that you will make new again?

Cottage Mama's Note:  The fabric I used is Art Gallery Paradise.  By now you know I love Art Gallery.  This fabric just came out last month and I had to get it ASAP - I love the beautiful colors and the amazing feel.