I found a black cashmere sweater on one of my thrift shopping trips and I thought “what a score.”  However, I was a little dismayed when I found a hole in it that I didn’t see before I bought it.  As I looked at the rest of the sweater, I realized that only the top portion, above the sleeves was damaged and that the rest was totally fine!  It was cashmere after all, from Lord and Taylor department stores!

So, I decided to go about saving it, in the best way I knew how. By recycling it into an infinity scarf (one that just pops over your head and forms a sort of cowl neck).  I’ve seen a lot of these and wanted to try my hand at it.  I also used a second sweater that was totally ‘80s in a good way.  The cut was all-wrong for today, but the pattern was “spot on” for the bright accessory trend of now.  Let me tell how to make these scarves in about 30 minutes. 

First, lay the sweater on a flat table or countertop so that it will be easier to cut a straight line.  Then use a very sharp pair of scissors to gently cut straight across the sweater; leaving you with a tube, that is the bottom portion of the sweater.  You will need a sewing machine for the next part, and if you don’t have one I’m sure you can find someone to help you do it!

Next, line up the raw edge you just cut with what was the bottom of the sweater so that the right sides are on the outside.  Pin together with straight pins.  Sew the edges together using a zig-zag or overlock serger if you have one.  You could also hand sew it.  I used a decorative stitch setting that was a scallop shape and went around the edges.

Next, cut the threads and fluff.  The outside seam may show, depending on how it’s worn, so that’s why I chose a black sweater. Once you put it on and loop it around your neck a couple of times, it looks totally fashion forward and amazing! 

I decided to give some ladies that I work with the scarves. For Emy the wild plaid pattern was perfect with her own personal rock and roll style.  Her blazer works well with the colorful and substantial scarf statement.  On Addy, the black cashmere was the perfect choice because of her minimalist all black look.

Now that you know a great fashion secret, go and have a ball looking for sweaters at the Goodwill Retail Store & Donation Center near you.  With a small investment of money and time, you can create your own, one of a kind, cool accessory that only looks like it’s hot off the runway!