Greenpoint Cardigan - Modified and Dip Dyed

I finally got around to taking pictures of my modified Greenpoint Cardigan. (See my previous one here.) What made this project fun was that the whole thing was an experiment from start to finish. After assembling the front, back and sleeves, I left the rest open to options. First, I added the ruffle cuffs. They are folded in half and then gathered so I could avoid hemming.

Then I tried to add a ruffled neck band, but I didn't like the way it was laying so I unpicked it and set it all aside again. After much deliberation, too much really, I went with the pattern piece but made it narrower since I didn't plan to do buttons all the way down. I used just one button and a loop to close it at the chest so she can do it herself.

I knew from the start that I wanted to use this piece to try dying something for the first time. Yep, I was a total virgin. I read up a bit and decided go with simple RIT in navy. I knew the risks of unpredictable results, but I was willing to take that risk. Purple was not in the plans, but it's fun and she loves it. I have to thank Karly from Paisley Roots for her very well-timed post on dip dying. I figured it was meant to be and followed her directions. I think it turned out pretty darn good. I tell you what though, you almost need to be an octopus to hold onto the bodice and each sleeve and try to keep things level.

I forgot to mention that the fabric is from Girl Charlee. I think the color was called sand and it's a cotton lycra. Her t-shirt is a refashion previously blogged here. Don't look at the jeans, they're for a future post.

I'm not sure how many more things will get dyed in the future, but it was fun to experiment. This turned out to be another useful piece of comfortable knit clothing for Elena. We are well on our way to an almost completely homemade wardrobe for her, and I'm pretty happy about that.