A recent thrift store excursion with my best thrifting companion, my 13 year old, turned into a fabulous, adventurous sewing challenge when I came across two oversized sweatshirts in stunning colors. I knew I had to make upcycled toaster sweaters.
![Upcycled Toaster Sweater_Sewn by Melissa Quaal_2023_A HAPPY STITCH DESIGN](https://ahappystitch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Up-cycled-Toaster-Sweater_Sewn-by-Melissa-Quaal_2023_A-HAPPY-STITCH-DESIGN_6-640x873.jpg)
![Up-cycled Toaster Sweater_Sewn by Melissa Quaal_2023_A HAPPY STITCH DESIGN](https://ahappystitch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Up-cycled-Toaster-Sweater_Sewn-by-Melissa-Quaal_2023_A-HAPPY-STITCH-DESIGN-640x829.jpg)
![Upcycled Toaster Sweater_Sewn by Melissa Quaal_2023_A HAPPY STITCH DESIGN](https://ahappystitch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Up-cycled-Toaster-Sweater_Sewn-by-Melissa-Quaal_2023_A-HAPPY-STITCH-DESIGN_9-640x548.jpg)
It turned out to be more of a mythic quest than a simple up-cycling project. While the sweatshirts were long and big, it was still hard to harvest enough fabric for a full sweatshirt. I actually ended up cropping them both a little bit to make the magic happen. Also, the interior-facing portions have sweatshirt material from my stash. Isn’t it amazing how much fabric is used to make clothes!
(Please see incredibly unflattering, faceless pictures of me in my messy studio for a glimpse of the original items.)
![Upcycled Toaster Sweater_Sewn by Melissa Quaal_2023_A HAPPY STITCH DESIGN](https://ahappystitch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Up-cycled-Toaster-Sweater_Sewn-by-Melissa-Quaal_2023_A-HAPPY-STITCH-DESIGN_11-640x934.jpg)
![Upcycled Toaster Sweater_Sewn by Melissa Quaal_2023_A HAPPY STITCH DESIGN](https://ahappystitch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Up-cycled-Toaster-Sweater_Sewn-by-Melissa-Quaal_2023_A-HAPPY-STITCH-DESIGN_10-640x900.jpg)
Aren’t they shockingly blah on me?! I couldn’t let these stunning lilac and kelly green colors languish on the rack living life beneath their full potential. That said, I quickly regretted my commitment to helping them flourish. I really had to Frankenstein these toaster sweaters together! I mean, check out those wonky placements?
![Upcycled Toaster Sweater_Sewn by Melissa Quaal_2023_A HAPPY STITCH DESIGN](https://ahappystitch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Up-cycled-Toaster-Sweater_Sewn-by-Melissa-Quaal_2023_A-HAPPY-STITCH-DESIGN_8-640x962.jpg)
![Up-cycled Toaster Sweater_Sewn by Melissa Quaal_2023_A HAPPY STITCH DESIGN](https://ahappystitch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Up-cycled-Toaster-Sweater_Sewn-by-Melissa-Quaal_2023_A-HAPPY-STITCH-DESIGN_12-640x426.jpg)
![Up-cycled Toaster Sweater_Sewn by Melissa Quaal_2023_A HAPPY STITCH DESIGN](https://ahappystitch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Up-cycled-Toaster-Sweater_Sewn-by-Melissa-Quaal_2023_A-HAPPY-STITCH-DESIGN_13-640x902.jpg)
That pile up there is the actual amount leftover. It’s mostly cuffs and odd triangular bits. The picture actually makes it look like more than it is. It’s just a handful of scraps!
In the end, though, I’m glad I rescued them. You can’t beat a colorful, cozy upcycled toaster sweater for the early spring weather. I’m warm and happy.
![Upcycled Toaster Sweater_Sewn by Melissa Quaal_2023_A HAPPY STITCH DESIGN](https://ahappystitch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Up-cycled-Toaster-Sweater_Sewn-by-Melissa-Quaal_2023_A-HAPPY-STITCH-DESIGN_4-640x962.jpg)
![Up-cycled Toaster Sweater_Sewn by Melissa Quaal_2023_A HAPPY STITCH DESIGN](https://ahappystitch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Up-cycled-Toaster-Sweater_Sewn-by-Melissa-Quaal_2023_A-HAPPY-STITCH-DESIGN_2-640x962.jpg)
![Upcycled Toaster Sweater_Sewn by Melissa Quaal_2023_A HAPPY STITCH DESIGN](https://ahappystitch.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Up-cycled-Toaster-Sweater_Sewn-by-Melissa-Quaal_2023_A-HAPPY-STITCH-DESIGN_5-640x962.jpg)
It was my first time making this Uber-popular pattern from Sew House Seven. It’s easy to see why it’s such a favorite. It’s easy to pull together with clear instructions and has such a great fit. I love the neck and the fact that it’s on the shorter side.
Btw, my pants are a self-drafted lounge pant in deadstock fabric from Blackbird. This whole ensemble is my Sunday morning ensemble in the early spring (before I switch it out for this in the summer).
Leave a Reply