I Could Do That: J.Crew Dapple Dot Cardigan


I have been coveting the dapple dot cardigan from the first time I laid my beady little eyes on it.


I swore to myself that I would figure out a way to make something similar for myself. Imagine how pleased I was when I spied this twin set while thrifting. I realized that a sweater set would give me enough disposable fabric in the shell that it would work.

Here is the process:


I really wanted a 3/4 sleeve so I shortened the sleeves. I cut at the boundary of the cuff, and cut about 5" of the sleeve out above that point. I used this great tutorial to reattach the cuff.

Next, I cut the shell into 1 1/2" strips. I ironed the strips to prepare for 1/4" seams down each side. After sewing those seams, I pinned these strips in the pleated pattern around the neckline. Each visible pleat is 1", and they overlap each other for 1". I purposely made the pattern assymetrical, with the pleats extending further down on one side. I also decided to do one row of pleats on each side, because the v-neck cardigan left less space to attach them. (If you are lucky enough to score a twin set with a crew neck cardi, I would definitey do two rows.)

Last week, I had the opportunity to do a photoshoot with Jackie Norris. We focused on taking pictures showcase my projects. {By the way, she is awesome to work with}.

Here is my finished cardigan:


We went to Memory Grove, which seems to be everyone's choice of venue for pictures. There is a reason, because there are so many different backdrops and textures. You want it in the trees? Done. You want it next to a roman column, done. I was taken with Ottinger Hall, which isn't technically inside the park, but it is close by on Canyon Road.


What do you think? Were you eyeing this cardigan? Anything you are craving to make this week?

Thanks for reading!

27 comments:

  1. I love it, I've been wanting to change a few different items of clothing myself but I need the courage to just do it.
    The pictures look fantastic! I love memory grove too, and the cardigan just POPS with that color.

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  2. Looks great! And love those pictures of you!

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  3. I love how the pleats are uneven on each side. Gives it such character. Side note - your hair is fabulous.

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  4. I love the tutorial, it turned out so cute, great job! I'd love to try it once I get my hands on a sewing machine! Those are beautiful pictures of you!

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  5. Well done! Truly a pretty sweater and neat DIY!

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  6. You are SO talented!!!! I love it. I really like that dapple dot cardigan, and have been looking for a look for less in the actual polka dot print. I have a long sleeve cardigan that I have been wanting to make short sleeved. Thank you so much for that tutorial on how to do it. Now I just have to get brave enough to actually chop the sleeves off :(

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  7. Wow, looks great, great job DIY-ing! I do a ton of tee and sweater makeovers myself and I looove JCrew!

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  8. Pretty! Your photos are gorgeous! (as is your hair)

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  9. What a great project. I admire your skill and creativity.

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  10. That looks great, thanks for sharing.

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  11. Oh Madeline! You are so pretty! Not to mention talented!

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  12. your cardigan looks fantastic!

    I want to make a sequined striped shirt a la J.Crew and a lace trimmed cardigan.

    Chic on the Cheap

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  13. You are gorgeous! Who does your hair? I love those bangs...

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  14. Thanks for all your feedback! I had a few questions and comments on my hair (you guys are too sweet!). Here's the info, Hetty Hopkinson, who recently moved to Aura Salon cut my hair, and I took in this Zooey Deschanel picture for my bangs.

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  15. This is amazing! such a good idea to et a cardigan sweater set!!
    I would love to get a tutorial next time to know how to do it myself :)

    Thank you SO much for sharing! i'd love to see more!

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  16. impressive! your hair looks amazing and i love your jeans! where can i get one?!

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  17. This would be really cute if you swapped out the buttons too!

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  18. Excellent job! I'm impressed and the color is great on you.

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  19. Love it! Looks like I got a fun new sewing project to do!

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  20. Oh this is gorgeous! Might need to head out to the thrift store to see what I can find!

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  21. You are darling. However do you get your blond hair to look SO natural!??

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  22. @ Sarah loves it all - My color was done by Hetty (mentioned in comment 17) and I asked for very subtle highlights. I do have dark blond hair already, and she did a wonderful job lightening it up a touch.

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  23. cute cardi and great photos!

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  24. You look so pretty! Your cardigan looks amazing, also, the quality of the pictures are amazing too! Thank you for sharing!

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