DIY #1: Adding contrasting buttons to a sweater

Our Suggestions: Take in slightly and add big turquoise buttons
Inspiration: 1940s/1950s comics/superheroes, Minnie Mouse, Karen Walker Fall 2007 collection
Tools: A sweater or knit top with potential, contrast buttons (and of course thread, needle, and scissors), straight pins, and safety pins (for ouch-free alterations).
Difficulty Level: 2 (Fairly Easy)
(1: Easy as Pie, 2: Fairly Easy, 3: Moderate, 4: Challenging, 5: Advanced)
Wear with...a pencil skirt, flats or peep toe heels, and a little red bow in your hair

Here's the sweater in the "Before" stage...
Shapeless, but cute color! A lot of potential.

Here are the buttons...
You can find great vintage buttons at antique
stores, like Mid-towne Antique Mall.

1. Try the sweater on INSIDE OUT and pin (with the safety pins) how much you want to take it in. (Obviously, only take it in if it's too big or shapeless.)
2. Sew along the line of the pins (with matching thread)....Now, turn it right side out and make sure it fits. Make adjustments where necessary.
3. Mark with three straight pins where you want the buttons to be placed, and then sew them on with matching thread. (Sewing a button on is very easy. Make a knot where you want it to be in the fabric, string the button on that thread, sew the thread through the buttons loops several times - attaching it snugly to the fabric, when it looks secure tie another knot and cut the remaining thread.) And there you have it!

It all comes down to being able to see the potential in things!