It's a Hoot

This weeks "Second-Hand-Made" outfit is really special to me. Not only did I make this amazing cardigan sweater, but I also made and DESIGNED the hat myself. I have also published the pattern as well over on RAVELRY.COM. Here's a closer look.

This cute little "Navy Boat Cap" is inspired by the Garrison caps worn during WWII by out ladies serving in the Navy. With a modern twist, you can decorate it any way you like. Making it perfect to go with a great vintage dress or modern jeans. I'm choosing to pair it with a vintage style pant and cardigan.

The gorgeous feathers on the hat were donated to me by a friend who has a huge parrot named Jake. Jake and I are not close friends, he actually scares the crap out of me, but hey the boy's got pretty feathers.

Next up is my new favorite cardigan. This is my absolute favorite cardigan that I've made so far. Of course, the newest one off the needles is always my favorite, that's the way it works, right? Anyways, the pattern is from "The unofficial Harry Potter Knits" magazine available HERE at amazon.com. However, I used a 50% off coupon at Jo-ann's Craft store, because I'm broke like that. The yarn is Madelintosh Vintage, the name of the color is Manor, it's a beautiful variegated dark turquoise color (I'm totally obsessed with any shade of turquoise lately). I cannot say enough good things about this yarn. It flows through my fingers like butter and has just enough elasticity in it to help it keep it's shape and be super comfortable. The absolute best part of this yarn though is the fact that my mother gave it to me after liberating it from my sisters stash. So, it feels like a family affair.

The body of the "Ginny Cardigan" is a plain stockinette stitch but there is this amazing lace owl panel going down the back. It's a nice little shout out to Harry Potter, but doesn't scream "Hey I'm a major Harry Potter geek" (even though I am). This is the first sweater I've knit that was constructed from the top up, knitting the sleeves separately then joining them to the body and continuing up to the collar. I did learn that my gauge was different on the sleeves compared to the body, and next time, I will go up a needles size for the sleeves. I love the bust shaping and will take this technique with me for other sweaters. The shaping is dependent of actual cup sizing and not just inches which makes it very customizable. The only alterations I made to the pattern were knitting the sleeves two-at-a-time, so that they would both be identical and I omitted the pockets on the front because I didn't think they would flatter my mid-section.

This whole out fit is "Second-hand-made", I found these great high-waist, wide-leg jeans at Salvation Army for $4.00 and was surprised that they were actually from Old Navy. I'm not usually so happy with Old Navy, but these are great and you can't beat the price. The shirt and boots were Value Village finds too. A whole outfit of second hand, and hand made goodness. I love it.

Here's yet another pic of the hat. If you like it and would like to make one you can click that little buy now button below.