Orchid Bloom Sweater Transformation 🌱

The Super Bowl is on tonight, Bad Bunny is performing later, and I need a project to work on while I wait for the halftime show.

Purple Sweater Metamorphosis ✦

Today I’m giving myself the challenge to transform this muted purple sweater into something I will actually gravitate towards wearing.

I’ve had this sweater for a very long time. The cut and color is outdated, but every now and then I’m drawn to style it with my fall rotation of outfits. My hope is that in touching this piece, I’ll create a new design & attachment to it that will inspire me to wear it more often. I’m already picturing repurposing this into an artsy work-from-home or coffee date pullover.

Moodboard + Sketch ✦

First, I put together a moodboard of ideas, and along the way I was particularly inspired by orchid blooms. The color palettes draw out the feelings I’ve been craving from a piece like this: regal, autumnal, vibrant jewel-tone energy. I’ve always felt like the original hue of purple is a little dull on its own, and through color theory, I’m hoping I can infuse some vibrancy back into it.

My sketch features a rather large bloom bloom front and center, so I’m planning to try to execute a looser, more spaced out embroidery style. I’ve even been going back and forth on using embroidery thread or a thin wool yarn. But I think embroidery thread is better for this project because it’s what I have in the studio.

After drafting my initial design, I created a paper template, then used that to create a design on sticky embroidery stabilizer paper, and safety pinned it to the sweater for extra stability.

To be honest I’m not sure if this technique of stitching will work on this material. It’s possible I embroider the whole thing, and after I rinse the stabilizer out, the whole thing falls apart or the stitches are too loose to read as an orchid bloom. There’s a chance this project doesn’t work out, but that’s all part of the experimentation!

Optional Alterations ✦

For the hem, I’m also considering adding a lightweight broderie anglaise lace [See: Cutwork Lace Adventure Part 1: Learning Richelieu Embroidery 🌱] or ruffled fabric layer in fuschia to peek out from where these V-shape cutouts are. I found a lovely video on finishing gather seams by Marikuna Studio that I’m curious to try out.

The cut of this sweater was originally meant to be tucked in, but I want an untucked option that isn’t boring. Still thinking on that idea.

Symbols of New Beginnings ✦

Orchids symbolize many things, like new beginnings. And it feels like there’s a lot going on in life that feels like a fresh start, even in these crazy times. Orchids refuse urgency. They are also symbols of passion, beauty, refinement, and charm.

The process of making this feels like a study in patience, refusal of waste, celebration of beauty/nature, a form of self-expression, and a non-extractive form of luxury. I’m excited to steep all these elements into this garment & refresh its existence in my wardrobe.

Next time, I’ll select a color palette and begin stitching.

For more posts like this, see Studio to Closet— Behind the Make of My Wardrobe Project 🌱.

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