#UglySweater-ing #DIY

  December 17, 2016 was a day full of ugly holiday sweaterness. See Why Designs and TYPE USA ran a third Canvas Creations at the 4020 Lounge at the Saucy Crab Restaurant in the afternoon (HUGE THANKS to everybody for coming) and by night, I was ready for my friend JaNell's (of J. Cardinal Events) '80s-themed murder mystery party.

​  The invitation to the party was the spark of motivation I needed to create the imagined demo painting for our event, which then turned into the inspiration for my ugly sweater design for the party. See the photos in the slideshow below on how I created this look, suggestions on how to make your own, and some party pictures!

  I was thrilled at how my sweater turned out and could not wait to put it on and share its sparkle. Because of that, it made me even happier to be voted best costume at the party. I also loved how easily it paired with 80s wardrobe selections (I was going to go with simple skinny black high-waisted jeans with boots, but ended up pairing with mini skirt, hosiery, and boots with over-the-knee boot socks and leg warmers). Here is a list of 10 items needed to make your very own ugly holiday tree sweater!

Materials for this DIY:

1. Red sweater (tight knit or sweatshirt suggested)
2. Green fabric (half a yard of fleece or felt suggested)
3. A spool of ribbon, your choice in color
4. Small ornaments and hooks, your choice in style(s) and color
5. Needle and thread to match both green fabric and ribbon
6. Fabric-friendly scissors
7. Tree top decoration piece and a safety pin
8. Small Christmas lights, your choice in color(s) plus batteries
9. Straight Pins
10. Large, cleared tabletop area for workspace

*Optional items* (I used, but not required to complete sweater)

• Sewing machine
• 18"x24" cutting mat
• Rotary cutter, 45mm blade
• 6"x18" ruler
• SpraynBond basting spray​
• Prym Dritz Superboard, 40"x72"

This was a pretty fun project to work on. If you try it, I hope you have a good time creating! I purchased ALL materials from Jo-Ann Fabric and Crafts.

**Before deciding to go this route, I also checked out YouTube videos for ideas. I wanted to do the garland tree in the first video below, but also thought using fabric and ribbon along with removable accessories to decorate was a more washable and unique approach. Check out these following videos for other creative approaches!

• Prym Dritz Superboard, 40"x72"