Easy way to save an old, stretched out cardigan.

I have this cardigan I bought from Old Navy about 7 years ago and I love it. The color, the fit, the quality, everything about it. But like all clothing, time, and perhaps wearing it a little too often, has taken it's toll. It stretched and you can see in the picture that along the buttons, it's sagging something horrible. I haven't been able to wear it for a while because it makes my whole outfit look... shabby... but I haven't had the heart to throw it away either.

So I thought, why not reconstruct it? I was a bit afraid to because I've never reconstructed sweaters before, but I couldn't wear it anyway, so why not?

I'm very pleased with the outcome. I cut away the button and buttonholes, following along the edge, around the neck and down the other side. Then I used single fold bias tape, folded it over to encase the edging and then sewed it into place (I didn't have any double fold bias tape that matched in color, or else I would have used that). I decided to have only one button for a closure, because I usually wear this with dresses and don't button it all the way down. I sewed the button in place then on the other side, applied a loop made of soutache instead of messing with buttonholes. If I decide to add the rest of the buttons, it'll be a breeze. And while I was at it, I decided to take up the sleeves a little because I like sleeves that stop at the elbow. It was a very simple reconstruct, but it made a huge difference! Now I need a place to wear it. :)