My Princess, who is three, started taking dance class last summer (and LOVES it). Because I had taken ballet when I was younger, her dance teacher convinced me I should take ballet again. I knew I needed something to get my body moving again (my exercise must be wrapped up in fun or it’s not going to happen) so I thought I would try it out. It had been thirteen years, and I’ve had three kids since the last time I had taken a ballet class, but I was committed after buying tights and ballet shoes for $50! I skipped the leotard thing and stuck with the tank top and yoga pants for awhile.

After dancing for the last seven months, losing some weight doing it, and realizing I wasn’t too shabby, I decided it was time to start looking like a dancer. However, those dance outfits can be pretty expensive. I bought the leotard, and I really wanted some cute warm up stuff but when you are buying new ballet shoes and tap shoes for a three year old every six months, mommy’s outfits kind of take the back burner. That’s where I decided I would get creative. I found a sweater at the thrift store for $1. When you only spend a dollar, you feel a little more free to whip out your scissors without consequence. This is what I started with…

I’m still trying to get used to taking pictures before I start projects. So this sweater actually started as one piece, but you can see where I cut it so I’m going to pretend I did it on purpose.

With a snip snip here and a sew sew there. Out came this…for only $1!

You can’t tell in the picture, but the sweater is sparkly. So pretty and warm!

If any of you are ballet dancers, please don’t critique my form. If you do, I’ll deny that it’s a picture of me. Thanks!

I have done something like this to two other sweaters (I might show you some time), one I already owned and never wore, and the other was my husband’s that he was getting rid of. So I now have three dance outfits and only paid $1.

Take a look in your closet (or your husband’s or kid’s), see what isn’t getting used and look at it with a new eye. Maybe there is another use for it, and you could give it new life! Don’t be afraid of the scissors. Sometimes you can’t see the potential until you make the first cut.

What have you made from an old or unused sweater? Share in the comments.