My Gleek-dom is complete

I have taken the next step to complete Gleek-iness.  Just this fall, I scoffed at those who obsessed about the show.  I could not understand why they'd want to listen to a bunch of teenagers sing these classic songs, rather than the artists themselves.  But I am capable of admitting I was wrong.  Which I was.  So wrong...

Glee has grasped my by the shoulders and pulled me in.  I cry, laugh, and awww in every episode.  I spend more of my time than I care to admit on this website, "WWEPW" and along with my dear friend, have designated Thursday as dress like "Emma Pillsbury day".

Needless to say, I was beyond impressed with the Christmas episode costuming.  I added more than one item to my wish list after viewing the clips.  But the one item I could not get out of my head was this:

I'm not sure what's wrong with me.  I've always categorized Christmas Sweaters as bad.  Same with Acrylic.  And yet, I couldn't get these out of my head.  I spent a few days trying to track down who made them resigned that they'd most likely be out of my price range anyway.

No luck.  So I did the next best thing. 

I made it.

I started with this base from Hollister.  (Side note - It was my first time in that store and also my last.  Not only was it dark and noisy, my sweater smelled like too much body spray when I got home.)

It was long, burgundy, but slightly cuter.  It's form-fitting and a thinner knit so I'm not drowning in it.  It's got sparkles on the buttons. (Umm, yay!)  And the cute ruffles on the pockets add both personality now and when I remove the trim for later.

For the decorations, I used white fleece I had lying around.  I wanted something that wouldn't fray.  I decided to skip the green underneath for fear that THAT was the deciding factor between quirky-cute holiday garb and get your "mom-jeans" I'm wearing a Christmas sweater territory.

The stripes on the sleeve were simple to sew on.  I used a black embroidery thread and long stitches.  I think the visible sewing gives it a collegiate feel. 

I spent HOURS longer than I should have cutting out snowflakes and I'm STILL not super pleased.  Snowflakes are so simple even kindergartners can do them, add polar fleece and it just explodes.  Goodness.  But I finally got an acceptable one and stitched it down.  Then to add a little bit of continuity, I added one on the opposite hip pocket.

It was a simple project and so much cheaper and easier than searching for the official version.  I think it's way more flattering than the original would have been as well.  And once the season is over, I can easily rip out the stitches and add the cardigan to my embarrassing large collection.

As a side note, the Glee episode was adorable!
Glee: A Very Glee Christmas