Chunky Scarf Mania - Knitting and Crocheting

Scarf buying season is dwindling down but I'm just getting started on making them.  Thanks to Mom and her endless supply of knitting needles and crochet hooks, I am knitting and crocheting (I just learned and am so excited about it) up a storm!  It's a great hobby for a nursing mom and it beats playing games on my phone to pass the time :)

Here are some I've completed so far:

Crocheted Bi-color Cowl

Braided Neckwarmer

Tri-color Infinity Scarf

Slouchy Cowl

Buttoned Wrap Scarf

I've concluded that I'm better at crocheting than knitting.  All of my knitted items curl and it's been driving me crazy.  Reader M (thank you!) just introduced me to the concept of blocking so I'll definitely be giving that a try soon.

I'm now looking for different scarf variations to try - any ideas?

And Happy Lunar New Year to everyone!!  Any Dragons out there?  :)

J. Crew Merino Cambon Cardigan Inspired DIY

When I first saw the Merino Cambon Cardigan, I was drawn to the contrast detailing as well as the color combination of black and tan.  I tried it on in store (see post here) but the fit wasn't ideal and the price wasn't good enough to justify buying it.  I remembered that I had an old tan sweater at home so I decided to try DIY'ing my own.

J. Crew Merino Cambon Cardigan and my DIY version

Overall, I think I captured the general look but there are 2 fails on my part.  

1. The original sleeves on this sweater are very long and have a slight flare at the opening.  When looking at this picture, I think I need to shorten or slim (maybe both) the sleeve.  The problem would be how to bind it afterwards if shortening.  Adding more black trim seems overkill.  So maybe just slim the flare?  Any thoughts here?
2. I trimmed the opening very closely when I should have tried to extend the placket.  Since the original sweater was fitted, cutting it open and trimming it automatically means I've made it much smaller and unable to button.  Whoops!  Live and learn.  This will have to be worn open.

Sweater Refashion: from turtleneck to cardigan.

What I did: Lopped off turtleneck, cut down the middle, trimmed neck and center with the "wrong" side of black satin fabric (didn't want the shine but did want the structure / firmness of this fabric), and then added non-functional "pockets."

If you decide to try this, all you really need is an old sweater and some fabric.  It gives you a nice, new look for free.  I'd recommend using the trim to extend your placket unless your sweater is large enough for a closable overlapping placket. 

What do you think I should do with the sleeves?