Not really, I just made that up.
But it is true that Mr. Rogers began putting on his iconic cardigan forty six years ago today, when his television show, Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, debuted on February 19, 1968.
So, in honor of Fred Rogers, I have taken it upon myself to unofficially declare this day, February 19th,
“National Wear Your Cardigan Day”!
There are just some people in this world that deserve to have their own national holiday and I think Mr. Rogers is one of them.
“Won’t You Be My Neighbor” became an important part of several generations of American childhood memories all because Mr. Rogers dedicated his life to making this world a better place for children.
I, for one, would love to have had Mr. Rogers for my neighbor. Apparently, he was the same off screen as he was on the screen. A man of tremendous faith and integrity, people loved him wherever he went. I read a wonderful article highlighting the 15 Reasons Mr. Rogers Was the Best Neighbor Ever. From gaining the love of a gorilla to single handedly saving Public Television in 1969, Fred Rogers proved to be a man anyone would be proud to call their neighbor.
So let’s wear our cardigans today in honor of Mr. Rogers’ life long commitment to the children of America.
And let’s wear our cardigans today to pay tribute to all those people that lovingly work with our children day in and day out. There are so many unsung heroes out there quietly protecting, nurturing and enhancing childhood. They really don’t get the respect and recognition they deserve.
Do you know someone that has made a big difference in your child’s life? Do you know someone who has devoted their life to children? Do you know someone who deserves to receive the “First Ever Mr. Rogers’ Cardigan Award”? If so, tell us about them and nominate them in the comment section.
This cardigan refashion tutorial is for you, Fred!
I loved the design on this sweater, but pullovers just don’t do much for me. This was the perfect candidate to become a much more versatile cardigan.
All you need is some coordinating fabric, a pair of sharp scissors, a measuring tape, a button, an elastic hairband, and of course your trusty sewing machine.
And you can give your old pullover sweater a new life as a cardigan.
To see the entire step by step tutorial click here. I’d love to know what you think about this one.
Happy National Wear Your Cardigan Day!
For more refashion inspiration:
I’m wearing a cardigan today! don’t have any kids but I do recognize that it’s hard and thankless work, often done by people (women) who are underpaid. A big shout-out to all my teacher friends!
Thanks Nout. Cheers to teachers everywhere!
OK!… I can do this!…
Yes. You. Can!
Hi Beth,
Another chic remake! Going to put on my cardigan for National Cardigan Day! What an awesome show of respect! Like it!!!
I nominate my husband who has worked 20 plus years in law enforcement with a specialty in crimes against children. As a child abuse investigator (which covers all sorts of issues) his days are unfortunately quite busy but his expertise and his faith has been instrumental in keeping kids safe and putting perpetrators behind bars. It takes a special man to do this. And I am thankful to be able to care for him. Even though he probably would not wear a cardigan, I tell him he’d look good in one all the time. I would be honored to wear one for him in honor of all those who care for our children.
Nora
Nora, your husband is a hero in my book!
Nice post, Beth. I read the tutorial and enjoyed the photos, but I wasn’t able to tell where you added the button and elastic loop. Do you have a photo of the cardigan buttoned up?
Hi Mother Deer,
I thought this particular cardigan looked better unbuttoned. I’ll try to get a picture of it buttoned for you.
Love it! What a great new look!! Dawn K 🙂
Thanks, Dawn!
Ha…I have on a sweater that looks a lot like the one Mr. R is wearing!!! lol Love your refashion and now need to go and find one that I can do this with 🙂 Great job once again!!!!
That’s so funny, Linda! And thanks for your nice comment.
Clever clever. I am in love with the fabric you used on the zipper. Always great ideas here. 🙂
Thank you, Leilani! The fabric I used is from IKEA. It’s one of my favorites. I made a bag from the same fabric that you can see here:
https://chicenvelopements.wordpress.com/2013/02/23/a-renegade-tote-bag-tutorial-happy-birthday-carol/
Wonderful as always. One of these days I m going to try this. Wearing a bright green cardigan today for my teaching heroes and for my many visits to Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood!
Sent from my iPad
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Thanks for indulging me with my made up holiday, Marty! Let me know if you make this, I’d love to see it!
I love this sweater refashion! I also love your invented holiday. My son’s teachers this year and last year have been amazing. They see his potential and have worked hard to get him to shine and allow his best work to come through. Love them.
Thanks for your nice comment! And thanks for your “shout out” to your son’s teachers!
Would it be cheating if I wanted to nominate you?! 😉
Awwwww….Thanks, Katie! I love you!
Okay I truly love this 🙂 You turn the ordinary into extraordinary. Love love love it!! You make me think anyone could do this. And on the cheap! No need to give me any excuse to shop at St Vinnies (Australian Charity Store), Already do.
Wow, such nice comments! Thank you! Have fun with this project, there are so many possibilities.
Love your cardigan. I also have two cardigans from my father. When I wear them it’s like a big hug. Your refashions are always so great!
Thank you!
Amazing!! Great tutorial and inspiration. Beautiful setting on that photo by the white fence!
Thank you, I’ve been wanting to take a picture there for awhile and I finally had the chance.
I nominate my friend Miss Micah, who is in her early thirties and devoted to teaching children her love of art and music. An extremely talented pianist, she has taught in private studios, elementary schools, and spent two years as a teacher in Africa. Hired as an arts instructor in Rwanda, she quickly became well-versed in many other subjects that needed to be covered AND developed the curriculum to do so. Her local elementary students now benefit from her sweet spirit and great knowledge, and she is involved in several after-school programs dedicated to helping the students learn more, stay profitably occupied, and receive love from her church. She loves to travel and explore and the photo shoot of the cardigan being modeled in front of a mountain range made me think of her. 🙂
PS. I followed the last season of Refashion Runway, and went back to look at all the posts from the first. What a great idea it is! Hoping you’ll do another one soon. It looks like a blast and I just might have to audition. 😉
Thank you for nominating your friend, Miss Micah. She sounds like a wonderful person!
I do hope to do another season of Refashion Runway soon. Just waiting for a few things to slow down. I’ll be sure to post when it gets closer.
I love it! It’s beautiful and I honestly am sorry I missed the cardigan day. My grandson watches Daniel Tiger which is based on Mr. Rogers’ puppets Daniel the Tiger and Prince Wednesday. I like it but honestly, there’s something about a human doing that teaching that makes a difference.
Well, there’s always next year. 🙂
I love your made-up holiday 🙂 (although I missed it – drat)
Great makeover, as usual!
Thank you Jo! Hope you had a great Wear Your Cardigan Day! 🙂
Really great sweater makeover!
Thank you, Margaret!
I Love the pull over re-vamp Beth! It’s so much more versatile now! I am going to try this when the weather gets cold! Thanks! 🙂
So many pull overs, so little time…..:)
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