Discover how to transform vintage finds and well-worn clothes into fashion-forward pieces. Whether you trawl markets for pre-loved clothing that's in need of repair, or simply want to update your existing wardrobe, you'll find plenty of inspiration here. Take 'make do and mend' one step further by not just mending but creating fashionable, unique items of clothing by repurposing your old ones. Janine Chisholm, an experienced dressmaker, teaches you how to rework clothes into new styles - from adding embellishments and changing necklines, sleeves and hems to total transformations, such as creating a brand new dress from two old ones. Make a pretty blouse from a floral dress, or convert a man's shirt into a stylish shirt dress. Take a basic woollen skirt and bring it bang up to date with an asymmetric hem - or add interest to a plain top by adding an embellished collar using a linen table doily. With clear, step-by-step artworks, as well as a comprehensive sewing techniques section, three full-size pull-out patterns and advice on sourcing vintage clothes, this book will tell you everything you need to know for a wardrobe that's all your own.
Did you know you can trade in your old books for an Amazon.co.uk Gift Card to spend on the things you want? Visit the Books Trade-In Store for more details. Special Offer until June 30, 2013: Receive an additional £5 promotional Gift Certificate, when you trade-in at least £10 worth of books. Learn more. |
Book Description
Frequently Bought Together
Product details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
Product Description
About the Author
Janine Chisholm studied Theatre Design, specializing in Costume Design and Making, and then completed a postgraduate degree in Innovative Pattern Cutting at Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. She worked in professional theatre and television for ten years with companies such as Aardman Animations for the film Chicken Run and the BBC for the period drama Lark Rise to Candleford. Janine then chose to work with underprivileged young people, teaching sewing and art. Her passion for vintage clothes led her to create Custard House Clothing (www.custardhouseclothing.co.uk), a vintage clothing and customization service, which she has run successfully for the past three years.
Inside This Book
(Learn More)
Sell a Digital Version of This Book in the Kindle Store
If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can sell a digital version of it in our Kindle Store.
Learn more
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By Ann Chester
Amazon Verified Purchase
I found this book very interesting but felt that it was aimed at much younger women than myself (65years) there are some projects that I will have a go at but will have to revise them slightly. I try to be fairly fashionable but when you reach a certain age you have to use a little bit of common sense.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By K. Jones
The technical detail is sound and it's well illustrated. However most of the designs and ideas will only really work on slim girls under 30 who are into that whole indie look and would look good even if dressed in a potato sack. Also some of the photos make the finished garment look rather shoddy and unattractive even on the pretty model.
My main gripe is that ultimately the cost of upcycling an old or ill fitting garment with nice trim, lace or a bit of elastic here and there, is higher than just buying something from a charity shop off the peg in in your size. Hell the price of basic haberdashery makes buying new from primark or New Look still a cheaper option. I'm not really a fan of the designs in the books but then I am in my 30's. Although I never quite get why these books always have such 'out there' designs, not everyone who's into sewing and upcycling wants to look like they've just stepped out the Oxfam tent at Glastonbury. Something simple but practical I can wear for work would be nice.
It's a good book but the actual designs look a bit jumble sale to me (even after being made-over)
My main gripe is that ultimately the cost of upcycling an old or ill fitting garment with nice trim, lace or a bit of elastic here and there, is higher than just buying something from a charity shop off the peg in in your size. Hell the price of basic haberdashery makes buying new from primark or New Look still a cheaper option. I'm not really a fan of the designs in the books but then I am in my 30's. Although I never quite get why these books always have such 'out there' designs, not everyone who's into sewing and upcycling wants to look like they've just stepped out the Oxfam tent at Glastonbury. Something simple but practical I can wear for work would be nice.
It's a good book but the actual designs look a bit jumble sale to me (even after being made-over)
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
5.0 out of 5 stars
1 review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book
9 May 2013
By C. Horen
- Published on Amazon.com
I bought this book to help me re-vamp my wardrobe with thrift-store finds. I wasn't disappointed. Starting with Embellishments, like adding sequins or doilies to a top, them proceeding through Re-working, like changing a man's shirt to a cute tunic or taking an old dress and making a skirt, blouse and cuffs from it, then ending with Reconstructing, which includes fabulous ideas for making whole outfits from several different pieces - like taking two dresses and making them into one really cute dress....this book really works for me. Clear instructions, and even comes with three pattern pieces that you can adapt for your size. The only thing I do not like about this book is that most of the instructions are in a faded grey color which makes it hard to read...especially at night...which is when I have time to do things like this.
This book is for both American and British readers, measurements are in both standard and metric and instructions include both American and British terminology. I consider myself an intermediate seamster and had no problem understanding the directions. If you do get confused or lost, there is a whole section in the back that explains things like making and sewing in your own facings, how to gather, how to baste/tack, how to put in a zipper and even how to make your own mannequin out of duct tape/gaffer tape and lots more.
There are a few things I would never make, like the backless dress and shirts, but for the most part, I think the ideas and fashions are useful and cute. I highly recommend this book.
This book is for both American and British readers, measurements are in both standard and metric and instructions include both American and British terminology. I consider myself an intermediate seamster and had no problem understanding the directions. If you do get confused or lost, there is a whole section in the back that explains things like making and sewing in your own facings, how to gather, how to baste/tack, how to put in a zipper and even how to make your own mannequin out of duct tape/gaffer tape and lots more.
There are a few things I would never make, like the backless dress and shirts, but for the most part, I think the ideas and fashions are useful and cute. I highly recommend this book.
›
Go to Amazon.com to see the review
5.0 out of 5 stars
Was this review helpful?
Let us know
Listmania!
Look for similar items by category
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
- I am the Author, and I want to comment on my book.
- I am the Publisher, and I want to comment on this book.
|
