Subversive Seamster: Transform Thrift Store Threads Into Street Couture

by Melissa Rannels, Hope Meng, Melissa Alvarado

Book Overview

It's time to get subversive, again The downtown divas of "Sew Subversive" are back with another happy helping of straightlaced sewing advice for stylish results every time. Transform tacky bridesmaid gowns and pleated pants into picture-perfect tops, skirts and accessories. The two Melissas and a Hope deliver 30 great projects that are achievable for even the new sewer. "Subversive Seamster" is your secret roadmap to the jewels of thrifting and the...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 156158925X
• ISBN13: 9781561589258
• Release Date: October 2007
• Publisher: Taunton Press
• Length: 188 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 8.0" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Some very good ideas...

Interesting springboard book to set your mindwheels turning. Some projects better than others but all guaranteed to make you look at old garments in a new way.

A great resource for the individualist (and beginner!) seamster

I received this as a gift and was very pleasantly surprised! There are a lot of fun, inventive, and easy ideas in this book. After reading it, I wanted to go right out and go thrift store shopping! It's true what the other reviewer said: you are not going to be able to make your typical business casual wardrobe from this book, but there are several very cute projects that are more than appropriate for any casual wardrobe, such as the peasant-style blouse and the adorable cuffed shorts, with instructions for three different lengths. And I personally think the sports jersey top made into a skirt would be a fabulous way to show your team pride at a Super Bowl or World Cup party! the tank with the corset back is very wearable, and the refashioned silky tank is a great idea (though poorly represented in the accompanying photo). In general, if you eschew stores like Banana Republic and Ann Taylor in favor of more original looks, but don't want to spend the money/environmental resources on buying new from boutiques, and you have beginner sewing skills, then I can recommend this book. Caveat: although I have read the directions for many of the projects, and they seem quite easy to follow, I have not yet made any.

kickin' all the other books to the curb!

the market is flooded with reconstructing clothes books right now! this one puts all those simple t-shirt recon books to shame (not tease, that's a good one!) and gives you really innovative ideas on things you can do to already existing, potentially hideous clothes. for example, turning old man pants into a cute tank that zips up right in front, schoolgirl skirts into cute fitted tanks (with directions on how to add darts to fit your size), and even how to make your own fitting dummy. that's quite helpful when those things are a hundred bucks to buy. even though i may not make many of these (as time permits!), i love the inspiration and new eyes this book gives me.

Sew Fabulous!

If you are an individual with a sense of style and have even a bit of crafty intuition, this book is an incredible find! I love the tips for sifting through thrift stores and the projects are fantastic. I especially love the city shorts and repurposing ideas for bridesmaid dresses. You don't even have to shop for these. I bet most ladies have a pair of pants or a cast off bridesmaid dress they'd like to find a use for. Even if you don't exactly love the designs shown, you can make them suit your own personal style by choosing items composed of the fabrics that you love. This book doesn't limit the indie seamster, but introduces her to innovative ideas that open up a whole world of fashions that make a statement: you! At your most fabulous, of course.

Seamster Scores

The authors of Subversive Seamster have scored another winner. This book is filled with logical and creative tips and ideas for those who want to refashion personalized clothing and projects. From hints on where and what to select in the way of used clothing, to making your own customized dress form, to sewing instructions for very useable techniques like pintucks, buttonholes, and casings, this book is a great one to have as a reference as well as for practical application. Written with a sense of humor in addition to clear and concise instructions, this is a book that can be used over and over--and never wear out--just like the projects that are presented in the book.