Subversive Seamster: Fabulous Projects that Transform Thrift Store Threads into Street Couture by Melissa Alvarado, Hope Meng, Melissa Rannels, Matthew Carden (Photographer)

Product Details

Synopsis

The downtown divas of "Sew Subversive" are back with another helping of straightlaced sewing advice for stylish results every time. The authors provide a roadmap to finding items in thrift stores and the ins and outs of refashioning.

School Library Journal

Adult/High School -For those teens who are in love with DIY and thrift shops, this wonderful book is chock-full of ideas. However, some sewing knowledge, a sewing machine, a sharp eye, and a bit of perseverance are needed. a€śSewing 201a€ť provides a brief review of techniques necessary to complete projects, from pivoting skills and zigzag stitching to lettuce edging, darts, and more. The authors also have suggestions for shopping the thrift-store circuit: Does the garment smell, is it dry clean only, will it require ironing? Also included are instructions for creating a Duct Tape Dress Form-a full-scale duplicate of onea€™s body, made with the help of a trustworthy wrapping buddy. The rest of the book covers actual projects: turning a dated leather vest into earrings, making mittens from sweaters and a flouncy skirt from a basic A-line, etc. While the specific activities serve as guidelines, those who pick up this title will be able to put their own spin on their creations.-Charlotte Bradshaw, San Mateo County Library, CA

Biography

Melissa Alvarado, Hope Meng, and Melissa Roeters are self-taught sewers and the co-owners of Stitch Lounge, a drop-in urban sewing lounge located in San Francisco. Kitted out with 5 sewing machines, 2 sergers, a cutting table, and other sewing related equipment, Stitch Lounge offers a wide range of sewing classes, from Sewing Machine Basics to Re: Fashion Class ("Take that baggy sweater that's been sitting in your closet unworn for 3 years and give it new life! Alter the neckline, or change the fit or even cut off the arms to make legwarmers!") to a weekend long workshop on Independent Designers and the Fashion Marketplace taught by local designers. In addition to classes, Stitch Lounge lets sewers buy time on the machines and bringing in your own machine is heartily encouraged. Please check out their website at www.stitchlounge.com.

Matthew Carden is a photographer in the San Francisco Bay Area.