Denim Revolution: Dozens of Ways to Turn Denim Cast-Offs into Fashion Must-Haves by Nancy Minsky

Product Details

Synopsis

Denim has always been universally cool, but the renaissance that this adaptable, comfortable, stylish fabric is now experiencing is unprecedented. Never before has the all-American blue jean had such infinite possibilities—both in how you wear it (as stylized jeans, belts, cuff bracelets, or bolero jackets), what you embellish it with (lace, appliqué, metallic braid, leather, paint, or bling), and the occasions it’s appropriate for (downtown partying or uptown dining).

But before you pay hundreds of dollars to get the latest denim looks (like celebs do), learn how you can actually create your own chic pieces from recycled denim in your closet, vintage stores, and thrift shops. In Denim Revolution, former Calvin Klein design assistant Nancy Minsky offers dozens of patterns for novices to experienced stitchers that fuse recycled denim with cool embellishments—mixing together old, new, vintage, antique, rugged, and modern to spice up your wardrobe. And you don’t have to be a master seamstress to get these fresh looks; many of the projects are designed for beginners and don’t even require a sewing machine. All have step-by-step instructions, sketches, and photographs to guide you.

In each of the six sections, you’ll find something to suit your personal style—be it “Denim Destroy Jeans” (for raw, reckless types), a twenty-first-century“Downtown Babe Jean Jacket” (for savvy city girls), “Alice in Wonderland Appliquéd Pedal Pushers” (for a feminine, spring look), or “Victorian Romance Lacy Cuffs” (for a fanciful bohemian flair). Not ready to take on a project fromscratch? Then learn to artfully add wear and tear to jeans you already own or easily convert a pair into a skirt.

Also included: A sewing tutorial and tips and techniques on everything from cutting fur and fraying edges to embellishing denim with embroidery, other fabrics, ribbon, lace, or paint.

School Library Journal

Adult/High School

A book of "ripped up, hipped up, glammed out, do-it-yourself denim designs for funky fashionistas." Minsky has one rule-that the denim may not be purchased. All of the projects are from recycled clothing and include jackets, bags, skirts, hats, and lots of embellished pants. Each design has clear instructions that include the level of difficulty, materials needed, and step-by-step instructions with sketches or photographs. Many of the projects include materials such as lace, buttons, ribbons, and many other fabrics, and not all require a sewing machine. There are instructions for painting, stenciling, and bleaching denim as well as templates and patterns that can be photocopied and enlarged. Overall, this is a user-friendly book, and each idea can be modified to suit readers' personal styles.-Jane Ritter, Mill Valley School District, CA

Biography

NANCY MINSKY was handpicked as an assistant by Calvin Klein before she graduated from Parson’s School of Design. After working on his designer line, she was the head of the Paul Alexander high-end women’s sportswear collection.