Books on DIY [Archive] - ThreadBanger Forums

MamaSasss

07-27-2007, 09:51 PM

Lately I've been going to Borders and Urban Outfitters and seeing lots of books on DIY and the like. So, I thought maybe we should share some book reviews. I'm gonna start with Stitch n' Bitch: The Happy Hooker. Knitting is all fine and hep, but I take pride in being a hooker (aka a girl who crochets. Get yer head outta the gutter kids). I highly recommend this book. It has a ton of schweet patterns for anything from hats and scarves to blankets, baby blankets, skirts, jackets, sweaters and even some jewelry. Plus there are easy to learn tutorials for different kinds of stitches from yer basic double stitch crochet to popcorn balls. This book really does prove that anyone can learn to crochet and love it. I am currently working on a sweater with a skull and crossbones on it. Neat-o, huh? The best thing about the book, besides the killer patterns and clear instructions, is that the author, Debbie Stoller, has a sense of humor about the whole thing, so you're entertained as well as informed and given the tools for yer own DIY inspirations.

There are also two other Stitch n' Bitch books in the series devoted to knitting: Stitch n' Bitch Nation & Stitch n' Bitch The Knitter's Handbook. So, if you're not a hooker you should really check those out, too.

And now books that I think SUCK BALLS...

Punk Knits: 26 Hot New Designs for Anarchistic Souls and Independent Spirits by Share Ross and Bam Ross

Pretty in Punk: 25 Punk, Rock, and Goth Knitting Projects by Alyce Alyce Benevides, Jaqueline Milles, and Rob Benevides

Let me start by saying, I admit I haven't read these two so I really don't know if the instructions are good or bad, but there's good reason why I didn't waste time reading them...while skimming through them both it is obvious that the patterns are BORING and no...they are not "hot" or "new". Pftt! Pretty in Punk for instance gives you about 7 different patterns for arm warmers. Uh, I think we can come up with our own patterns once we know how to make them initially. (Plus there's a killer video on how to make them on Threadbangers out of t-shirts, if you'd rather sew!) Plus both books basically have the same patterns, which in my opinion could easily be figured out by anyone who takes the three minutes required to learn how to make a double stitch crochet. Seriously. Crochet is that easy. I found them both to be a little insulting based on their pattern similarities alone. That's right...insulting. If you bought these books you'd be buying the same book twice with slightly different looking "punk" girls on the cover. What a waste of trees. (My apologies to anyone that may have bought them. I, personally, think they're crap.)

*Jumping off soapbox*

Now it's yer turn. Got a book to praise and/or trash having to do with DIY?

1...2...3...SHARE!!!

*M*

P.S. If any of you disagree with my assessment of the "books that SUCK BALLS..." please tell me why. I would love to know if I should give them a second chance. Although...I highly doubt I will.

Coffee

07-27-2007, 10:11 PM

I read and enjoyed the knitting book "Stitch N Bitch" by Debbie Stoller.

As well as being a book with clear instructions and interesting patterns, it's very much an inspirational book as well as instructional. That the book has also created a following and has prompted (and prompted) readers to join or set up their own Stitch N Bitch groups.

ladyjanewriter

07-27-2007, 10:17 PM

I am currently a huge fan of Sew What! Skirts. It's by Francesca DenHartog. Here's the Amazon link:

http://www.amazon.com/o/ASIN/1580176259/ref=s9_asin_image_1-1966_g1/102-9797589-8781746?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-1&pf_rd_r=13AZ7VR2R2YA5FGTWHV3&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=278240701&pf_rd_i=507846

I'd found out about this how-to-make-skirts book because I was looking up DIY skirt ideas on flickr. This book is FANTASTIC! I managed to draft (draw up) my own skirt pattern by tracing a skirt that fits me OK, onto paper that's big enough, measuring several inches around the skirt, indicate the measured points with dots, and played "connect the dots" for a bit.

(The author suggested 2" above the waist, 1" at the hemline, and 1/2" for the side seams..but the side seams didn't work for me. I had to go wider.)

I wound up having to do it twice, but I have a FREE pattern on newspaper. And it seems to be working!!! :):):):):):) I am so thrilled.

The book also has different math formulas to help you draw up your own custom pattern using a yardstick.

It also teaches you how to do an elastic waistband, how to insert a zipper, how to make a drawstring casing. It's just so good. And the illustrations are really attractive.

And it's very good that it doesn't insist on "one way to do things." It's more like a cookbook with recipe options. :cool: But for skirts.

I am a math idiot. I never thought I could do this! And I'm sewing my skirt by hand, but I'm doing it! I never thought I could "get it," but Sew What! Skirts is helping me understand sewing a lot better. LOVE!

Neff

07-27-2007, 11:11 PM

I picked up DIY: Design it Yourself (http://www.papress.com/designityourself/) not too long ago, and I love it.

It touches on some fashion, but it tries to give an overview of lots of different DIY fronts. There is also a whole section in the back with links to websites that will help with DIY stuff.

pennyland

07-30-2007, 03:07 AM

I am a "hooker" myself. I highly recommend these two crochet books (click titles for Amazon page):

Cool Crochet (http://www.amazon.com/Cool-Crochet-Melissa-Leapman/dp/0823011240/ref=sr_11_1/002-7669209-3976821?ie=UTF8&qid=1185756168&sr=11-1) by Melissa Leapman contains the most contemporary collection of patterns that I've seen. It has everything from bikinis to hoodies.

Crochet Your Way (http://www.amazon.com/Crochet-Taunton-Books-Videos-Enthusiasts/dp/1561583103/ref=sr_11_1/002-7669209-3976821?ie=UTF8&qid=1185756294&sr=11-1) by Gloria Tracy and Susan Levin is a wonderful example of what can be accomplished with a hook. Using a wide variety of stitches they create textures that rival sophisticated knitting stitches. The first half of the book is an encyclopedic listing of crochet stitches and how to execute them as well as how to read those enigmatic international symbols. Then there is the wonderful sampler afghan (which I am in the middle of creating) where each 13 inch block is themed to a specific stitch. For instance the first block is made entirely out of variations on the single crochet. It's a wonderful way to learn new stitches and when you get done you have something more useful than a bunch of mis-matched swatches.

ladyjanewriter

07-31-2007, 06:08 PM

May I mention a DIY magazine (newstand mag, not a zine)?

I <3 Adorn Magazine -

www.adornmag.com (http://www.adornmag.com)

I had a little bit of trouble getting my subscription, but now they're sending it to my office. (my home mail service sucks). Anyway, it's very retro and cute. Even if you're not into the visuals of the magazine, there are a LOT of fantastic ideas you can do on the cheap.This month, They have a very cute "art school" theme where they do a Warhol-inspired dress, a paint splatter dress inspried by Jackson Pollock (that one's kinda "meh" to me), and a dip-dyed dress.

As you can see, it's a very girl-based magazine. They also have DIY jewelry ideas, and a passport wallet this time around. Book reviews, contests, just really neat stuff. They tell you exactly what they used in the pictured projects, but I'm more into using the idea for a basic outline and using your own imagination. The layouts are bright, cheerful, and fun. And they're very very clear about the difficulty level.

Page 84 of the Summer 07 issue has a short article about pattern sewing tips and tricks. Page 92 has the Freezer Paper Stencil technique explained for a stencilled bag. And there are adorable hand-stitched postcards.

I wish I'd gotten this mag earlier in the summer, but it's really a great informative non-ugly magazine over-all.

***Edit: Oh, yeah, the summer 07 issue also has a cute article about buttons. Earrings, necklaces, buttons on a bag. Just really adorable/fun layout.

vaydium

07-31-2007, 06:13 PM

It has already been mentioned on the show, but I bought Sew Subversive and really like it. I can't testify on the sewing instructions as I just skimmed them over but the ideas and instructions for the clothing are pro-decent. I can't wait for their next book to come out. :)

ladyjanewriter

08-03-2007, 09:04 PM

I forgot to mention Craftivity. It's by Tsia Carson. My bf got it for me for xmas.

http://www.supernaturale.com/articles.html?id=194

The projects are really varied - DIY glass etching, mobile, a pom-pom rug, an embroidered door screen (pattern by Jenny Hart!), a rice table for your kids to play with just like a sand table, felted pillows. The message board one is very easy and handy. There's a cute button cuff of buttons beaded together with wire. And a recipe for making moss graffiti (no, really!).

I have no clue if the crochet tutorials or patterns make sense, because I suck at those crafts and stare at the photographs and go "Duh." So, I'm a poor judge of that, because knit and crochet will probably never make sense to me.

I'm glad my bf got this for me, because it gave me the guts to buy some sweaters and felt them. I haven't tried all the projects, but I think it's really inspirational and interesting.

It also has enough guy-friendly crafts and ideas, and isn't overly super-girly or cutesy. I'd say it's got more of an artist/designer DIY look to it.

EndureLife

09-18-2007, 01:15 AM

Dedicated to resources for cool crafty project books. Offer your reviews and more resources.

In Stitches: More Than 25 Simple and Stylish Sewing Projects
by Amy Butler

*I love the projects in this book. Good range of easy to difficult. I'm working my way up. :) Lots to get your creativity flowing.

-----

Simple Sewing: Patterns and How-To for 24 Fresh and Easy Projects by Lotta Jansdotter

*Same with this one. I love the projects in this book. Good range of easy to difficult. I'm working my way up. :) Lots to get your creativity flowing.

-----

Simple Gifts to Stitch: 30 Elegant and Easy Projects
by Jocelyn Worrall

*I haven't started any projects in this book yet, but some really good stuff in here. Same thing, mostly easy projects and some very creative solutions.

-----

Last-Minute Fabric Gifts: 30 Hand-Sew, Machine-Sew, and No-Sew Projects
by Cynthia Treen

*Have yet to use this book, but flipped thought it a little. Seemed fun, but not enough to purchase.

-----

Bend-the-Rules Sewing: The Essential Guide to a Whole New Way to Sew
by Amy Karol

*Looked good too, but haven't tried this book yet. Too many other projects roaming around in my head.

-----

Anyone out there have a review on these books, please post!

graymama

09-18-2007, 04:44 AM

There is a new zine on DIY knitting coming out soon. It is called Koi Knitting. Check out this post (http://knitcircus.typepad.com/knitcircus/2007/09/introducing.html)about it.

In the realm of knitting, I am also a big fan of "Naughty Needles: Sexy, Saucy Knits for the Bedroom and Beyond" written by Nikol Lohr. Knitting is SEXY!

A new find for me at the library this week for sewing is "Sew Any Fabric: A Quick Reference to Fabrics from A to Z" written by Claire Schaeffer. It has many helpful hints for how to work with different fabrics.

GMOgirl

09-18-2007, 08:55 AM

thanks for the info. i wish i could buy most of the books i find on diy but as a college student i got to make meets end first.
still i can check these books out at the library or local bookstore. ;)

GMOgirl

09-18-2007, 08:55 AM

thanks for the info. i wish i could buy most of the books i find on diy but as a college student i got to make meets end first.
still i can check these books out at the library or local bookstore. ;)

ladyjanewriter

09-18-2007, 09:14 AM

(whoops! Sorry, I posted GMO girl's post twice. :o:o:o That was me being a silly Mod, not her double-posting! Carry on!)

touchofgray

09-18-2007, 10:08 PM

Stich It Kit by Jenny Hart from Sublime Stitching helped keep me sane when i had pneumonia. Its awesome and addicitng, i really recommend it...

http://www.sublimestitching.com/stitchitkit.html

Magik

09-20-2007, 05:58 PM

cool...so many books.. on this topic...

technodreams

09-20-2007, 07:02 PM

i bought 99 ways to cut sew trim & tie your tshirt into something special.

ive made one tshirt from it, and am currently working on my second. the ideas are brilliant and very easy to follow. i think ive seen a "denim" version of the book that i might have to invest in ^^

scrtchdrecord

09-20-2007, 08:34 PM

i dont have a book yet, but this thread is killer.
i wish the library was cool enough for these types of things.

ladyjanewriter

09-20-2007, 08:52 PM

Well, some of the 1970's crafty books can be interesting.

***Edit:

Oh! This person on Etsy.com actually sells a 'zine about sewing basics. She also teaches sewing classes, and used this as a sort of guide for her class:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=7075622

The Seller's called "Questions For Dresses"

ladyjanewriter

09-25-2007, 09:09 PM

OK, I saw this one coming out in October. I cannot vouch for this one, but it may be interesting. It seems like the "traditional" sewing magazines are starting to pick up on the DIY trend:

http://store.taunton.com/onlinestore/item/070940.html

Subversive Seamster

Sew it from shabby to chic!

Melissa Rannels
Melissa Alvarado
Hope Meng Paperback $14.95

***Edit:

DUH! I'm a bonehead. It's the ladies behind Sew Subversive! Durr. I guess it's a follow-up to "Sew Subversive."

Miss_Gagarin

09-29-2007, 02:18 AM

TomotheCat

09-29-2007, 11:48 PM

My mom and I went to a book fair today and I grabbed a couple of sewing/craft books that were like hardcore vintage... once I thumb through them I'll let you know what they are and if they're any good. I like old fashioned styles, so most of my sewing books are 70's.

Samm

10-03-2007, 09:46 PM

Not too long ago i was in a totalll crochet phase. We're talkin....24/7 i was OBSESSED. anyways i checked out a bunch of books from the library. and i found two really awesome ones that i wanted to keep forever and ever. but unfortunately they had to go back.
Not your momma's crochet features really neat projects with a variety of materials and textures. i fell in love with about 10 of the projects in the book. =)
anddddd is it.....the stitch bible? or something like that....its amazinggg for creating your own patterns. We're talkin' over 200 stitches that are amazingly detailed and laid out step by step for you to learn how to create. Making an amazing scarf that's definitely not just your single crochet stripey scarf was never easier. my scarf turned out beautifully that i made.....but im not sure where it went....someone probably took it because it was so beautiful =P
anyways....check em out they rocked =D

ladyjanewriter

10-03-2007, 09:55 PM

You can always try Alibris to track down older out of print books -

www.alibris.com (http://www.alibris.com)

I found one of my favorite childhood books there.

SuperRad

10-03-2007, 10:16 PM

has anyone read/seen the book "sew u" by wendy mullin?
i was just looking at it online and wondering if it was any good.

ladyjanewriter

10-03-2007, 10:17 PM

Yes, I think Sew U is really well-written, and good for a beginner who wants to branch out into clothing.

One of my all-time faves is "Oldies But Goodies" - a 1970's era book from Butterick on how to do DIY fashions:

http://www.alibris.com/search/search.cfm?qwork=4826444&wtit=Oldies%20But%20Goodies&matches=7&qsort=r&cm_re=works*listing*title

I managed to find my copy at a book sale, but alibris has it.

ladyjanewriter

10-17-2007, 01:05 PM

I just realized that Overstock.com also sells sewing books! The availability of books depends on what they have at the time.

Right now they have Lotta Jansdotter's book, Sew U, Simple Sewing with a French Twist, an Amy Butler's In Stitches, one of Amy Butler's pillow kits, Bend-The-Rules Sewing, etc.

I can personally vouch for Overstock.com's customer service (at least within the continental USA.) They ship fast, and if there's something wrong with your order they fix the problem right away and are super-polite about it.

***Edit:

Right now, they have Generation T for a little less than 10 bucks!

http://www.overstock.com/Books-Movies-Music-Games/Generation-T/1170140/product.html

ladyjanewriter

10-17-2007, 03:35 PM

I've found a book on knitting for guys called "Knitting With Balls" (hee!) includes stuff like a beer cozy. I have no idea how good this book is:

http://www.overstock.com/Books-Movies-Music-Games/Knitting-With-Balls/1998368/product.html

And here's some books that haven't been published yet (I have no idea if these will be any good.):

Kitty Knits: Projects for Cats And Their People

http://www.overstock.com/Books-Movies-Music-Games/Kitty-Knits/2672123/product.html

Downtowndiy Sewing

http://www.overstock.com/Books-Movies-Music-Games/Downtowndiy-Sewing/2382223/product.html

Make Workshop Sewing:

http://www.overstock.com/Books-Movies-Music-Games/Make-Workshop-Sewing/2222780/product.html

Hand Mending Made Easy:

http://www.overstock.com/Books-Movies-Music-Games/Hand-Mending-Made-Easy/2501624/product.html

AlterNation:

http://www.overstock.com/Books-Movies-Music-Games/Alternation/2132417/product.html

ladyjanewriter

11-09-2007, 04:43 PM

Hi, again!

Dover Publications has 2 books that might be of interest to ThreadBangers:

T-Shirt Style: Super-Easy Looks in No Time:

http://store.doverpublications.com/1580113435.html

Jeans Style: Must-Have Looks Using Embellishments:

http://store.doverpublications.com/1580113206.html

The T-Shirt book looks promising, b/c the front cover has 2 dress styles that I haven't seen before.

kate

11-09-2007, 06:30 PM

I really, reallllly liked Sew U. I think it's great for teaching people the basics of how to make pants, shirts and skirts that fit you. She includes the basic pattern for each category and each chapter goes into depth about how to modify and alter the patterns for different styles. Great language, great info, love it.

jackiejuly

11-14-2007, 10:41 PM

OO man, this is my thread! I have taken soo many books out of the library on this kind of stuff, sewing, knitting, crocheting etc. Michaels book of crafts is excellent, but the ideas are a little costly, GENERATION T!!!!!, Sew what! skirts, Second time cool: the art of chopping up a sweater, Teen sewing, 99 ways: jeans/ t shirt, simple stitches, cool crochet and many others, i just can't think of them now. MORE TO COME!!!

kate

11-15-2007, 12:46 AM

I just bought Stitch 'n Bitch, The Knitters Handbook and LOVE IT. It's great for beginners or people who already know a few things but want a reference for how to do other things correctly. She has a great style, it's a fast read and the patterns in it are great.

ambrella

11-15-2007, 05:37 AM

I haven't checked this book out yet, but it is a recent child of lovely SF indie fashion designer Miranda Caroligne.

(not that we're dummies...it does have one of those awful yellow "dummies" covers though). The title is very Thread Heads, ain't it though?

KellesBelles

11-15-2007, 02:41 PM

I just recently bought Knitting Never FELT Better by Nicky Epstein, and it's great for the knitters that want to do a little more than a simple felted bag. It gave me all sorts of ideas on how to make a felted scarf or bag or whatever look even more interesting.

Although there are some knitting projects in there, I think it would even give some non-knitters ideas when they want to try and felt an old sweater and make something else out of it...like giving it more of a 3D effect.

TomotheCat

12-23-2007, 06:37 AM

So, I just got back from a Christmas party at my friends' apartment, and I scored this KICKASS book I thought you guys would appreciate. It's called "The Cute Book" (link here: http://www.amazon.com/Cute-Book-Aranzi-Aronzo/dp/1932234683/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1198391419&sr=8-1) It shows you how to make little Japanese mascots, like bunnies and pandas, and even some creepy kidnapper guy. It's based on hand-stitching techniques, and includes full patterns and detailed photos for every project. It's a total dream come true. I ran home and started sewing a little bunny right away. Plus, since felt is like 20 cents a square, it makes for some cost-effective home made presents to decorate Christmas packages or add a personal touch to cards and stuff! I'm so excited and I thought I'd share with you guys!!!

anirok

01-10-2008, 03:06 PM

The Cute Book is so much fun!! I've made so many felt creatures I've got them coming out my ears. I really like it too.

I haven't sewn in ages. I really need a good beginners guide. I'm thinking about picking up Sew U and Sew What! Skirts. I also have 2 basic sewing books from the 70's, I think it's from Better Homes & Gardens I'm not sure. Anyone have any other suggestions of books I should pick up?

LadyRobinhood

01-10-2008, 06:03 PM

I use the Teen Knitting Club for knitting. It's a really good book that's very easy to understand, and has a lot of cool projects in it.

camoxx3

01-25-2008, 12:13 AM

I just got the book: Sew Everything Workshop by Dianna Rupp;;; owns and works classes at Make workshop in NYC I believe.

IT'S AMAZING

It has help on how to sew (how-tos such as darting) and great ways to just become better at what you're doing.This book includes 25 original designs and 10 patterns; even ties & cuffed "knickers" patterns!! There are so many ideas in here. I'm interested in making a little stuffed elephant, the knickers, some pin cushions, and a scrap scarf. I really love this book, suuuperly duuuperly much. =P

Hehe. Did I mention that I love it?

**edit**
Here it is on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Sew-Everything-Workshop-Diana-Rupp/dp/0761139737/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1201219435&sr=1-1

ladyjanewriter

03-27-2008, 09:15 PM

Bumping this so I can stickie it!

Aurora199

03-28-2008, 03:38 PM

Lia

04-09-2008, 10:05 PM

The Cute Book is one of my favorites, as well as anything by Compai. They're responsible for getting me into DIY in the first place. I'm learning to knit, so I'm sure I'll be stockpiling knitting books in the future.

P.s. I work in a bookstore with a huge craft section. I'll make note of anything new and interesting I see come in.

Wikitiki

04-19-2008, 12:49 PM

Lia

04-23-2008, 10:12 PM

I picked up this great book called "Lotta Prints: How to Print with Anything, From Potatoes to Linoleum" by Lotta Jansdotter the other day. It's a great book! Full of tutorials, and includes the patterns used throughout the book so you can make your own stencils.

rudegirlriana

05-15-2008, 11:18 PM

I picked up Save This Shirt by Hannah Rogge not too long ago. It had a shirt that came with it :)

It comes with pictures of people who are wearing the final project.

Tampopo

06-02-2008, 07:49 AM

I love Generation T.

I didn't like the 99 Ways book so much, though.

I mean, it had some cute stuff in it, don't get me wrong. It's just that there were probably only about 5 or less projects that I could actually see myself wearing out of the house without feeling funny.

For someone with a little crazier fashion sense than me (which is not a bad thing), though, I'm sure it's a different story.

I also found the instructions to be a bit too veige for my taste.

It's defititely a great muse, though, even if you don't particularly enjoy their projects. So give it a try. This is only my opinion and I'm sorry for being so neg.

I must rave about Generation T, though.

I borrowed 'my' copy from the library and ended up renewing it 2 time ^_^

I absolutely love the clear and practical instrustions (complete with illustrations for each step).

The projects in this book also seemed more wearable, if you know what I mean.

Side by side, Gen T wins over 99 in my book, but 99 isn't so bad as I feel like I'm making it out to be.

My suggestion: Get a library card! I love mine. Sewing, crocheting, knitting, & DIY book central. Not too mention novels and other non-fiction. & the fact that it's all free.

OOOOKKKK.....novel over.

Krymsan

06-09-2008, 02:22 AM

My suggestion would be to try the library before going out and buying a new book.

PrinceHarming

06-09-2008, 02:45 AM

The "Complete Guide to Needlework" is awesome! (Though, I doubt they still sell the 1984 version I have, but you could probably find it on Ebay, thrift stores, or Amazon Marketplace.)

I has everything under the sun that you could do with a needle. Seriously.
the funny thing is I have and covet this book. I borrowed it from my grandother and she isnt getting it back... I hope she wont mind. I will just pay her back i love

Bazaar Bizarre: Not your Granny's craft book is wicked lame. I didnt even pay full price ( I bought it for $7 from a friend) and I think it was a waste of money. Every project in there is so lame and can pretty much be found on the internet or isn't worth doing. I think i raised this book to a high standard due to the Bazaar Bizarre being so big. Or I might just hate the book because the craft fair charges $150 for a table and I think thats wicked lame.( But Im spoiled I guess I pay $20 for a table two hours away)

ladyjanewriter

06-09-2008, 11:33 PM

My suggestion would be to try the library before going out and buying a new book.

^^^ Definitely! Good one, Krymsan (welcome to ThreadBanger, btw!)

My new fave magazine is "Cloth Paper Scissors" - it's mixed media artwork involving sewing, paper, cloth, metal, buttons, beads, broken watches, scrabble tiles, junk, etc. Even if I don't like the "look" of a project, I LOVE the ideas in there. It's really kind of pricy for a magazine, but you can look at one issue over and over.

PrinceHarming

06-11-2008, 02:47 AM

Mother_Megan

07-08-2008, 01:04 AM

I just got Generation T from the library and I love it!! My little sister and I made a skirt for her today as our craft project. Well, it does still need some sewing. We ran into a snag when she informed me that her throat hurt and I saw that her tonsils were the 3x the size that they were supposed to be. Doctor time! Anywho, she loves being involved in something crafty and it is great practice for bigger projects.

I also got Sew Subversive: Down and Dirty DIY for the Fabulous Fashionista. I've just skimmed through this one, but it starts with the basics of sewing and has some great ideas for recycling those old worn out sweaters and jeans.

KetchupSoldier

07-08-2008, 05:00 PM

My sister bought Generation-T for her best friend, and later I picked up a copy.

I LOVE THE THING SO MUCH!!! Megan Nicolay's attitude and writing style are humorous and refreshing, and her designs are so beautiful. I made my CHI conference shirt (courtesy of my Daddie ^_^) into project #8 (It's a Cinch) and it came out amazing! Everytime I wear something new to my voice lessons, my teacher is so excited.

Okay, so it's almost 9 in the morning and I'm a little hyper, but it's still a really great book, and I highly recommend it to anyone with a non-conformist spirit.

PurplePoodle

07-08-2008, 10:32 PM

I have Stitch and Bitch Nation and I love it! My new fave knitting book is Knit. 101 from the knitting mag knit.1 because it's knitting and crochet. I didn't know how to crochet before I bought the book, but I did know how to knit and I went straight to the sweater pattern which is really cute! Now I'm working on the crochet.

ladyjanewriter

07-17-2008, 07:29 PM

Quoting from another thread:

http://api.ning.com/files/8rhED1TPG2TNAz4sjMfHRPs0s*5xY9oSI*MRNW2a75F0MGc*DX JTDw5XJ1KcJdSDA*NZlEj8mHeUFCfC3pl0k9k55DeXd6YN/51bs8m5FBqL._SS500_1.jpg

its amazing

the big-ass book of crafts by mark montano

JLA

07-28-2008, 03:01 AM

I just got a book called "Bazaar Bizarre" it is awesome! all the projects are kind of Punk-ish :D

SkyBlueBunny

07-28-2008, 03:50 AM

I found the magazine Sew News recently. I really liked it and even bought a subscription, which will hopefully start coming soon. It's not all knitting or quilting like so many magazines. Instead it has a real variety of different sewing related projects. Here's a link to their site: www.sewnews.com (http://www.sewnews.com)

omg... funny funny. my mom used to get sew news back when it was a newspaper!! It was this huge mag on crappy paper in b&w... now it's more like a magazine, right?

ladyjanewriter

08-06-2008, 04:57 PM

I found a "new to me" book at the estate sale I went to.

It's called The Bishop Method of Clothing Construction. I highly recommend it. It's the 1970 printing of it. I'm finding it way easier to follow than newer sewing books!

DangerBaby

08-12-2008, 06:04 AM

I picked up AlterNation (here's the book's website: http://alternationbook.com/) a couple weeks ago, and since it hadn't been reviewed yet, I'll let you guys know my thoughts...

I found this book and was immediately attracted to the ideas and photos as I flipped through it. Quite honestly, this book was what finally pushed me into clothing recon. I had been sewing for years, but had never explored the possibilities of recon before. I was very excited and inspired by the projects!

The instructions were well written. The photos, however, left much to be desired from a tutorial standpoint. Project photos were taken in a funky artistic way, and were absolutely lovely, but in many cases the angles didn't show much of the construction or give you a realistic idea of how the finished project would look.

As I said, this book really opened up the idea of clothing reconstruction for me, and inspired me. But when I wanted more, and started doing research online, and looking at sites like Threadbanger, I realized tutorials for most of the projects were already available for free online. And all that inspiration? Also available at the click of a mouse.

So while I love this book for getting me started, and for getting me hooked on recon and Threadbanger, I don't necessarily recommend purchasing this book. Well... maybe with a coupon... it IS pretty.

ladyjanewriter

08-14-2008, 06:38 PM

OK, I donno if this one was mentioned:

There's this book from 1977 called "Rags" - I borrowed it from the Harold Washington Library downtown:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3051/2762397031_6c8c3f0201_o.jpg

If you can find it, it's worth it, IMO. It's a bit stuck in the 70's and hippie-ish, but there's fun projects like the Chicken Coat!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3186/2762397011_6a03b25d1d_o.jpg

I love it, it's a coat decorated with t-shirt yarn...and it looks like a fricken Muppet. I'm thinking of making this.

flippinblondie

08-28-2008, 03:02 AM

Some people alreay YAY'd and NAY'd the 99 ways to...[blah blah blah] series.

Personally, I checked out the T-shirt one at the library twice and still haven't made anything, BUT that doesn't mean I didn't want to.

It had a lot of "that would be cute if you..." kind of things where I would totally recreate the project.

I want to check out the scarf one, seems pretty freaking awesome.

Here are the links on amazon:

99 Ways to Cut, Sew, Trim, and Tie Your T-Shirt into Something Special
http://www.amazon.com/Ways-Trim-T-Shirt-Something-Special/dp/0307345564/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1218810495&sr=8-1

99 Ways to Cut, Sew & Deck Out Your Denim
http://www.amazon.com/Ways-Cut-Deck-Your-Denim/dp/030735170X/ref=pd_sim_b_2/104-5257307-7513554

99 Ways to Cut, Sew, Tie & Rock Your Scarf
http://www.amazon.com/Ways-Cut-Rock-Your-Scarf/dp/0307395677/ref=pd_sim_b_5

bigfangirl

09-09-2008, 12:45 AM

I'm sure most people have heard already but that book: "generation t" is freaking awesome.

TheOneTrueKate

10-18-2008, 07:56 PM

I have found "How to Make Sewing Patterns" by Donald McCunn incredibly helpful in learning how to draft your own patterns and how to modifyexisting ones.

The author is so clear on the process that it made me feel like anyone could do it and it made the inevitable mistakes much easier to deal with.

It's a little old fashioned, but it teaches such good skills that they can be applied to almost any project.

professionalpineapple

12-03-2008, 07:49 PM

I just got 49 Sensational Skirts as a birthday gift, and it's a pretty amazing book. Not all of the skirts in it are actually practical (glued on plastic fruits?), but there's some great embellishing ideas that could definitley go beyond skirts.

brndwnthedisco

01-03-2009, 07:39 AM

The Big-Ass Book of Crafts
by Mark Montano

I love this book! Picked it up from the library today and haven't been able to put it down! From straw light fixtures to subscription card artwork, this book has some of the coolest crafts that I have ever seen. It makes me want to go out and buy my own place just so I can furnish it! A lot of the crafts are artwork pieces you can put around the house or give to people as gifts. The best thing about this book is that it focus's on reuseing exsisting pieces or thrifting things. I cannot say enough good things about this book, so I suggest you just read it and get inspired yourself!