Just look at the price tag for some designer jeans: they're over the top! Fortunately, there's an easy, inexpensive, and fun way to jazz up ordinary denim so it's practically red-carpet ready: these techniques for distressing, embroidering, beading, painting, sewing, and studding turn jeans, pants, skirts, and vests into one-of-a-kind high fashion. Bleach and batik, add appliqu and lace, adorn with doilies and toile, embellish with ruffles and rhinestones, and give garments a leather monogram, western flare, or rows of shisha sequins. For each cool design idea, be it a swirl skirt or funky flowers on a jacket, there's basic information and a photo, along with projects and patterns. Or, for something different, transform clothing into fringed bags, pretty pillows, and decorated journal covers. A Selection of the Crafters Choice Book Club.
I have purchased several denim design/deconstruct titles and find that each has projects I will never want to make but each has its strengths as well. This one provided a helpful overview of denim in general and a skirt pattern and instructions (swirl skirt) that looked promising. I wanted something wearable, interesting, and unique - one of a kind. Requiring four pairs of jeans to make, it sent me off to the thrift store in search of just the right fourth pair, which I found for a mere $2. It took me about two days to make this skirt - and it turned out so well and I am so pleased with it, that I will now make another. As I prepared to undertake this project, my husband expressed big doubts. He thought it would look amateurish and sloppy. When I tried it on for him, I got the "WOW!" I hoped for. I send heartfelt thanks to Mickey Baskett, the author, and the designer of this skirt, Patty Cox!
Better than Most
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
I find this book better than most on the remake of denim and jean projects. The written and visual instructions are included and present much needed details in project production. I have found some other books on this subject provide only general instructions and sketches and are not suitable for a first time seamstress or crafter to understand. Some of the items in this publication are somewhat dated, but provide instruction and design tools which allow the reader to create thier own projects. Overall the presentation and information provide a good stepping stone to create your own remakes.
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