Subversive Seamster: Transform Thrift Store Threads into Street Couture by Melissa Rannels, Melissa Alvarado, Hope Meng
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Book Reviews of Subversive Seamster: Transform Thrift Store Threads into Street Couture
Book Review: SAVE YOUR MONEY
Summary: 1 Stars
This book is beyond bad. For those trying to save money by buying at thrift stores - save your money and don't buy this book! The "fashion" ideas, and that is a term used loosely, are horrible and all look badly home made. In some of the photos the edges aren't even finished correctly ( i.e. a bustier with uneven edge seams and threads hanging out)- and most are fashions that no one in their right style mind would wear. They are not radical and hip, they are messy and sad. The only idea that might prove helpful is how to create your own dress makers dummy - and this is a recycled idea.
If you must look at this book, a trip to the local library and about 30 seconds is all you will need.
Book Review: Making trash into worse trash
Summary: 1 Stars
Making trash into worse trash
Oh. My. God. Where to begin? Upgrading ordinary clothes is a hobby of mine and I purchased Subversive Seamster by mail hoping for fresh ideas. After I turned the first pages I realized that the real value of this book is entertainment. As each photograph reveals a new fashion atrocity you begin to merrily anticipate further sartorial horrors and you are not disappointed. Chest-flattening tops, skirts without proper hems, tucks that look like accidents, a shirt sleeve made into coin purse (who is THAT poor?), appliqu?s zigzagged with " medium stitch length and width" showing unraveling edges and other hobo projects. If you want to apply for food stamps wear one of these creations. It will help. I alternatively laughed and cringed. I still cannot decide which project wins the Palm of Ugliness: the bulging un-hemmed Peek-a-Bootylicious Skirt made of men's pants or the gaucho pants with applied flannel pajama legs. I also question the wisdom of sacrificing a classic leather vest to make a pair of earrings. I would no more want to wear such clothes than I would want to eat from a garbage container. If you are very poor, save your time and effort by wearing unaltered thrift store clothes, you won't look any worse.
Book Review: Handy Hints
Summary: 4 Stars
Although I have only flicked through this book, I can see myself finding it pretty handy as a reference and for inspiration. Definately for people who do love to re-create op shop or their old clothes.Book Review: A 'must' for any collection catering to sewers.
Summary: 5 Stars
SUBVERSIVE SEAMSTER: TRANSFORM THRIFT STORE THREADS INTO STREET CULTURE as for any sewer who has patterns and methods down - and wants to move beyond them into the world of altering and enhancing existing offerings. Refashioning is covered with a host of tips and secrets to re-doing vests, purses, dresses and more, from a salsa skirt to a poncho, tops, and accessories. A 'must' for any collection catering to sewers.
Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch
Book Review: A great resource for the individualist (and beginner!) seamster
Summary: 5 Stars
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.