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Sew Subversive: Down and Dirty DIY for the Fabulous Fashionista
Sew Subversive is about making fashion your own, whether it's embellishing or customizing off-the-rack clothing or transforming clothes that have lost that loving feeling. The three twenty-something co-owners of Stitch Lounge, an urban sewing studio in San Francisco, teach you, in plain, fun language, how to do it, whether you're hand sewing, machine sewing, or, in a few cases, simply wielding a pair of scissors.
The first three chapters lay the ground Hand Sewing Basics, You and Your Machine, and Gearing Up, which includes Fabric 101, how to set up a sewing space, and a run-through first project on the sewing machine. Then the fun begins with Embellishing and Customizing projects, including adorning your pant legs with ribboning, turning a computer-scanned image into an iron-on that you can apply to a t-shirt or skirt, taking in a skirt, or untapering a pair of pants (the authors believe tapered pants are the devil's work). Then move onto The Next Life of Your Old Clothes and turn a t-shirt into a skirt, a sweater into a halter top or legwarmers, or a pair of pants into a hip belt. There are 22 projects in all, some of which only require an iron and/or pair of scissors, while others can be sewn by hand, for those readers who haven't yet made the sewing machine plunge.
The first three chapters lay the ground Hand Sewing Basics, You and Your Machine, and Gearing Up, which includes Fabric 101, how to set up a sewing space, and a run-through first project on the sewing machine. Then the fun begins with Embellishing and Customizing projects, including adorning your pant legs with ribboning, turning a computer-scanned image into an iron-on that you can apply to a t-shirt or skirt, taking in a skirt, or untapering a pair of pants (the authors believe tapered pants are the devil's work). Then move onto The Next Life of Your Old Clothes and turn a t-shirt into a skirt, a sweater into a halter top or legwarmers, or a pair of pants into a hip belt. There are 22 projects in all, some of which only require an iron and/or pair of scissors, while others can be sewn by hand, for those readers who haven't yet made the sewing machine plunge.
192 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
October 7, 2017
The actual patterns and ideas for clothes are slightly repulsive, but their actual introduction to sewing is fabulous. They helped me thread the machine for the first time all by myself, which was quite surprising.
December 16, 2007
I've seen the authors of this book about town for a while, because they run a really cute shop in San Francisco - a sewing lounge, actually. The idea is great - you can come in and take a class centered around a project, or you can rent out a machine by the hour, and the staff will help you out with any questions or dilemmas that arise.
So, these girls know from direct experience (they're self-taught) and client interactions all about the problems that new seamstresses face. And their first book was designed to answer all those questions in a fun, not-too-serious way (remember Tim Gunn: It's just fashion!). The language and graphics are approachable and the projects are super-easy, designed for minimum fluster in a minimum amount of time.
Yes, some of the projects are a little funky - have you ever seen street fashion in San Francisco?! And remember, it's "subversive" - no real patterns, not much finishing. But essentially, this book is an enabler. It lets you get close to a sewing machine, and even tame one, so that your creativity can find its way out through the fabrics and onto your body. It's a great place to start if you don't know where to start.
So, these girls know from direct experience (they're self-taught) and client interactions all about the problems that new seamstresses face. And their first book was designed to answer all those questions in a fun, not-too-serious way (remember Tim Gunn: It's just fashion!). The language and graphics are approachable and the projects are super-easy, designed for minimum fluster in a minimum amount of time.
Yes, some of the projects are a little funky - have you ever seen street fashion in San Francisco?! And remember, it's "subversive" - no real patterns, not much finishing. But essentially, this book is an enabler. It lets you get close to a sewing machine, and even tame one, so that your creativity can find its way out through the fabrics and onto your body. It's a great place to start if you don't know where to start.
January 2, 2017
When I finally fired up my sewing machine a few months ago, i had the urge to make something to wear, something eccentric and bold and all my own. Of course I had no idea how to do that... so I grabbed this book at the library (and then got it for Christmas, yay!) and was inspired by the ideas inside. The projects look like they will be easy to adapt to fit my style and preferences, and the instructions on how to do each piece seem pretty easy to follow. Hopefully this year I can take that plunge and make some of my own clothes.
February 13, 2019
Perhaps this book will spark creative urges, but I found so many of the projects very poorly done. None of this stuff is anything I would wear. I would seriously worry about the durability of most of this stuff. Because of that, I didn't read through much of the text...
July 15, 2021
The styles are pretty dated now but the sewing and sewing machine tips are solid for a beginner. I was really hoping for some more advanced, finished looking pieces.
July 13, 2007
I was excited to see this new DIY sewing book in the new books section of the library, as I've been eyeing it on-line for awile. However I have mixed feelings about the book after reading it. Sew Subversive offers the begining sewer and "Fashionista" very practical advice at the beginning of the book on a number of topics including, choosing a sewing machine and how to thread it, hand-sewing, understanding fabrics, reading a pattern, organizing supplies and other nitty gritty. Much of this information is supplied in an easy to understand and well laid out format. The bright color photography and fun casual conversational tone will put the nervous beginner at ease. However the second half of the book where the patterns begin are where I have to give low reviews. First off the patterns are horrendous! I'm all for hip, cool, trendy clothes, but most of the outfits are un-wearable and really poorly designed. Close up's of most of the clothes revealed really poor sewing, I don't think this was just for design sake either. I mean there is punk and then there is just junk. I don't think even the coolest hipster could pull some of these things off. there were threads hanging, jagged edges on garments that should have been smooth and all around poor sewing. Soo....I have to say..I'm not impressed. I think the book could be worth a look at for some of the helpful sewing hints in the front, and if you can already sew you might be able to take some of the patterns and ideas and fine tune them a bit, but overall, for me this book was a dud.
January 11, 2008
yet another sewing book with "subversive" in the title! just what we all needed! usually i'm a fan of punny alliteration, but this trend is overdone.
about the contents, though: this is a pretty solid basic intro for the people who never learned to sew, and might be intimidated by the craft. i felt like the basic principles were covered fairly, and there was some attention paid to the subjects of appliqués & embellishments. if you are looking for more detailed or specific info about special fabrics, patterns, or clothing you could wear to work, you should skip this. the project ideas are really simple. many of these crafts can be whipped up in well under an hour, for those of us addicted to instant gratification.
about the contents, though: this is a pretty solid basic intro for the people who never learned to sew, and might be intimidated by the craft. i felt like the basic principles were covered fairly, and there was some attention paid to the subjects of appliqués & embellishments. if you are looking for more detailed or specific info about special fabrics, patterns, or clothing you could wear to work, you should skip this. the project ideas are really simple. many of these crafts can be whipped up in well under an hour, for those of us addicted to instant gratification.
April 14, 2009
This book caught my eye last week... "Sew Subversive... Down and Dirty DIY for the Fabulous Fashionista", put out by Stitch Lounge.
All in all it's a great book! Within the pages are heaps of inspiring photos and projects, as well as a run down on the basics of sewing at the beginning of the book.
Who would have thought to make a tote out of your favourite (but too old to wear) labelled t.shirt... or to make legwarmers from the arms of an old jumper!
I really enjoyed the 'down-to-earth' projects in this book - very inspiring!
All in all it's a great book! Within the pages are heaps of inspiring photos and projects, as well as a run down on the basics of sewing at the beginning of the book.
Who would have thought to make a tote out of your favourite (but too old to wear) labelled t.shirt... or to make legwarmers from the arms of an old jumper!
I really enjoyed the 'down-to-earth' projects in this book - very inspiring!
April 17, 2009
It's a good introduction to sewing novices with lots of information for noobs on sewing,in general. For those who have been sewing & refashioning their own clothes for many years, it's a good book for idea prompts.
ANNOYANCE: The finished projects in the photographs look sloppy and rushed. I "get" (and cultivate myself) the rough/DIY look and perhaps threads were left hanging and seams not sewn straight to convey the message to beginners ,"You can do this yourself,too!" but it bothered me to see ragged cut fabric in photographs presented as a finished project. Probably just my gripe.
ANNOYANCE: The finished projects in the photographs look sloppy and rushed. I "get" (and cultivate myself) the rough/DIY look and perhaps threads were left hanging and seams not sewn straight to convey the message to beginners ,"You can do this yourself,too!" but it bothered me to see ragged cut fabric in photographs presented as a finished project. Probably just my gripe.
October 3, 2007
I got this as a birthday gift to compliment my new sewing machine, and it is a blast. It has a whole section on "the basics" of sewing--good for first timers or as a refresher course--along with lots of tips. This was my first introduction to the idea of "refashioning," which is basically making new clothes out of old clothes. I'm getting really into it, and love the easy tips and illustrations in the book as well as the cute-and-funky narrative style.
December 31, 2015
This book is a great introduction to sewing, by hand and machine. It provides detailed information for the novice sewer and accompanying images are helpful to reinforce the lessons. If you are more than an absolute beginner when it comes to sewing, however, you would more than likely find this book too basic. I picked this up when I was a newbie and this book did help me overcome some of the more intimidating aspects of sewing!
September 22, 2009
I liked the authors' other book better. This one, while containing great sewing tips for those who don't sew, didn't have many projects that caught my eye. The only one I think I might ever make is the tote bag from a sweatshirt. The clothing stuff is too young a look for me. Not bad, just not as much to my tastes.
August 5, 2008
A cool little project book but not my cup of tea. Although i like to refashion the projects are not stuff i would make. Saying that though there are some fabulous ideas in here and they show you how to do particular techniques that could be used in many ways.
November 5, 2008
B-/C+ Skimmed much of it. Not too many practical tips or good patterns, and nothing too new in here that you wouldn't be able to find in any much better sewing books. For the hipster who isn't a serious sewer.
September 29, 2009
I bought this on a whim and wasn't too excited about the project within. It seemed like a book I would have really loved when I was about 22--It's got that "riot grrrl cuts up her own t-shirt" feel. Buy this for a crafty tween girl with a punky streak.
March 23, 2011
Although a majority of the book focuses on actual patterns and the like, the first quarter deals with basic sewing information about machines, materials and fabrics for the Newbie sewer. That is perfect for me.
May 25, 2012
This book, on the other hand, isn't even good looking. Beyond that, some of the projects in here (dare I say half?) are downright ugly. Nothing in here I'd make.
They also spend (as most books of this sort do) WAY too long going over sewing basics.
They also spend (as most books of this sort do) WAY too long going over sewing basics.
August 9, 2007
*OWN IT*
LOVE this book. really great ideas. full color photos. gets you very EXCITED about sewing!
LOVE this book. really great ideas. full color photos. gets you very EXCITED about sewing!
September 24, 2007
Good book to get you started sewing. Simple, easy to understand explanations of sewing machine, types of fabric, stitches, etc. Includes several beginning sewing projects. Great graphics, diagrams.
September 10, 2007
has some fun ideas on what to do with your old stuff, but a little too funky for what i am doing at the moment.
November 17, 2007
FINALLY! COOL SEWING PROJECTS!
March 16, 2008
Some cute embellishment ideas.
September 24, 2008
This book has some real fun activities to do, and is a good read for any DIY fan
April 7, 2009
Not a ton of ideas that are directly applicable to the sewing I want to learn how to do, but a fun and inspiring book nonetheless.
June 9, 2009
Nope, not for me; but definitely for people who are more creative and skilled in the art of sewing, designing.
August 14, 2009
Would have liked more pictures of the stuff people made.
December 12, 2009
Ugly projects and half the book was wasted on how to operate a sewing machine.
January 7, 2011
Great ideas fr repurposing!
May 10, 2011
Good, simple approach to sewing. Some of the clearest language I've come across. Some of the projects are nice - others are a bit pokey.
February 3, 2016
Easy hand sew patterns for "remodeling" your wardrobe.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews