I <3 Craft Books :: Subversive Seamster: Transform Thrift Store Threads into Street Couture

Subversive Seamster: Transform Thrift Store Threads into Street Couture by Melissa Rannels

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
When I attended Craft Con (www.craftcon.org) in San Francisco this year, I had the pleasure of visiting Stitch Lounge (www.stitchlounge.com) as part of the walking tour. While there, I bought a copy of Subversive Seamster as a souvenir.

This book is a terrific addition to Sew Subversive (the authors' first book: http://www.goodreads.com/book/....

The difference between this book and Sew Subversive is that this one focuses more on reclaiming thrifted clothes. The first book contains a lot of recycled clothing projects but it includes mostly t-shirts and sweaters as the basis for projects. Subversive Seamster experiments more with thrifted and vintage styles. The other difference is that this book starts where the last one left off as far as sewing skills (see Sewing 201).

Subversive Seamster begins with some thrifting tips and then a section called "Sewing 201" which goes over some more advanced sewing techniques. Some of these include sewing corners, top-stitching, elastic, ruffles, and dying fabric. The book even shows you how to make your own duct tape dress form!

As far as book similarities, I stand by the comments that I made on the first book (for both Sew Subversive and Subversive Seamster):
"I also found the instructions to be simple and easy to understand. The diagrams were pretty helpful as well. And unlike some of the other books for beginners, this book has a hip and alternative look and feel that both teens and 30-something hipsters would enjoy. I loved the fact that they recycled materials (you'll find mostly de-constructed clothing projects in this book), plus there are tons of great photos."

As far as the projects, almost all are wearable in some form (except maybe the pillow sham project). There are instructions for shirts, skirts, gaucho pants, bags and purses, checkbook covers, and even a couple jewelry items. My favorites are The Vest Earrings in Town, Always a Bridesmaid Never a Tie (or Halter), I Dream of Groceries, and This Shirt is the Sheet.

If I had to choose, I'd say the projects in Sew Subversive were more my style but they are both must-reads for someone looking to update their wardrobe!

View all my reviews.