Subversive Seamster by Hope Meng, Melissa Alvarado, Melissa Rannels (2007, Paperback)

This is not a book I would normally pick up in a bookstore. At first glance it is aimed at an age demographic slightly younger than the one I belong to. But don't let that stop you for from taking a look at this book. It's creative, fun, and full of great ideas.

I'm not normally a garage sale or thrift shopper (living in a place where winter lasts 7 months does away with a lot of garage sales and our one thrift ship is not all that inspiring. But reading this book made me want to go out and look for those one-of-a-kind items to refashion in my own style.

Subversive Seamster will help you navigate thrift shopping, help you decide what might and might not work as you remake a garment, provide, ilustrate basic sewing techniques youu'll need, and then gives you step-by-step instructions for everything from a duct tape dress form (great instructions) to tank tops, gaucho pants, checkbook covers, and more.

The Resource section will guide you to some garment districts, fabric stores and craft fairs across the country.

This book won't be everyone's cup of tea but have a look at it and see if it strikes a chord. I enjoyed it and plan on making a few projects to step out of my wardrobe box.

I was thrilled to get this book.
The ideas and step by step directions for recreating t-shirts, blouses, dresses etc. it just what any seamstress/ster needs for days of creative block!
There is nothing that is genius or overly difficult, and something will appeal to everyone.
Buy it, read it, keep it by the sewing machine as a reference and gooo greeeen!