164 of 165 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant!, April 23, 2006
This review is from: Generation T: 108 Ways to Transform a T-Shirt (Paperback)
I have a long history of buying lots of craft and instructional books, flipping through the pages once, then sticking them on a shelf while I try to figure out how to do my own thing. Not so with this book! I can't remember another book I've ever bought that was so darn inviting that I sat down and made lots of the projects the same day!
The instructions are VERY easy to follow, and they don't assume that everyone knows how to sew or has a sewing machine (though I do, which makes them even easier). She even explains alternate methods for cutting if you don't have access to a decent pair of scissors. The book is truly accessible to anyone with an old shirt! Plus she's got some really great ideas here, and so far everything I've made (about 10 of the projects over the course of 2 days) has turned out perfectly adorable. I do not exactly have a halter-top body, but somehow her designs have all looked fabulous, I don't know if she's some kind of genius or alchemist or what!
Since we seem to be stating our ages here, I'm 34 and will proudly wear many of these designs myself!! Though some of the sexiest tops and bikini bottoms will probably not be worn outside the house!
Just one note, you may want to take the sizing with a grain of salt when the design calls for a "Fitted T-shirt (Size Small)." Hate to tell the authors, but some of us find a Size Large to be plenty fitted! Just use your own common sense when it comes to that and you'll be fine. In fact, one of the things I love about this book is that I used to be a XXL and after losing weight I found many of my old favorites were way too boxy to even wear for sleeping. This book has given my old wardrobe new life! Not only do I not have to toss my soft old shirts, but they look cuter and sexier than ever before. I LOVE THIS BOOK!
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71 of 73 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
we love this book!, March 16, 2006
This review is from: Generation T: 108 Ways to Transform a T-Shirt (Paperback)
I am 38, my daughter is 17.....we both love this book! And while I may never wear most of the designs in this book, I like them all and will wear some, my daughter and her friends can use them all.....the ideas are great, explanations clear, and can be accomplished by even a beginner. I have many years of craft and hobby sewing experience, which I think helped in some of the projects I made, but weren't necessary. The only problem I have encountered was the sizing in the bikini pattern, I made it as directed for my daughter, and it was too small, we passed it on to her tiny friend, and she thought the top too small, as well, so, perhaps enlarge the pattern measurements and make a test top of paper before cutting up that cool tshirt.
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50 of 51 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Shockingly useful, August 3, 2006
This review is from: Generation T: 108 Ways to Transform a T-Shirt (Paperback)
I ordered this book after some frustrating shopping for detailed tees (I found very few that were flattering, interesting, and fit well, and what I found was EXPENSIVE).
I am thrilled with this book. Here's what I like:
- There's a remarkable variety of looks represented in the projects. Some scream punk, some hint at it, and some look like you bought it in a pricey boutique.
- The quality of the detail is excellent. A lot of DIY tees look like a six-year-old went through the laundry basket with a pair of round-tipped scissors. With these designs, it's very clear that you _meant_ for it to be exactly as it is, even when it's full of holes and raw edges.
- The projects are remarkably easy. They're all based on cutting, pinning, tying, or easy sewing. And at least one of them is undoable; you tie but don't cut.
- this is not just for 15-year-old tarts. The patterns vary in edginess and bareness, so most people should find something they're comfortable with. Several would look equally good on my 17-year-old cousin, on 26-year-old me, and on my 55-year-old mom (who is as gorgeous and un-frumpy as they come, but never inappropriate for her age). Plus, a lot of the barer designs would look great layered over a tank top for a more modest look.
- a lot of the tee and tank designs are bra-friendly, and many could be adapted to be.
- the instructions are very clear (with lots of illustrations), and they are very technique-based. So once you make (or even understand) one project, you can take those techniques and branch out into your own designs.
- these are incredibly cheap to make: a couple of bucks if you buy a new t-shirt, a few cents at a garage sale or thrift store, or free, if you go digging in your dresser drawers.
- It includes a t-shirt wedding dress. Now, most "novelty" wedding dresses are pretty hideous. This, however, is... stunning. If I weren't already married, I'd have seriously considered it (although probably made it in a silk jersey). I might make a shorter version for a nice summer dress.
Things to be aware of:
(I can't really call them complaints)
- the sub-title is "108 ways to transform a t-shirt". This is true, but 35 of those are non-garments (legwarmers, a rug, purses, etc.) Half of those use scraps from other projects, which was nice to include.
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