Customer Reviews

Generation T: 108 Ways to Transform a T-Shirt

5 star:		(99)
4 star:		(48)
3 star:		(22)
2 star:		(13)
1 star:		(7)

 

 

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!

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.

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.

I was surprised to find that Ms. Nicholay's (?) book was a fantastic resource for even those of us who are not experts at DIY. I'd been looking for a fun, informative, easy-to-follow way to get into DIY crafting and fashion - this book is it.

I've gone through many of the designs already and have many more to go.

Here's to hoping there's another addition soon.

Great instructions on how to make each project and SO many wonderful things to do with that closet full of old t-shirts that you just can't toss out due to the memories attached to them! I love the idea of the t-shirt quilt and plan to make it.

Oh, that I would have had this wonderful little tome in my hippie days! I'd have been the Queen of T's!

Buy this book if you like to sew and love to dress individually.

These projects require enormous t-shirts. I went to good will and bought old mens size large t-shirts, and there was no way I was turning that t-shirt into a kneelength skirt. Anyways, I am 27, and I agree that these designs are for younger girls, even though I consider myself to be on the ball when it comes to fashion. I just think my friends would laugh at me if I showed up in safety pins and slashed t-shirts...or they would at least ask if I had returned to 1980s fashion. Don't get me wrong, I actually think a lot of the designs are pretty cool, but they require a skinny beautifully proportioned body to wear them right. I am slim, but my waist could lose a bit...this pretty much makes it hard to wear any of the designs in the book without feeling really selfconscious.

I love to read craft books and get inspired and this one definitely fits the bill. I got 3 T-shirt books and this is second best. (TEase ed. Sarah Sockit is the BEST) I thought the ideas were refreshing and instructions super clear. Well laid out and fun to read. Most projects have some cool variations and provide hours of dreamy craft time! I can't wait to start ripping up some tees.

i had this book on hold at the library but after going to see the author at a bookstore i had to buy it. there are so many amazing projects in here that i can't wait to try. most of the projects in here are pretty form fitting so if that's not your thing you might not like it.

Much better than anything Elyssa Meyrich could ever dream up, this book actually has clothes I would want to wear. I am very much a DIYer, but my sewing skills suck hard. This book had me ripping up shirts the same night.

I just got this neat little book yesterday and already have plans to slash up some of my old t-shirts this weekend! The book is broken up into several sections, including blouses/t-shirt alterations, crop tops, skirts, accessories, and a whole section on what to do with leftover t-shirt material. I enjoyed most of the ideas in the book, but agree with the reviewer who noted that a number of the designs would only work on very skinny people. All of the models are twig thin boyfigured late teens and early twenty somethings, which isn't so much a criticism on the part of the book as much as a reflection of the target audience perhaps. I wish that there had been more diversity in patterns meant for larger women and more ideas for guys (not just the one "punk" t-shirt that I found!). Perhaps the author could incorporate this into a future book, along with including some ideas that involve using a sewing machine/serger, using other non t-shirt fabrics/trim and basic screenprinting for a true do-it-yourself t-shirt makeover.