Customer Reviews

Just for the Frill of It: 25 Flirty, Fabulous Styles to Make from Clothes you Already Own

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I really wanted to like this book. It got great reviews here on Amazon, and the photos seemed appealing. I'm glad I decided to borrow this from the library before buying, because I didn't care for this book at all. It's too bad, because the author seems very likeable, and I really enjoyed her writing style. Unfortunately I would have been really disappointed in this purchase.

I really like the idea of refashioning existing items in my wardrobe and I have a few pieces I've done on my own that I've really liked. I'm always looking for new inspiration and based on the reviews I thought this would be a great book for me. Unfortunately, clothing reconstruction books seem to fall into one of two categories -- the styles are either too bare and young or else they're super frumpy. This book falls into the "too bare and young" category. It really looks like these are all thrift store items, hastily (and sometimes sloppily) sewn together. I want things that look chic and wearable, and maybe a bit funky, but I don't want to look like I threw random thrift store items together and called it a day. I'm 36, a mother, and need to wear a bra. A backless scarf top worn braless just ain't gonna cut it for me. There were a few too many variations on the sweater bolero idea in here. I would have liked the Granny Bolero had it not been so sloppy in execution (just look at the stitching! If you can't do neat zig-zag stitching, you shouldn't use contrasting thread!) I really liked the Fraulein Uber-Vamp top and the Pansies Purse, and feel somewhat inspired by the tango top. Those were the only items I felt were very wearable at my age.

I still prefer books like this to the afore-mentioned frumpy reconstruction books. I'd rather see something sassy and colorful, if unwearable and hastily put together, than learn ways to applique quilt blocks and bear shapes in calico fabrics on shapeless denim dresses, if you know what I mean. I'm still looking for a book that strikes a happy medium and actually presents finished items that a 30-something mom can realistically wear.

Sonya Nimri's JUST FOR THE FRILL OF IT tells how to put together a hot new wardrobe - with items you already own. These can be items which have lost their luster, or are shoved in back of a closet for some reason - but Nimri shows how to turn these once-appealing clothes into new styles, from pairing a scarf with an old sweater to produce a novel tango top to stretching old ties together to make a new shirt. The focus on contemporary styles for 20-somethings makes for a fun, appealing idea book packed with easy sewing instructions and color photos: perfect for libraries seeking something different and practical for a needlework addition.

This book had great project directions and was really simple to follow. I ended up making 3 projects which all turned out awesome and really love the way the author talks about clothing makeover, it really made it less intimidating for me.

this book was so much fun! I bought it and sat down for a night w. friends w. wine and dinner and we all brought what we thought was "junk" from our closets... who knew! by the end of the night we had bunch of new fun outfits to wear, tshirts, shoes, my fave black dress (worn a few too many) and even a garter belt! All new fashionable stuff -- who knew! It was super simple and so easy to follow, plus this kept me from a shopping spree, and it was one fantastic night w. friends!!!! I definitely recommend it!

I am sitting down w. my niece to redo her school wardrobe next week! I hope it goes as well as this!!!!!

This book is so invenitive! I have been altering clothes for years and failing at least half the time but this book has made them all a success.It is a great instructional to get you thinking outside the box about some of your less than desireable clothes. The projects are understandable and clear and not full of out of reach materials. Sonya and her projects are relatable and inspiring.

This book is the best craftbook I have ever read (I'll be honest and say I've only read about 15 in my life). Anyways I stumbled across this book at my local book store last week when I was looking for a cook book. The projects in it are easy to follow and they are things that you would actually want to make (unlike most craft books). Anyone with a small dog needs this book since they also have a super cute outfit that took me no time/no money to make.

not only is this book awesome, but i had the awesome luck to be at a table next to sonya at a craft show recently, and she is just awesome!!! if one were to buy books based on the character of the author alone i'd say buy twenty copies of this one becuase this girl is just about the nicest funniest person around. AND there's lots of fun things to do in this book! i can't wait for her next one!

Like the previous reviewer Nikki, I too am too old for this book. When I ordered it I thought that I would use it to prod my creative niece into a new form of crafty self-expression. But the truth is I don't really want her running around in this sort of thing. The projects look cheap & occasionally a bit sleazy, ergo not a great choice for an impressionable tween. I wouldn't really recommend this book, though some of the techniques may be new to a few novice crafters.

Only one or two projects worth while, and the styles are a little dated. My sixteen year old was just "eh" about the book.