Reconstructing Clothes For Dummies [Paperback]

Miranda Caroligne Burns (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 13, 2007

Reconstructing Clothes for Dummies offers inspiring projects and savvy tips on how to salvage those tired old clothes in your closet and turn them into a one-of-a-kind wardrobe. It shows craftsters, DIY enthusiasts, budget-conscious fashionistas and people from all walks of life how to unleash their inner fashion designer and transform outdated duds into hip new clothes. Featured projects include making good use of old scraps; reviving shrunken sweaters; finding redemption in that bridesmaid dress; decorative repair and embellishment of existing pieces; and creating unexpected home décor with what’s hiding in your drawers.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Features before-and-after photos of each project

Recycle clothing into a creative wardrobe that's uniquely you

Want to create a fabulous new wardrobe without paying designer prices? This clear, step-by-step guide gives you all the instruction and inspiration you need to transform your current clothes into fun, funky pieces. You'll see how to glam up old T-shirts, revive shrunken sweaters, jazz up your jeans, revamp skirts and dresses, and much more!

• Piece clothes together in a fresh way

• Add embellishments and edgings

• Fake it with no-sew options

• Redo clothes for men, women, and kids

• Create wine bags, pillows, and more

About the Author

Miranda Caroligne Burns (San Francisco, CA) has donned a variety of hats in her young years: physical therapist, event producer, community activist, installation artist, author, performance artist, philosopher, and fashion designer. Mentored by her mother, Miranda has been sewing and creating her own clothing since she could hold a needle. Over time she developed a zest for re-use and heartfelt desire for truly unique design. This ethos is masterfully woven together to recall the forms of yesteryear with an otherworldly edge — a philosophy she calls "neoarchaic."
Miranda’s life has been a bi-coastal artistic evolution. She became active in the alternative arts scene in Boston, where she introduced "living construction," a live sewing performance piece staged in gallery window fronts. Relocating to San Francisco in 2005, she quickly emerged as a bright new star in a constellation of provocative artist-designers. Her fashion shows are known for their performance-art quality, embodying political, artistic, and personal statements. These shows include Catwalk on the Wild Side (U.N. World Environment Day Gala “Walk the Talk”), Love Fest VIP Event (San Francisco City Hall), and Maker Faire (Swaporamarama and Make magazine).
She has also had various individual performance art appearances at Supperclub San Francisco, San Jose Museum of Art, and Burningman. Meander through San Francisco’s Mission-Deco Ghetto neighborhood and you’ll find Miranda reconstructing in the window-front of her boutique, miranda caroligne — a living construction boutique (www.mirandacaroligne.com), 485 14 Street @ Guerrero. You’re sure to be delighted by the local art and design, and step forward with the inspiration to do it yourself!

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1 edition (August 13, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470127678
• ISBN-13: 978-0470127674
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #738,104 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Reconstructed clothing doesnt have to look like rags, March 3, 2008

By 

R. James (Long Island, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Reconstructing Clothes For Dummies® (Kindle Edition)

I rented this book from the library first and I am glad that I did. I would love to find a book on nice wearable reconstructed clothing. Absolutely everything in this book looked too much like "Mad Max beyond the Thunderdome". I'm not looking for high fashion just nice and casual, didn't find it in this book at all.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Spark your imagination, February 11, 2008

By 

H. DEFALCO (San Francisco, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Reconstructing Clothes For Dummies (Paperback)

This book is the beginning of a whole new way to look at your unwanted clothing. It also gives a glimpse of underground culture here in SF where we are conscious of what mass consumerism is doing to the country, and creative enough to expand our ideas of what it means to have style. Miranda's book gives detailed instructions on ways to change certain items but more than that it opens up the imagination. Punk rockers and teens have been hacking away at their clothing for decades. This book offers a way for everyone to blend individuality with function.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars clothing reconstruction and a whole lot more, November 15, 2007

By 

True Stitches "Heather" (Vancouver, BC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Reconstructing Clothes For Dummies (Paperback)

This is a wonderful book because it embodies the author's philosophy of life - it's more than just a DIY book, it's a guide to a way of life that is more creative, fulfilling and easier on the planet. Very inspiring! And the projects are great too!