Customer Reviews

Sweater Surgery: How to Make New Things with Old Sweaters (Domestic Arts for Crafty Girls)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Oh, how I wish I had that pile of old sweaters I donated to the thrift shop! If I only had them now, I'd soon have a kick-ass collection of sox, leg-warmers, even cooler new sweaters, hats, bags, baby booties, necklaces, purses, skirts, head-bands, pet bed, laptop cozy and mnore, more, more!

File this book under "Why didn't I think of this stuff first?" -- but go buy it now and make up for lost time! Sweater Surgery: How to Make New Things With Old Sweaters is a gold mine of crafty ideas!

Top 10 reasons why I love Sweater Surgery:
10) This is upcycling at its finest.
9) Ms. Girard included a swell Sweater Styles primer.
8) Spiral bound books are perfect when crafting; they lay totally flat...
7) so you can easily see all of the full-page photos...
6) and the 15 reproducible patterns which are included free.
5) There are gift possibilities for all ages. . .
4) and a 50 page gallery de inspiration...
3) clear diagrams, too...
2) so it's a cinch to understand.
And my #1 reason that I totally love this book:
1) The coolest floral jumper EVER, in only 6 easy steps!

With hard times upon us, it's time to dig through our closets (our neighbor's too, if they'll let us!) and pull out the sweaters that haven't been worn for the past season or two. Do mull, as some may be classics, or so stylin' they'll come back eventually, and you may really regret having to shell out $50 to get another...but don't mull for too long. Grab a needle and thread and go for it. This book is simple enough for anyone to understand - even non-English speakers could replicate anything in it as the photographs are gorgeous, and go hand in hand with diagrams. More advanced alterers/seamstresses will take off on their own once they see how it works.
I looked forward to this book for months, and my expectations were realized. I will be trying out as many of these projects as I can sacrifice sweaters!

On the positive side, this book is well-organized, explains the projects very well, and is thorough in the details of everything from equipment and tools needed (what they are and how to use them) to patterns for the projects. Most of the projects are quite cute, but probably just not for me personally, hence the four stars.

For what I wanted in the book, the content was just OK. I was looking for books specific to felted wool, with more technique than projects, and it didn't give me much new information compared to books that I already own. I think it's probably good for people looking for projects that are slightly trendy and would appeal to skinny girls who could wear a cut up sweater as a short skirt . . . definitely not for women in their 40s or anyone who is the least bit overweight. I don't know that I'll use this book much, but I'm sure there are people for whom it is perfect.

Overall, a very well-put-together book, just not what I was looking for.

This book has tons of inspiring ideas - but no INSTRUCTIONS on how to make the stuff! It has about a dozen patterns at the back of the book but it's tough to connect the patterns to any kind of process for creating the designs. Lovely book, but only for a very experienced sewer who can figure out how to actually make the items. Very frustrating.

This book was full of information on felting with old sweaters. I would definately purchase more books from this author. And as usual the delivery was quick, thanks Amazon. Linda

lots of this stuff is on the net in blogs, etc. but it's a good summary and has cute ideas.

I love this book for several reasons: 1) The before pictures of the sweaters used; 2) fun projects that I will do; 3) Spiral bound so it will stay open while working on the projects 4) Well written with easy to understand instructions and illustrations. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves to recycle.Creative Cloth Explorations: Adventures in Fairy-Inspired Fiber Art

If you are into recycling clothing and love sweaters, whether they're wool or not, this is a GREAT BOOK! It's a great way to reuse a favorite sweater that you can't bear to part with because it is showing signs of wear & tear, but still has usable parts. It's full of fun ideas that work for the whole family and it inspires you to step out on your own and come up with more great ideas. While a lot of the projects are geared towards girls and women a LOT of them can easily be done for guys. Great ideas for any age recipient! You'll be searching the thrift shops for sweaters with cool colors and patterns!

I just had to get this book at the store when I saw it, I usually like to peep inside a book before I buy it. I haven't started on any of the projects,but I already have original ideas that I can use for the all the sweaters I bought from thrift stores. I personall feel bad about using them, but not too bad. :D

Alot of inspiration can be found in this book.

I ordered this book so I could recycle some old sweaters into what I thought would be more useful items but the book is dated. I might alter a sweater or two but other than that, I wouldn't use what was in this book.