99 Ways to Cut, Sew & Deck Out Your Denim [Spiral-bound]

Faith Blakeney (Author), Justina Blakeney (Author), Ellen Schultz (Author)

Book Description

Release date: March 6, 2007

How many pairs of old jeans do you have in your closet?

Everyone from the sewing novice to the fashion guru can appreciate the 99 ingenious projects that will reincarnate your denim has-beens into fashion must-haves. The techniques are simple, the supplies are easy-to-find, and every project takes ninety minutes or less, from start to finish.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Adult/High School—Light in tone, this guide is chatty and hip. Projects range from a sundress to a flower pin, a banana bag, and an iPod case. Each pattern takes one spread. The introduction notes that the authors' 99 Ways to Cut, Sew, Trim & Tie Your T-Shirt into Something Special (Potter, 2006) requires less-advanced skills. Readers are instructed to review the illustrated glossary of techniques and to go over a pattern before beginning work on it. Projects are rated on a scale of difficulty and approximate time for completion is listed. Use of a sewing machine is recommended. Each pattern includes a line drawing, with a superimposed photograph depicting the finished project, and illustrated diagrams with step-by-step, basic instructions. The book also includes two techniques for creating patterns and explains how to take body measurements. Instructions for each pattern are very basic and assume some knowledge of sewing/tailoring or studious use of the glossary.—Sondra VanderPloeg, Tracy Memorial Library, New London, NH
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

About the Author

Collectively known as Compai, Faith Blakeney, Justina Blakeney, and Ellen Schultz are the founders of a new fashion movement and the authors of 99 Ways to Cut, Sew, Trim & Tie Your T-Shirt into Something Special.

Product Details

• Spiral-bound: 224 pages
• Publisher: Potter Craft (March 6, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 030735170X
• ISBN-13: 978-0307351708
• Product Dimensions: 7.2 x 1.3 x 6.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (32 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #721,534 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Something for everyone! March 19, 2007

By CC

Format:Spiral-bound

I just got my copy of the book in the mail today and I can't wait to try out some of these projects. Each one has a star system to indicate the degree of difficulty, clear directions, photos and illustrations and I think that there's something here for everyone, beginner sewers to advanced. I love the variety of projects. Lots of adorable clothing ideas (tops, skirts, pants, jackets, shorts, culottes...) and also really functional projects too, like a bath mat, a heating pad, a chair cover, a cd organizer for your car. I've been sewing for years (I used to work in a tailorshop) and believe me when I say that the glossary in the back is a real gem of ideas and information! It explains all the techniques used, terminology, patternmaking...lots of great stuff here to get you inspired and create new things from all your old jeans!

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Great ideas and diagrams! July 6, 2007

By Stephanie Lamphere

Format:Spiral-bound

I am very impressed with the ideas in this book - not just refashioning clothing, but using jeans for everything from skirts & shirts to bags, cd organizers, and mail sorters. Brilliant stuff. Very well executed too - no complex patterns here, not too many details. My only complaints would be (1) They really could have stopped at 30 or 50... with 99 designs some were "reaching" a bit (and some were longer/shorter/backward versions of practically the same things)... (2) they may have oversimplified a bit - without real patterns or sizing, I wonder how these will turn out.... (3) What, no blanket/quilt idea? Or curtains? That seemed so obvious! But otherwise, certainly great ideas here and very innovative and easy... a good starting point!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Hours of fun and creativity!! March 7, 2007

By Elena Whatley

Format:Spiral-bound

I have a daughter who is getting into sewing and I bought her this book. It's absolutely perfect for the beginner but I can see that as her skills grow, she'll still have lots of projects to work on. We are having a sleep over with all of her friends and everyone's bringing thier old jeans. Not everyone can sew but with all the cool ideas in this book, I know that they will all go home with the coolest jeans around. Talk about a super fun, educational, rewarding party!! I would buy this book for all your creative friends and family. Perfect for the pre-teens and fashionista's.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars dope dope dope April 3, 2007

By Emily M. Spire

Format:Spiral-bound

this book is super dope. of course there are 99 different projects and so the book is aptly titled 99 ways to cut sew and deck out your denim. page after page i found myself saying "why didn't i ever think of that?" super cool designs at every level from pretty easy to really hard. the best part is that i have the first book, 99 ways to cut sew and tie your t-shirt, and together, the duo looks pretty cool together on my coffee table and a major conversation piece! Love these books, more please!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars even better than the first! April 5, 2007

By Rachel Schau

Format:Spiral-bound

I personally am a HUGE fan of the first "99 ways" book. I made tons of my old t-shirts destined for the trash, into some new, avant-garde, ultra-wearable items! I didn't think the new denim book would even be able to compare to the old book. Boy, was I wrong!! This new denim book has so many unique and creative ideas to dress up your denim into new and fabulously useful items. This book even has awesome new pictures of the finished items to accompany the very talented drawings! I love that I can see a true sample of each item. I've already made the ipod case (Zack) and really cute bag (Lily). I use both all the time and they are essential, yet functional and very very stylish. I can't wait to make more denim items.
I would highly recommend this book to any one who needs to spice up their wardrobes, their coffee tables, or their lives.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars ...!!! March 7, 2007

By M. guardincerri

Format:Spiral-bound

it's frustrating for me - i'm from italy, but, i have to say: forget the old fashion stuff like gucci prada armani.

the FUTURE world's style necessarily comes from these three girls and their rehab/clothes approach...ecological awareness meets cool style..and it's not expensive at all! this is REAL genius.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Just ok April 21, 2008

By Haven

Format:Spiral-bound|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book was interesting but not my cup of tea. Most of the patterns were a bit silly and rudimentary. I think there are some people would enjoy this book, but I think most of the patterns were too young for me. Try the library.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Something for (almost) everyone! March 22, 2009

By agnes

Format:Spiral-bound

I waited to buy this book until it was on clearance at a local craft store. I'd seen it before, but there are many projects I'll never make, but for the price I got it, worth it for the cple of projects I've already made. Love the apron, and the little gym bag--though I did add a lining to both. I also made the gym bag from old khakis and added the back pocket to front of the bag--very cute & easy. I've got stacks of old jeans I've been saving, so I will try a few other projects from the book. The best thing is it's sparked me to get going sewing again!