Subversive Seamster: Transform Thrift Store Threads Into Street Couture (Paperback)

~ (Author), (Author), (Author), Matthew Carden (Photographer)
Key Phrases: midriff piece, medium stitch length, wide stitch width, Front Back, Subversive Seamster (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

It's time to get subversive, again! The downtown divas of "Sew Subversive" are back with another happy helping of straightlaced sewing advice for stylish results every time. Transform tacky bridesmaid gowns and pleated pants into picture-perfect tops, skirts and accessories. The two Melissas and a Hope deliver 30 great projects that are achievable for even the new sewer. "Subversive Seamster" is your secret roadmap to the jewels of thrifting and the ins and outs of refashioning. This book has shortcuts, tips, and secrets to the wide world of inexpensive, individualized fashion. Our clothes make a statement about who we are. What better way to say, "I am an individual!" than to wear one-of-a-kind items made out of other one-of-a-kind items? We derive the most fashionable satisfaction knowing that we are reusing and recycling what already exists in this material world--and looking darn good doing it!

About the Author

Melissa Alvarado, Hope Meng, and Melissa Rannels are self-taught seamsters, fearless remnant bin divers, and yard sale addicts with attitude. They co-own Stitch Lounge, a drop-in urban sewing studio in San Francisco, where you can rent time on a machine or take classes on everything from sewing machine basics to making a Burning Man costume in the company of other like-minded seamsters. Please check out their website at www.stitchlounge.com.

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Product Details Paperback: 188 pages Publisher: Taunton Press; illustrated edition edition (October 16, 2007) Language: English ISBN-10: 156158925X ISBN-13: 978-1561589258 Product Dimensions: 8 x 7.9 x 0.5 inches Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies) Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews) Amazon.com Sales Rank: #88,518 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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More About the Authors

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Melissa Rannels

Hope Meng

Melissa Alvarado

Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!

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Inside This Book (learn more)

Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
midriff piece, medium stitch length, wide stitch width, tennis racket cover, long stitch length, lace strip, party side, straight stitch, zigzag stitch, pin tucks, seam allowance, local thrift shop, presser foot

Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Front Back, Subversive Seamster

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Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Index | Back Cover | Surprise Me!

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Secrets for Successful Sewing by Barbara Weiland

Discusses:

• hem allowance
• short stitches
• stitch width

Secrets for Successful Sewing by Barbara Weiland Discusses: hem allowance short stitches stitch width Loading...

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What Do Customers Ultimately Buy After Viewing This Item?

	40% buy the item featured on this page: Subversive Seamster: Transform Thrift Store Threads Into Street Couture 3.7 out of 5 stars (15) $10.17
	21% buy Generation T: 108 Ways to Transform a T-Shirt 4.1 out of 5 stars (160) $10.37
	18% buy Rip It!: How to Deconstruct and Reconstruct the Clothes of Your Dreams 4.0 out of 5 stars (40)
	11% buy Sew Subversive: Down and Dirty DIY for the Fabulous Fashionista 3.3 out of 5 stars (38) $10.17

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Customer Reviews

15 Reviews 5 star:  (7) 4 star:  (3) 3 star:  (1) 2 star:  (2) 1 star:  (2)           Average Customer Review 3.7 out of 5 stars (15 customer reviews)		Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews 64 of 67 people found the following review helpful: 2.0 out of 5 stars Not what some might be hoping for!, January 17, 2008 By  Andrea M. Gerber (Sterling, OH USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)       After reading about this book on a blog that I frequent, I checked it out from the local library. Our family relies heavily on thrift shopping to clothe all of us (7 in all!), and anything to make thrift items more useful and attractive seems like a great idea. That said, these are beyond stylish (in the strangest way), and most of the fashions are just plain weird. I will try to upload some customer images, so readers can take a look and decide for themselves. I understand that "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" so my opinions are clearly not gospel...they are just that...opinions. My 2 stars are for the excellent pages of sewing instruction at the beginning, and the nifty method of making a custom dress form using an old T-shirt and duct tape. That is very clever and a thrifty idea! I liked some of the accessory and home ideas: pillow covers from button down shirts, the checkbook cover, the shopping bag. The fashions are mostly so out there that not many real people will be caught dead in them. If you were hoping to make these clothes useful for filling out an everyday or professional wardrobe, for instance...on a budget...don't get your hopes up. Many are just plain ugly and unflattering, even on the uber-hip women pictured in the book. Here are some examples: ...a pair of pants with sewn-on chaps ...crocheted poncho turned into a skirt, looks like it's just being worn over a slip ...a winter mini skirt made from a wool dress coat (theirs is ivory, no less!). Take a look at the picture, and then try to imagine sitting down! Also, think "bulky wool coat pockets" around most women's hips. Ick. ...a pleated school uniform-type skirt turned into a tube top. ...a bustier made out of "old man pants" (their description, not mine) ...a boatneck, batwing top made out of old sheets ...a skirt made from a mesh football jersey For the right person, all this might be very useable. For those who don't work in a trendy, bohemian boutique where such attire would be desired, I'd suggest looking elsewhere for ideas. 18 of 19 people found the following review helpful: 1.0 out of 5 stars SAVE YOUR MONEY, April 6, 2008 By  Sean M. Alexander "seadncr" (Sacramento, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)    This book is beyond bad. For those trying to save money by buying at thrift stores - save your money and don't buy this book! The "fashion" ideas, and that is a term used loosely, are horrible and all look badly home made. In some of the photos the edges aren't even finished correctly ( i.e. a bustier with uneven edge seams and threads hanging out)- and most are fashions that no one in their right style mind would wear. They are not radical and hip, they are messy and sad. The only idea that might prove helpful is how to create your own dress makers dummy - and this is a recycled idea. If you must look at this book, a trip to the local library and about 30 seconds is all you will need. 16 of 19 people found the following review helpful: 1.0 out of 5 stars Making trash into worse trash, April 3, 2008 By  slow thinker (Calgary, Canada) - See all my reviews Making trash into worse trash Oh. My. God. Where to begin? Upgrading ordinary clothes is a hobby of mine and I purchased Subversive Seamster by mail hoping for fresh ideas. After I turned the first pages I realized that the real value of this book is entertainment. As each photograph reveals a new fashion atrocity you begin to merrily anticipate further sartorial horrors and you are not disappointed. Chest-flattening tops, skirts without proper hems, tucks that look like accidents, a shirt sleeve made into coin purse (who is THAT poor?), appliqués zigzagged with " medium stitch length and width" showing unraveling edges and other hobo projects. If you want to apply for food stamps wear one of these creations. It will help. I alternatively laughed and cringed. I still cannot decide which project wins the Palm of Ugliness: the bulging un-hemmed Peek-a-Bootylicious Skirt made of men's pants or the gaucho pants with applied flannel pajama legs. I also question the wisdom of sacrificing a classic leather vest to make a pair of earrings. I would no more want to wear such clothes than I would want to eat from a garbage container. If you are very poor, save your time and effort by wearing unaltered thrift store clothes, you won't look any worse.		Ad feedback   Most Recent Customer Reviews 4.0 out of 5 stars Really great ideas even if the sewing tecniques are basic This book has truely great ideas about how to recycle items of clothing, where to get those items, all that sort of jazz! Read more Published 20 days ago by Melissa Wayne 2.0 out of 5 stars subversive seamster Love the DIY manniquin and some of the projects inside are very cute. very easy to follow instructions though better for a beginner seamster. Published 6 months ago by Dreamah Q 3.0 out of 5 stars You'll either love it or hate it This is not a book I would normally pick up in a bookstore. At first glance it is aimed at an age demographic slightly younger than the one I belong to. Read more Published 9 months ago by Charlene Anderson 4.0 out of 5 stars Handy Hints Although I have only flicked through this book, I can see myself finding it pretty handy as a reference and for inspiration. Read more Published 20 months ago by M. Colpman 5.0 out of 5 stars A 'must' for any collection catering to sewers. SUBVERSIVE SEAMSTER: TRANSFORM THRIFT STORE THREADS INTO STREET CULTURE as for any sewer who has patterns and methods down - and wants to move beyond them into the world of... Read more Published 21 months ago by Midwest Book Review 5.0 out of 5 stars A great resource for the individualist (and beginner!) seamster I received this as a gift and was very pleasantly surprised! There are a lot of fun, inventive, and easy ideas in this book. Read more Published 21 months ago by K. Mitchell 5.0 out of 5 stars Seamsters rule! I've truly been inspired. After reading Sew Subversive and now Subversive Seamster, I immediately got a sewing machine and started cranking away! Read more Published 21 months ago by Jato 4.0 out of 5 stars Creative and inspiring I just got this book and I have to say that it is one of my favorite crafting books. I love the DIY dress form (I would have never thought of that), and all of the new and... Read more Published 22 months ago by Elizabeth Crump 5.0 out of 5 stars kickin' all the other books to the curb! the market is flooded with reconstructing clothes books right now! this one puts all those simple t-shirt recon books to shame (not tease, that's a good one! Read more Published 23 months ago by Ugly Beat 5.0 out of 5 stars Now I can thrift with confidence! Thanks ladies, I have been waiting for book 2, cool stylish and cheap. Now I can read about sewing and not fall asleep. Read more Published 23 months ago by Jennifer Carden Search Customer Reviews Only search this product's reviews

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Product Details

• Paperback: 188 pages
• Publisher: Taunton Press; illustrated edition edition (October 16, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 156158925X
• ISBN-13: 978-1561589258
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 7.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #88,518 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

64 of 67 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not what some might be hoping for!, January 17, 2008

By	Andrea M. Gerber (Sterling, OH USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

After reading about this book on a blog that I frequent, I checked it out from the local library. Our family relies heavily on thrift shopping to clothe all of us (7 in all!), and anything to make thrift items more useful and attractive seems like a great idea.

That said, these are beyond stylish (in the strangest way), and most of the fashions are just plain weird. I will try to upload some customer images, so readers can take a look and decide for themselves.

I understand that "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" so my opinions are clearly not gospel...they are just that...opinions.

My 2 stars are for the excellent pages of sewing instruction at the beginning, and the nifty method of making a custom dress form using an old T-shirt and duct tape. That is very clever and a thrifty idea!

I liked some of the accessory and home ideas: pillow covers from button down shirts, the checkbook cover, the shopping bag. The fashions are mostly so out there that not many real people will be caught dead in them.

If you were hoping to make these clothes useful for filling out an everyday or professional wardrobe, for instance...on a budget...don't get your hopes up. Many are just plain ugly and unflattering, even on the uber-hip women pictured in the book.

Here are some examples:
...a pair of pants with sewn-on chaps
...crocheted poncho turned into a skirt, looks like it's just being worn over a slip
...a winter mini skirt made from a wool dress coat (theirs is ivory, no less!). Take a look at the picture, and then try to imagine sitting down! Also, think "bulky wool coat pockets" around most women's hips. Ick.
...a pleated school uniform-type skirt turned into a tube top.
...a bustier made out of "old man pants" (their description, not mine)
...a boatneck, batwing top made out of old sheets
...a skirt made from a mesh football jersey

For the right person, all this might be very useable. For those who don't work in a trendy, bohemian boutique where such attire would be desired, I'd suggest looking elsewhere for ideas.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars SAVE YOUR MONEY, April 6, 2008

By	Sean M. Alexander "seadncr" (Sacramento, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is beyond bad. For those trying to save money by buying at thrift stores - save your money and don't buy this book! The "fashion" ideas, and that is a term used loosely, are horrible and all look badly home made. In some of the photos the edges aren't even finished correctly ( i.e. a bustier with uneven edge seams and threads hanging out)- and most are fashions that no one in their right style mind would wear. They are not radical and hip, they are messy and sad. The only idea that might prove helpful is how to create your own dress makers dummy - and this is a recycled idea.


If you must look at this book, a trip to the local library and about 30 seconds is all you will need.

16 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Making trash into worse trash, April 3, 2008

By	slow thinker (Calgary, Canada) - See all my reviews

Making trash into worse trash

Oh. My. God. Where to begin? Upgrading ordinary clothes is a hobby of mine and I purchased Subversive Seamster by mail hoping for fresh ideas. After I turned the first pages I realized that the real value of this book is entertainment. As each photograph reveals a new fashion atrocity you begin to merrily anticipate further sartorial horrors and you are not disappointed. Chest-flattening tops, skirts without proper hems, tucks that look like accidents, a shirt sleeve made into coin purse (who is THAT poor?), appliqués zigzagged with " medium stitch length and width" showing unraveling edges and other hobo projects. If you want to apply for food stamps wear one of these creations. It will help. I alternatively laughed and cringed. I still cannot decide which project wins the Palm of Ugliness: the bulging un-hemmed Peek-a-Bootylicious Skirt made of men's pants or the gaucho pants with applied flannel pajama legs. I also question the wisdom of sacrificing a classic leather vest to make a pair of earrings. I would no more want to wear such clothes than I would want to eat from a garbage container. If you are very poor, save your time and effort by wearing unaltered thrift store clothes, you won't look any worse.