Rip It!: How to Deconstruct and Reconstruct the Clothes of Your Dreams

Rip It!: How to Deconstruct and Reconstruct the Clothes of Your Dreams
by Elissa Meyrich

Rip It!: How to Deconstruct and Reconstruct the Clothes of Your Dreams
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Book Summary Information

Author: Elissa Meyrich
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Published)
Format: Bargain Price
Published: 2006-02-07
ISBN: N/A
Number of pages: 208
Publisher: Fireside

Book Reviews of Rip It!: How to Deconstruct and Reconstruct the Clothes of Your Dreams

Book Review: Not a lot of useful information
Summary: 2 Stars

I think that the title is a bit misleading. There is some good general information about alterations, but the main thing that you learn from the book is how to alter clothes that are to large to make them fit better. That might be useful for someone who has lost a lot of weight or someone who buys over sized items at thrift stores for that purpose, but for the rest of us it isn't very helpful. The other alterations included outdated and just plain tacky stuff like adding fabric panels to a denim skirt or jeans to make them bell bottoms. I thought that it would have been better to include a way to alter flare leg jeans to make them more fitted. A lot of it may be my personal sense of style, but most of the actual projects weren't very stylish or they seemed like a lot of trouble for nothing. I say look at the pictures on the cover. It doesn't get better. If you are still curious, check it out at the library first.

Summary of Rip It!: How to Deconstruct and Reconstruct the Clothes of Your Dreams

Why spend tons of money on humdrum designer duds when it's possible to revamp a piece you already own to create a guaranteed original that looks, fits, and feels just the way it should?

Rip It! shows how simple and fun it can be to transform a tired wardrobe into hip, one-of-a-kind new looks without spending a dime. Elissa Meyrich, owner and teacher at the popular New York sewing boutique Sew Fast Sew Easy, has been passing her sewing secrets and style tips on to students for years. Now she shows beginners and experienced sewers everywhere how to customize pieces found at cheap chain stores, thrift shops, or the far reaches of a closet and create fabulous new designs. Rip It! includes everything you need -- basic sewing and alteration information; quick sewing methods; where to find supplies; advice on which fabrics to use; important cutting rules; plus illustrated layouts, drawings, and instructions that show you how to:

  • Jazz up old t-shirts with stretch lace and zippers
  • Turn faded, falling-apart jeans into a hot new denim skirt
  • Change a pullover into a cute cardigan
  • Make a thrift-store dress into a hipster skirt
  • Create an instant poncho

Cool, crafty, and brimming with creative ideas, Rip It! is a hands-on handbook that will show you how to give your clothes sass, sparkle, and your own signature style.

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