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Generation T: 108 Ways to Transform a T-Shirt
Make it yours. This inspirational guide with DIY attitude has everything you need to know about the world’s great T-shirt: how to cut it, sew it, deconstruct it, reconstruct it, and best of all, transform it. • Features more than 100 projects (plus 200 variations) for customized tees, tank tops, tube tops, T-skirts—even handbags, a patchwork blanket, iPod cozies, leg warmers, and more. • Not a DIY expert? Not to worry. More than one third of the projects are no sew, meaning anyone who can wield a pair of scissors can put a personal stamp on her wardrobe. But the sewing basics are here too: backstitch and whipstitch, gather and ruche, appliqué and drawstrings. • And the mission statement for Generation T: Ask not what your T-shirt can do for you; ask what you can do for your T-shirt. And then Do-It-Yourself!
257 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2006
26 people are currently reading
600 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
May 27, 2008
I bought this because I knew that if I checked it out from the library, my desire to do something about the piles of old t-shirts that I've been hoarding would disappear as soon as my month with the book was up. As I stare at this book on my shelf, I am reminded of all the shirts that need to be made wearable and/or useful. I've done a few projects, some of which are wearable and most of which were educational to me in some way.
Here's what I learned from the book:
-You're going to want to practice on shirts that don't mean a lot to you, because your first few projects may not turn out as you like.
-The final projects may not be very durable. This may be OK if you're looking for a cheap thrill that isn't wearable for very long, but you may not want to try it with souveniers or other t-shirts with good memories attached to them.
-Many projects require large or XL shirts. If you're like me and have been purchasing sizes closer to your own girly size, you might have to go out and buy a bunch of XL shirts for lots of the projects so you can use the smaller shirts as decorations.
-After a few projects, you may, like me, decide that you really need a sewing machine to make these things look less sloppy. I know that cut-up t-shirts are by nature sloppy, but I would prefer that people say "oh, what a unique skirt she's wearing!" rather than "OMG, she totally made that herself. Look at the shitty stitching!"
-If you're going to make a skirt out of t-shirt material, remember that they have the tendency to stretch out and plan accordingly by adding a drawstring to every single design you make. I made several skirts that later needed drawstrings, and I discovered this after walking a mile or more in them and realizing that they would need to be pulled up frequently on the return trip. Awkward.
-When your family and friends learn about your new interest in repurposing old t-shirts, you may experience a sudden influx of material. Remember that you can be picky and that your local thrift store will have a lot of cheap and unique material to work with.
-You may ultimately decide that your aspirations aren't best met with t-shirt material and set your sights on other materials.
Overall, this book inspired a lot of craftiness. Once I have access to a sewing machine, I will do a lot of damage to the huge pile of t-shirts I've accumulated since I bought the book. I may put a hold on the pile, though, because I'm frustrated with the availability of inexpensive clothing that I will actually wear and I often believe that I could make the things I do want for a lot less. So we'll see what happens with my desire to learn to sew and repurpose old clothes. Thankfully, my mother is awesome with a sewing machine and hopefully will teach me a lot this summer when I get back home.
Here's what I learned from the book:
-You're going to want to practice on shirts that don't mean a lot to you, because your first few projects may not turn out as you like.
-The final projects may not be very durable. This may be OK if you're looking for a cheap thrill that isn't wearable for very long, but you may not want to try it with souveniers or other t-shirts with good memories attached to them.
-Many projects require large or XL shirts. If you're like me and have been purchasing sizes closer to your own girly size, you might have to go out and buy a bunch of XL shirts for lots of the projects so you can use the smaller shirts as decorations.
-After a few projects, you may, like me, decide that you really need a sewing machine to make these things look less sloppy. I know that cut-up t-shirts are by nature sloppy, but I would prefer that people say "oh, what a unique skirt she's wearing!" rather than "OMG, she totally made that herself. Look at the shitty stitching!"
-If you're going to make a skirt out of t-shirt material, remember that they have the tendency to stretch out and plan accordingly by adding a drawstring to every single design you make. I made several skirts that later needed drawstrings, and I discovered this after walking a mile or more in them and realizing that they would need to be pulled up frequently on the return trip. Awkward.
-When your family and friends learn about your new interest in repurposing old t-shirts, you may experience a sudden influx of material. Remember that you can be picky and that your local thrift store will have a lot of cheap and unique material to work with.
-You may ultimately decide that your aspirations aren't best met with t-shirt material and set your sights on other materials.
Overall, this book inspired a lot of craftiness. Once I have access to a sewing machine, I will do a lot of damage to the huge pile of t-shirts I've accumulated since I bought the book. I may put a hold on the pile, though, because I'm frustrated with the availability of inexpensive clothing that I will actually wear and I often believe that I could make the things I do want for a lot less. So we'll see what happens with my desire to learn to sew and repurpose old clothes. Thankfully, my mother is awesome with a sewing machine and hopefully will teach me a lot this summer when I get back home.
November 20, 2008
I am SO glad that I didn't buy this book. It was more like 108 ways to look like a trashy hooker punk rocker from the 80s. That said, out of the 108 things to do with t-shirts, I found 2 things that I am anxious to try.
April 1, 2024
-I don’t know what I was expecting from this book. And working my way through, I’m still not sure what I expect out of it. I’m actually writing this as I’m reading it so that I don’t forget my thoughts/feelings about it.
-One thing I did notice right from the start, there isn’t much body representation in it. It’s all skinny beanpole type bodies that go into any thrift shop and purposefully buy plus size clothing so as to upcycle it into something that fits them, leaving nothing for the plus size people to buy.
Actually, entire rant redacted. I think I’m just not vibing with this. And my voluptuous bosom does not vibe with this as most of these items thus far are meant to be worn bra-less (again, Beanpole NYC chic)
-The entirety of Chapter 2 felt very… pedestrian. Like it was supposed to be all punkish, but the vibe didn’t come across that way. It just looks like someone had an idea and gave up half way. It’s kind of what I would expect in a high school home economics class. Edit after reading most of the book: Some of the designs _are_ exactly the same as I drew up in High School.
-Finally Chapter 3 there starts to be anything interesting.
-I also don’t understand why the inspiration images at the start of each project is in black and white (well, I mean greyscale). The rest of the book is in colour (the illustrations), so why not the inspiration shots?
-Chapter 4… entire text devoted to going bra-free. Obviously none of this was designed by anyone over a B Cup.
-Chapter 4 – project 38, and I quote: “It’s like a magic trick. Hold up an extra-large tee and tell your friends that it’s your favorite refashioned shirt. But that’s just a big ugly T-shirt, they’ll think, convinced you’ve lost all sense of style. Then, disappear behind door #1, shirt in hand, and emerge moments later wearing Ready-Made. One of the simplest tubes to make, it’s also one of the hottest. A lazy girl’s favorite, it involves no sewing, measuring, or even cutting. All you need to remember is one of those knots you learned back in summer camp.” -- I can actually feel my angry rant that I redacted coming back full force. My initial gut reaction about this being someone who goes and buys Plus Size clothing just to upcycle leaving nothing for the Plus Size bodies.
-Chapter 4 – project 44: Ooohh and now it uses a term that is considered a racial slur. How very punk.
-Chapter 5 -project 51: “The right combination of color and texture makes this classic shape all the more exciting. I decided to combine dark gray and orange. (It’s as striking as black and orange, but not as Halloweeny.)” (with picture below it)-- you know what would have been good in this moment? Photos in color instead of just showing it in greyscale. Why even bother talking about color and texture, and specifically relating to one project and then just have it be in greyscale. Someone who has never seen the combination of grey and orange together (I’m sure they’ve seen it, but they won’t necessarily recall it) will be completely underwhelmed by this as it does not provide anything actually useful.
And why in the ‘fun fact’ section of this project is it a t-shirt under a tuxedo? This entire section is about skirts. Why wasn’t that in any of the previous top sections???
The accessories chapter finally feels more realistic.
I feel like someone is going to read this and just think I’m hating on the author for being different and that ‘I don’t get it’
That is so not true. I LOVE t-shirts and more important Cotton Lycra fabric (it’s what we call it in the fabric community even though Lycra is a brand. Cotton Elastane is more accurate but doesn’t roll off the tongue as well.). So much so that I spent 3 years of my life working towards starting my own fabric printing business specifically so that I could have cool CL fabric to work with and sew an entire wardrobe out of CL because I have a sensory aversion to anything other than CL. I have worked in the textile industry since my early 20s in one form or another (I am now double that in age, so that gives an indication of how long I have been working with textiles). I have professionally sewn all manner of fabric types and clothing types ranging from historically accurate, to modern.
I just found most of what was in this book to be poorly executed and not well thought out. Tote bag with just two flimsy narrow spaghetti style straps with nothing sewn to give it stability? Those will rip if instantly if you put anything more than an apple in the bag. I could go on and on.
I really do feel like the author doesn’t understand the dynamics of the actual fabric and why some clothing articles, really need to be made out of specific materials.
100% cotton t-shirts do not actually make good clothing if you want it to be anything other than baggy, because it will lose it’s shape over time, especially if it’s been Frankensteined against it’s original purpose. And that is why the majority of items in this book look unfinished/unflattering.
I can actually say that this is the longest review I have written in years. YEARS. Guess that says something about my feelings about it.
-One thing I did notice right from the start, there isn’t much body representation in it. It’s all skinny beanpole type bodies that go into any thrift shop and purposefully buy plus size clothing so as to upcycle it into something that fits them, leaving nothing for the plus size people to buy.
Actually, entire rant redacted. I think I’m just not vibing with this. And my voluptuous bosom does not vibe with this as most of these items thus far are meant to be worn bra-less (again, Beanpole NYC chic)
-The entirety of Chapter 2 felt very… pedestrian. Like it was supposed to be all punkish, but the vibe didn’t come across that way. It just looks like someone had an idea and gave up half way. It’s kind of what I would expect in a high school home economics class. Edit after reading most of the book: Some of the designs _are_ exactly the same as I drew up in High School.
-Finally Chapter 3 there starts to be anything interesting.
-I also don’t understand why the inspiration images at the start of each project is in black and white (well, I mean greyscale). The rest of the book is in colour (the illustrations), so why not the inspiration shots?
-Chapter 4… entire text devoted to going bra-free. Obviously none of this was designed by anyone over a B Cup.
-Chapter 4 – project 38, and I quote: “It’s like a magic trick. Hold up an extra-large tee and tell your friends that it’s your favorite refashioned shirt. But that’s just a big ugly T-shirt, they’ll think, convinced you’ve lost all sense of style. Then, disappear behind door #1, shirt in hand, and emerge moments later wearing Ready-Made. One of the simplest tubes to make, it’s also one of the hottest. A lazy girl’s favorite, it involves no sewing, measuring, or even cutting. All you need to remember is one of those knots you learned back in summer camp.” -- I can actually feel my angry rant that I redacted coming back full force. My initial gut reaction about this being someone who goes and buys Plus Size clothing just to upcycle leaving nothing for the Plus Size bodies.
-Chapter 4 – project 44: Ooohh and now it uses a term that is considered a racial slur. How very punk.
-Chapter 5 -project 51: “The right combination of color and texture makes this classic shape all the more exciting. I decided to combine dark gray and orange. (It’s as striking as black and orange, but not as Halloweeny.)” (with picture below it)-- you know what would have been good in this moment? Photos in color instead of just showing it in greyscale. Why even bother talking about color and texture, and specifically relating to one project and then just have it be in greyscale. Someone who has never seen the combination of grey and orange together (I’m sure they’ve seen it, but they won’t necessarily recall it) will be completely underwhelmed by this as it does not provide anything actually useful.
And why in the ‘fun fact’ section of this project is it a t-shirt under a tuxedo? This entire section is about skirts. Why wasn’t that in any of the previous top sections???
The accessories chapter finally feels more realistic.
I feel like someone is going to read this and just think I’m hating on the author for being different and that ‘I don’t get it’
That is so not true. I LOVE t-shirts and more important Cotton Lycra fabric (it’s what we call it in the fabric community even though Lycra is a brand. Cotton Elastane is more accurate but doesn’t roll off the tongue as well.). So much so that I spent 3 years of my life working towards starting my own fabric printing business specifically so that I could have cool CL fabric to work with and sew an entire wardrobe out of CL because I have a sensory aversion to anything other than CL. I have worked in the textile industry since my early 20s in one form or another (I am now double that in age, so that gives an indication of how long I have been working with textiles). I have professionally sewn all manner of fabric types and clothing types ranging from historically accurate, to modern.
I just found most of what was in this book to be poorly executed and not well thought out. Tote bag with just two flimsy narrow spaghetti style straps with nothing sewn to give it stability? Those will rip if instantly if you put anything more than an apple in the bag. I could go on and on.
I really do feel like the author doesn’t understand the dynamics of the actual fabric and why some clothing articles, really need to be made out of specific materials.
100% cotton t-shirts do not actually make good clothing if you want it to be anything other than baggy, because it will lose it’s shape over time, especially if it’s been Frankensteined against it’s original purpose. And that is why the majority of items in this book look unfinished/unflattering.
I can actually say that this is the longest review I have written in years. YEARS. Guess that says something about my feelings about it.
March 30, 2017
T-shirts? Uh, yeah, I have a few....million, it seems. Despite the fact that I have donated seemingly a metric ton of them to the Goodwill, they seem to be reproducing in my closets. I did chuckle at this book's advice on where to find t-shirts...these days it seems like you sneeze and you get a free shirt.
However, the dilemma eventually comes down to what to do with shirts you still genuinely like, but are too faded or threadbare to actually, well, wear anymore. I really want a t-shirt quilt featuring my favorite old band shirts, but I'm so afraid of messing it (and my treasured shirts) up irreparably, and I don't really have the cash to pay a professional to do it.
I found GENERATION T to be mildly helpful. I'm more interested in things like t-shirt pillows, quilts, and other non-wearable crafts, and this book was mostly about repurposing them into different types of clothing. As much as I'd like to walk around at work wearing Led Zeppelin or cartoon cat shirts, I don't think that's going to be approved anytime soon. The good news is that this book caters to the amateur. It carefully explains each step of the crafting process.
I do think GENERATION T needs an update. Its dated presentation, with mostly b&w pages and lots of '90s-era pop-culture references and fashion sense, is in need of a modern overhaul. I'm thinking color step-by-step photos of each project and more classic designs whose appeal won't go "out" so quickly.
However, the dilemma eventually comes down to what to do with shirts you still genuinely like, but are too faded or threadbare to actually, well, wear anymore. I really want a t-shirt quilt featuring my favorite old band shirts, but I'm so afraid of messing it (and my treasured shirts) up irreparably, and I don't really have the cash to pay a professional to do it.
I found GENERATION T to be mildly helpful. I'm more interested in things like t-shirt pillows, quilts, and other non-wearable crafts, and this book was mostly about repurposing them into different types of clothing. As much as I'd like to walk around at work wearing Led Zeppelin or cartoon cat shirts, I don't think that's going to be approved anytime soon. The good news is that this book caters to the amateur. It carefully explains each step of the crafting process.
I do think GENERATION T needs an update. Its dated presentation, with mostly b&w pages and lots of '90s-era pop-culture references and fashion sense, is in need of a modern overhaul. I'm thinking color step-by-step photos of each project and more classic designs whose appeal won't go "out" so quickly.
December 16, 2007
Every single time I wear a shirt or skirt from this book I get LOTS of compliments. Plus, everything is made out of T shirts that you probably just have laying around the house. My only complaint is that many of the shirts or skirts are skimpy or seem to be designed for very thin ladies or aimed at young girls - for whom I feel many of this ideas are too revealing. However, it doesn't take much to lengthen a hem or raise a neckline. Either way, these ideas are fun and look great!
May 5, 2009
Two new shirts in an hour last night ... truly entertaining!
As a seamstress, I am supposed to be above this. However, to the contrary, it's a great way to let out all the craziness and impatience that builds up working on bridesmaids' dresses and suit jackets. Wearing one of these t-shirt creations while stitching away at satin and tulle is a nice feeling. Not to mention how hot I look in that cover-photo halter top! Everyone needs to give this a shot ...
As a seamstress, I am supposed to be above this. However, to the contrary, it's a great way to let out all the craziness and impatience that builds up working on bridesmaids' dresses and suit jackets. Wearing one of these t-shirt creations while stitching away at satin and tulle is a nice feeling. Not to mention how hot I look in that cover-photo halter top! Everyone needs to give this a shot ...
February 3, 2023
What amazing ideas
I really enjoyed this book and got so many ideas for those old t-shirts that are old or just don't fit like they use to, things I wouldn't have thought of, and it comes with easy to understand instructions. There are also plenty of clothes and accessories to make that require no sewing. If you ever wanted to dabble in repurposing your old t-shirts, this is a good place to start.
I really enjoyed this book and got so many ideas for those old t-shirts that are old or just don't fit like they use to, things I wouldn't have thought of, and it comes with easy to understand instructions. There are also plenty of clothes and accessories to make that require no sewing. If you ever wanted to dabble in repurposing your old t-shirts, this is a good place to start.
July 2, 2024
finally got through all of the designs in the book…every crafty bitch needs this book, the tshirt is sooo understated
April 26, 2011
Ideas I’m interested in trying:
5. Pleasantly punk
9. Mix n’ match
10. Shoulder slash
21. Safety first
23. A beautiful day in the ‘hood
30. Greek goddess
31. Queen of braids
34. Punk’d
72. Flapper frenzy
82. Bag lady
85. Is this seat taken?
Page217. Pillow talk – “simply slip a pillow into a soft t-shirt”
88. Patchwork punk
95. My ears are ringing
98. Big hair bands
101. Lace station
105. Pocket it
5. Pleasantly punk
9. Mix n’ match
10. Shoulder slash
21. Safety first
23. A beautiful day in the ‘hood
30. Greek goddess
31. Queen of braids
34. Punk’d
72. Flapper frenzy
82. Bag lady
85. Is this seat taken?
Page217. Pillow talk – “simply slip a pillow into a soft t-shirt”
88. Patchwork punk
95. My ears are ringing
98. Big hair bands
101. Lace station
105. Pocket it
April 8, 2016
This book is more catered to a teenage audience, but it gave me plenty of inspiration and how-to. Also a decent primer on how to do basic diy and t-shirt surgery.
Unfortunately a lot of the t-shirt modifications are more suited for small breasts, so some of these things will be near impossible for me unless I heavily modify the original design in the book. Which is fine for me tbh.
I love diy and I love t-shirt surgery!
Unfortunately a lot of the t-shirt modifications are more suited for small breasts, so some of these things will be near impossible for me unless I heavily modify the original design in the book. Which is fine for me tbh.
I love diy and I love t-shirt surgery!
June 10, 2008
Yep, I needed this book. Pretty much every t-shirt I cut prior to owning it made me look like a lumberjack or a long-haul trucker. Now, with the book's help (it doesn't laugh at me when I still mess up) I look like a bootleg NHL player with girl arms. So that's better, I guess.
September 29, 2022
Lately I’ve been thinking about Becoming a trash to treasure craft seller. I love thrifting and dumpster diving So repurposing free materials into something I could sell would be interesting. This all stems from a T-shirt I have that much too small but I really wanna wear so I’m trying to figure out how to make it bigger.
July 24, 2023
While I have to agree with some of the other reviews that have already been written for this book, that some of the designs might come out looking less polished without the use of a sewing machine and that firsters would be wise to try out the designs on shirts that they don't particularly care about before working on any beloved old shirts, I just want to say that I think that there are a lot of fun projects here and that it would be a great gift for someone just starting out in the sewing hobby.
Which is something that heavily influenced the haiku that I threw together to commemorate my reading the book---which is kind of just my thing that I do.
Anyway:
"A cheerful gateway
Founded on the golden rule
Of waste not, want not."
Which is something that heavily influenced the haiku that I threw together to commemorate my reading the book---which is kind of just my thing that I do.
Anyway:
"A cheerful gateway
Founded on the golden rule
Of waste not, want not."
February 23, 2017
The Good: This book was fun to browse and had some cute ideas, although the projects would pop more if the photos were in color rather than black and white. Some of the styles were a bit dated while others, previously dated, have come back in vogue. In particular there was a modified "cold shoulder" project which, I understand, is the very height of spring 2017 couture.
The Not So Good: While I like this book in theory, practice is a different story. I do like a lot of the ideas. Some are super cute. Not that I'd wear others, but they're still cute. The "Bad" came when I tried some of the simpler ideas myself (key word, "simpler"). While I'm no Uber Crafter, I'm not a complete klutz either. I followed the instructions to a "T" (PUN!!!). And, ideally, I should have ended up with something just like in the book. Or at least close. Well... Lets just say I ended up with some very stylish-looking dustcloths that weren't good for much more than spreading furniture polish. I think my cat may have gotten ahold of one too. Bottom Line: If I couldn't successfully pull off even the easiest projects, I couldn't legitimately expect other average crafters to do so.
I can't say I recommend this one.
The Not So Good: While I like this book in theory, practice is a different story. I do like a lot of the ideas. Some are super cute. Not that I'd wear others, but they're still cute. The "Bad" came when I tried some of the simpler ideas myself (key word, "simpler"). While I'm no Uber Crafter, I'm not a complete klutz either. I followed the instructions to a "T" (PUN!!!). And, ideally, I should have ended up with something just like in the book. Or at least close. Well... Lets just say I ended up with some very stylish-looking dustcloths that weren't good for much more than spreading furniture polish. I think my cat may have gotten ahold of one too. Bottom Line: If I couldn't successfully pull off even the easiest projects, I couldn't legitimately expect other average crafters to do so.
I can't say I recommend this one.
January 17, 2015
I don't know what impressed me more about 'Generation T: 108 Ways to Transform A T-Shirt" by Megan Nicolay, the myriad of ways the simple T-shirt could be redesigned or Nicolay's story about "the brooklyn tee party revolution". As I read her story at first I felt a kinship for a fellow thrifter, recycler and personal style advocate, then as I looked at her t-shirt ideas, I also became excited by this new chapter in modern dressing. I particularly appreciated the way she put her own spin on "punk" and "street" classics and included variations with some of the projects.
While each project was laid out to include a photo of a model in the garment, and instructions, I thought the "tees in the movies," "tee trivia" and other text added to the depth of the writing as effectively. Nicolay's prevailing message to "become a rogue fashionista by putting your own signature on each project you create" really inspired me and I can't wait to apply it to the "Classic Punk" tee, the "Tying Game" tee and the "Twisted Sister" tee.
Contemporary, with an independent edge, this book was a revelation for me and helped me realize I'm in control of my style even if it's in the form of a humble t-shirt.
While each project was laid out to include a photo of a model in the garment, and instructions, I thought the "tees in the movies," "tee trivia" and other text added to the depth of the writing as effectively. Nicolay's prevailing message to "become a rogue fashionista by putting your own signature on each project you create" really inspired me and I can't wait to apply it to the "Classic Punk" tee, the "Tying Game" tee and the "Twisted Sister" tee.
Contemporary, with an independent edge, this book was a revelation for me and helped me realize I'm in control of my style even if it's in the form of a humble t-shirt.
May 9, 2010
Crafy books are hard to evaluate. I don't feel like I necessarily *read* them, per se, so much as flip through them. (There's generally not enough text to justify calling it "reading".) I'm not really a crafter, anyway, so I think I should rate them by whether they motivate me to do something. And this is the first one I've read in a while where I've actually done something about it.
After having "read" the whole thing, it sat on my library pile for weeks, then one night I suddenly started to modify some shirts. I did "Ties to Die For", and tried another t-shirt (which I realized mid-mod was just Not Going To Work). And then it was midnight and I went to bed, but, well.
Some of the tops are very cute, some are less my style, but three stars for motivating me to get off my butt and actually *do* it.
After having "read" the whole thing, it sat on my library pile for weeks, then one night I suddenly started to modify some shirts. I did "Ties to Die For", and tried another t-shirt (which I realized mid-mod was just Not Going To Work). And then it was midnight and I went to bed, but, well.
Some of the tops are very cute, some are less my style, but three stars for motivating me to get off my butt and actually *do* it.
November 30, 2012
I absolutely love this book. Unlike many 't-shirt surgery' books, this one includes very wearable projects, not just skimpy midriff-revealing halter tops. There is a whole chapter on skirts that could easily be worn to a casual office. The wedding gown constructed from t-shirts is absolutely gorgeous. Many of these projects are simple enough for older kids to try - a great way to teach them how to sew, a life skill for which they will one day thank you. There are projects for guys, too! And all you need is t-shirts, cheap and easy to obtain from thrift and discount stores, or just clean out your t-shirt drawer and give your favorite tees a new life. Most of these can easily be done with hand-sewing in just a few hours. This is definitely a keeper. I loved it so much, I bought the sequel. Generation T: Beyond Fashion: 120 New Ways to Transform a T-shirt
November 22, 2010
This is my go-to book on altering tshirts. It's got a great introduction with sewing techniques, 108 specific ideas with photographs of techniques, variations on many of the ideas... Really great. The only thing which I think could improve the experience for me is some kind of an index. I feel the need to flip through the whole book every time I embark on a new project and it would be nice to have some kind of finding aid. Having a hard time thinking of a suggestion myself - maybe a few pages that have just thumbnails of photographs with each idea with a page number underneath? Good good stuff. If I bought books, I'd probably buy this one and dogear many pages.
July 15, 2011
There are some good ideas in this book, but I've seen people manifest these designs in real life AND THEY DO NOT LOOK CUTE.
Man, there are some people who get inspired to cut up a shirt as instructed....but really SHOULDN'T be wearing such designs.
There were also some designs I tried that worked and really looked cute, but there were other ideas that just made me look trashy no matter what I did.
I would like to try the rug idea one day...but that's it.
There are other books similar to this out there, this is NOT the end-all catch-all book but could be a good beginning to DIY reconstructivism.
Man, there are some people who get inspired to cut up a shirt as instructed....but really SHOULDN'T be wearing such designs.
There were also some designs I tried that worked and really looked cute, but there were other ideas that just made me look trashy no matter what I did.
I would like to try the rug idea one day...but that's it.
There are other books similar to this out there, this is NOT the end-all catch-all book but could be a good beginning to DIY reconstructivism.
July 25, 2016
Great place to start for recycled sewing projects. Projects range from beginner to experienced so there's a good mixture of difficulty levels in here to keep you entertained. The only complaint I have is that I think the finished projects look better and last longer with finished hems/edges, and I would use an iron to smooth down the seams. Other than that I really enjoyed this book. I get lots of compliments on my outfits. And once you've zipped through several of these projects you can easily alter or tweak the patterns to create whatever zany idea that pops in your head. Awesome book.
September 9, 2008
This is one of the most awesome craft books I have ever come across! It is an easy way to transform something so simple and cheap into 108 better things... well, maybe 50 better things- some of them were a little over the top. But after going through it and making a few for myself, I realized I could make some of them for my 1 year old daughter, too- and they turned out super cute! Then I saw a couple I could make for my husband. Now, I see a shirt style that I like at the store- or on someone I'm walking by- and I think, "I think I could MAKE that- out of a T-SHIRT!!!"
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July 28, 2011Anyone who is into DIY, making their own clothes, or sewing MUST own a copy of this brilliant book. The ideas in here are easy, creative, and entirely unique. I found so many that I would like to make that I will actually need more shirts to do so! They are also easy to modify and combine to make something that is entirely yours. Most of the best designs don't even involve sewing, so it is great for large groups (like Girl Scouts) and beginners. But it is never dumbed down and has a valuable creativity even for those who are advanced at sewing.
December 15, 2007
i didn't think this book was that great. i had heard a lot about it, and i thought it was a cool idea, but the ideas in here are mostly impractical--at least, for me. i don't want to wear a shirt held together with safety pins.... anyway there were some good ideas, like how to make a tote bag out of two t-shirts, that i liked. i made one out of two pairs of old pants (which worked the same way as shirts) and put a little owl applique on it and it turned out really well.
July 9, 2008
In some cases I just wanted to yell at the book "hey! the 80's called, they want their style back"...but for this most part this book gave me some cute ideas for personalizing a shirt. And alot of their projects are "no sew" - YAY! (although I do sew and amazingly well). I incorporated 2 or 3 of their projects (after completely mangling a t-shirt attempting one of their projects) and ended up with a really cute t-shirt I wore to an Angel's game and got a TON of compliments on!
March 30, 2009
I'm not generally a crafty person, but I decided that I wanted to make myself a t-shirt for the upcoming Nightwish concert. Also, that I didn't want it to be just any regular t-shirt. This book had several awesome sew and no-sew projects that turn ordinary t-shirts into all sorts of things. I chose design 18 "ties to die for" and it came out rather well. I think this would be an awesome book to pick a few projects from and do as a teen program. :)
October 27, 2009
The best thing about this book is that it doesn't indulge the fact that I'm a terrible perfectionist. These designs are simple and fast, many of them don't even require sewing. I wouldn't wear everything in the book-- far from it-- but as someone who would wear t-shirts every day if they could, it's cool to get some inspiration to mix it up a bit. Design #33 was the first one I made, and I've gotten lots of compliments on that shirt-- which started out as a way-too-big $2 tee from Goodwill.
March 6, 2013
This is still the best book I know about t-shirt reconstruction - it was my right hand man when I first started cutting up t-shirts. It has a great variety of designs that are in very concise, attractive instructions. The beginning of the book covers the basics of sewing and the tools you will need or might want to gather for projects. And the entire history of the t-shirt is printed in fun facts littered throughout the book.
June 16, 2013
All the internet tutorials in the world are no match for this book. Nicolay made t-shirt modification seem do-able, stylish, and fun.
I made only modest changes to a volunteer shirt, but felt way less dorky than in past years wearing shirts with no or unsatisfactory modifications. Next year, perhaps something more ambitious, such as the scarf or the t-shirt with decorative razor blade slashes.
I made only modest changes to a volunteer shirt, but felt way less dorky than in past years wearing shirts with no or unsatisfactory modifications. Next year, perhaps something more ambitious, such as the scarf or the t-shirt with decorative razor blade slashes.
January 16, 2021
Interesting and inspirational but I think many of the garment designs just weren't that flattering. The projects near the end of the book were really stretching the idea of transformation. Using little squares of T-shirt material on earring hooks? Cutting thin strips of T-shirt fabric as shoe laces? Hmmm, I don't think I'm that hard up to go that route. Maybe this book is better for tweens or teens.
April 2, 2008
I will definitely be using this book in the future to lead some teen craft projects at the library. Many of the t-shirt transformation projects in here are super easy and require almost no tools beyond scissors, a ruler and tailor's chalk. Some require minor sewing skills, but none look beyond the reach of a determined craftster.
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