Second-Time Cool: The Art of Chopping Up a Sweater
by Anna-Stina Ivarsson · Katarina Brieditis · Katarina Evans · Published by Other
Our Review
Second-Time Cool by Anna-Stina Linden Ivarsson, Katarina Brieditis and Katarina Evans is a great beginners guide to revamping unwanted clothing. Covering the key areas of embroidery, knitting and crochet, the book provides neat and easy tricks for sprucing up and adding bling to less stylish pieces.
Taking inspiration straight from the catwalk, the book explains how to reuse and recycle materials to create your own, which makes this a really inspiring read. With projects such as a necktie made from a V neck jumper and a coat made entirely from pompoms, some of the looks are better suited to outrageous and confident fashionistas, though there are pieces to suit the more timid dresser too. Even if you don't initially find something to make straight away, I'm sure you'll be inspired to use these techniques to create something unique and wonderful for yourself in the future.
It just goes to show that one woman's trash is another woman's couture!
You can pick up a copy of the book from Annick Press or Amazon now.
Publisher's Description
Create unique fashion styles using old sweaters!
Here's a book for anyone interested in designing a wardrobe that expresses individuality in fun and creative ways.
Second-Time Cool shows how easy it can be to recycle knitted sweaters and strike a dazzling look. Simply grab an old wool sweater, wash in the hot cycle, pick up the scissors, and follow the instructions outlined in this book.
Ideas include appliqués, slippers, vests, wrist and leg warmers, stylish tops, bags and purses, and much more. The book helps readers think creatively about what can become what: a sleeve can become a mitten, the center of a sweater a skirt, and a turtleneck a hat.
The authors remind readers to look for interesting fashions from the past in secondhand stores. Retro is in: it's all about learning to customize, cut up, and change used clothes with confidence.
Also included are:
- the basics of knitting and crocheting
- line drawings to guide readers step-by-step
- instructions on the how-to's of cutting up a sweater to produce a unique style.
Instruction pages are replete with full-color photography, while images displaying the end results offer inspiration.
The authors are a collective of Swedish designers, expert knitters, and fashion journalists.
