I got this book to satisfy my curiosity about the basic techniques of sewing, mending and, so I hoped, to receive a taste of how re-fashioning could bI got this book to satisfy my curiosity about the basic techniques of sewing, mending and, so I hoped, to receive a taste of how re-fashioning could be done. Rarely does a book, quick-bought online on impulse, satisfy my expectations so completely.
The step by step manuals and extensive additional explanations have enabled me to comprehend the basics of garment making and to alter existing articles to suit my individual needs. My shirts and trousers begin to truly become mine, as I continuously extend my comprehension of their structure and design, while thinking much more about their needs and the purpose of their life under my care.
The most outstanding achievement at the end of this book for me would be that I successfully altered a men's shirt into something unisex that pronounces my waist and hip with a skirt-like bottom while maintaining the masculine collar and wide shoulders. It was my practice run and further alteration projects will be conducted. I alter shirts and pants for me and my husband, occasionally reviving such beloved garments thought to be dead for their, assumedly, irrevocable damage. Seeing is to observe, and there is at least one skirt from which I divined a pattern available to my humble fledgling skills of sewing.
All by hand, mind, and I don't regret a single second spent stitching. ...more
To avoid feeding online stores, and knowing that I find great pleasure in "hunting" down books out of print or second-hand editions, my husband commisTo avoid feeding online stores, and knowing that I find great pleasure in "hunting" down books out of print or second-hand editions, my husband commissioned me to get a copy of The Art of Repair by Molly Martin. Therefore, I knew exactly what was in the mail yesterday.
A little unfortunate for my husband, though, for I started reading right away. By now I have darned five holes in an old towel, one of them twice to make up for my impatient work on the third attempt, and expanded my mindset of how easily you can break out of fast-fashion and re-unite with your clothing, blankets, cushions and bedding.
The book reads like a collection of short stories, and technically that's what it is. Many patches of personal experience and exhibitions of work stitch together something that is part life-style, part meditation technique, part sewing. As such, the "manuals" are sparing in technicalities, but throughout this book I was so encouraged to find my own way of mending; to regard it more an art than a chore. Therefore, it's really been enough to get an idea of what needs to be done and how to execute it.
I won't pretend that this opened me to a new hobby (yet). But it certainly taught me something to do when I need to disconnect from the world at large, send my mind on vacation and reward myself with a little piece of handiwork well done afterwards....more
Terry Pratchett's witticism and ingenuity meets Ben Aaronovitch-ian style Urban Fantasy. Compared to Madness of Angles, this narrative is very, very lTerry Pratchett's witticism and ingenuity meets Ben Aaronovitch-ian style Urban Fantasy. Compared to Madness of Angles, this narrative is very, very light-hearted, but still has the typical Griffin monsters to put one's imagination on electric fire. A really, really lovely thing....more
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