Book Review: New From Old by Jayne Emerson

A new book I've been enjoying is New From Old: How to Transform and Customize Your Clothes by Jayne Emerson. It's easy to understand and her ideas are simple yet effective.

One of my favorite ideas is turning a round tablecloth into a skirt, brilliant!

This is also the first book that has really inspired me to try dyeing and over-dyeing. Look how great these ribbons came out. Her explanantions make everything seem doable and I so appreciate that these days.

I love how this simple embroidery transforms this shirt. The author also shows how to use old jewelry and scarves in new ways and how to make a tote bag from an old leather skirt. It's the kind of book that you'll pull out again and again and find something new to try every time you open it up.

Comments

[Helen]

Love your blog. Being a large person,I have made myself quite a few skirts by cutting off the tops of longer dresses intended for much smaller frames than mine and elasticating the waists. These dresses are quite plentiful in most Op Shops.

[Jess]

Looks like a fun book! Thanks for the recommendation. Just found your blog. I like!

[Linda]

"turning a round tablecloth into a skirt,"

Oh! Of course! So obvious it makes one feel silly for not having thought of it already!

Oh, and I LOVE overdying. The most beautiful complex colors emerge.

[Kathleen]

That tablecloth idea is divine... I'm just imagining all of those cute ones that go on sale at anthropologie every once in awhile, with fabrics that scream to be made into something! :)

[sarah]

I saw this book at B&N and spent a good 1/2 hour drooling over the ideas in it. Fab!

[Ambika B]

It has been added to my wishlist. I've been thinking about picking up ribbon for a variety of things. This defnitely puts a new spin on that.

[Patricia]

Thanks for the book tip. I have a bunch of vintage tablecloths tha just linger in the buffet. Time to give tham a new life!

[~Vicki]

Ooooh I love this book! Yes, very simple and wearable ideas aren't they? That feather-stitching is perfect for that shirt.

[risa]

oooooh! muchas gracias for the recommendation. this book looks fabulous and just what i´ve been looking for. :)

[clarice]

Oh I know what I am asking for for Christmas. Thank you Clarice

[Terri Pollhein]

Gee,
Thanks for the tip on the book. I'll have to go out and find it now.

God bless!
Terri

[molly]

i'm so glad you reviewed this book. i have to say, that from the cover, i probably wouldn't pick this book up, but the pictures inside and the projects sound really fun. thanks, cassi....for things to add to my christmas list!

[AngelaM]

There are so many good craft books coming out these days - this looks like another one. Thanks for sharing!

[pinar]

I love to customize things..even new bought ones.. and then visit the shops from where I bought..and see if they will recognise..=)
I love the inspirations of this book as far as you showed.. and the stiches came out wonderful..
enjoy the transformation..