Book Review: ReSew by Jenny Wilding Cardon

Today I am reviewing the book "ReSew" by Jenny Wilding Cardon, © 2011, published by Martingale & Company.

Comprising 20 projects over 143 pages, ReSew seeks to help you "turn thrift store finds into fabulous designs". ReSew projects range widely from tops to bottoms, dresses, accessories, and home decor items. The last chapter is a learning section that reviews basic machine and hand sewing techniques, indispensable sewing supplies, the sewing of knitted sweaters and the felting of woolen garments.

With each project in her book, Ms. Wilding Cardon lays out the following:

• Project materials required, including what you need from the thrift store, all tools, and notions.
• Detailed cutting and sewing instructions along with hand-drawn diagrams, and before and after photos.

• A design section in which the author shares "what she could've done, should've done, wanted to do or just imagined" as a jumping off point for the reader to infuse her project with her own personality and flair.
• And "Retips" which combine ideas to keep each project running smoothly, and tips that help deal with problems that typically arise when sewing with thrift store clothing.

I very much like this book. As I'm sure you can imagine, the whole idea of upcycling and turning cast-offs into pretty, new, and useful pieces is most appealing to me. Two of my favourite ReSew projects include the aptly-named, sweet and feminine Two-Tee Tank Top made from two-tees...

...and this Felted and Flapped Purse! So cute. It's made from an old sweater. Wait a minute. I have an old sweater... Guess what I'm gonna make?... Lucky guess. And I like the fact that this book has something for everyone, from the beginner to the experienced sewist.

Note: Now let's talk about Monday. On Monday, I will be giving away this book to some lucky person along with a few other good goodies. That's because I will be belatedly celebrating - only 5 weeks later mind you - my first year blogiversary, my 200th post, and heck, life in general! AND I'm going to shoehorn that all in with Sew Mama Sew's Giveaway Day. So I invite you to join me in the celebration!

I hope to see you here on Monday! Until then, you have a fine fine weekend!