The Shirt Off His Back: 30 Projects for Transforming Everday Shirts Into a Variety of Home Accessories - Softcover

Bawden, Juliet

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0764147315 ISBN 13: 9780764147319

Publisher: B E S Pub Co, 2011

Synopsis

Start with several shirts that nobody plans to wear any more, add some imagination, and the resulting product can be anything from a good-looking checked chair cover or a brightly patterned beach bag to a set of table napkins or a soft stuffed toy that will delight a lucky toddler. The principle guiding this fascinating crafts book is that recycling isn't merely virtuous--it's also fun, and a good way to add colorful new items to the household. Author Juliet Bawden presents ideas for transforming all kinds of shirts--classic white or blue dress shirts, Hawaiian shirts, lumberjack shirts, polo shirts, corduroy shirts, or any other kind that happens to be available. She then presents detailed directions and templates for creating--

Chair covers

Book covers

Baby booties

Bath towels

Duvet cover and pillowcase

Cushion covers A fabric storage bucket

Garden chair cushions, and much more

There is also advice on where to find shirts for these projects, just in case no spares are available at home. Charity shops are one very good source. Juliet Bawden also gives her readers helpful advice on completing each project with added zippers, Velcro, and buttons where they're needed.. Each of the book's projects has been handsomely photographed in a stylish setting, and supplemented with helpful how-to photos and illustrations.

About this title

From the Inside Flap

(back cover)
Reinvent men's shirts to create an array of charming, pretty, and functional items, as you complete projects that give you things to wear, accessories, toys, and a host of attractive items for your home:

Duvet cover • Shirt for a teddy bear • Dining chair cover • Pillowcase • Decorative bunting • Book cover • Trimmed towels • Jewelry roll • Lampshade and base • Folding chair covers • Bread basket • Baby booties • Gingham sachets • Coffeepot cozy • Floppy rabbit • Retro-style throw pillows • Patchwork chair • Owl doorstop • Garden shed organizer • Covered storage boxes • Beach bag • Clothespin bag • Plaid clutch • Placemats • Sun hat • Appliquéd pillow • Apron • Drawstring hamper • Wheat-filled back warmer • Headboard cover

(front flap)
THE SHIRT OFF HIS BACK provides you with instructions for completing 30 projects that combine thriftiness with creativity. What becomes of men's shirts when they've been put aside and are no longer worn? Author Juliet Bawden has many imaginative answers to that question. Showing how to put discarded shirts to excellent use, she demonstrates that with a little imagination, you can transform them into objects that are as beautiful as they are useful. Choose from among her projects to create everything from bunting to bags, doorstops to duvet covers, and much more.

Charity and thrift shops generally offer an abundance of men's shirts in virtually all styles, patterns, and colors. Whether you're looking for stripes, checks, florals, retro-prints, or bright or pastel shades, you'll have little trouble finding inexpensive, good-quality material that you can use as you reinvent discarded shirts, transforming them into fabulously stylish items.

Each one of this book's projects is beautifully photographed and features clear instructions, complemented with full-color, step-by-step photos or illustrations. You'll find both surprises and inspiration as you discover many innovative ways to make use of every part of every shirt--from buttons and sleeves to collars and cuffs.

(back flap)
JULIET BAWDEN is the author of many popular crafts and sewing books. She lives in London, where she operates a successful interior decoration business.

CAROLINE ARBER is a successful interiors and lifestyle photographer whose photos appear regularly in many magazines, including Homes & Gardens. Her fine work can also be seen in many books devoted to arts and crafts.

About the Author

Juliet Bawden is the author of many sewing and craft books. She lives in London, where she operates a successful interior decoration business.

Caroline Arber's photos appear regularly in Homes & Gardens and can also be seen in many books devoted to arts and crafts.

Edition details

• Publisher: B E S Pub Co
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 0764147315
• ISBN 13: 9780764147319
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 144