Subversive Seamster: Transform Thrift Store Threads into Street Couture

It's time to get subversive, again! The downtown divas of "Sew Subversive" are back with another happy helping of straightlaced sewing advice for stylish results every time. Transform tacky bridesmaid gowns and pleated pants into picture-perfect tops, skirts and accessories. The two Melissas and a Hope deliver 30 great projects that are achievable for even the new sewer. "Subversive Seamster" is your secret roadmap to the jewels of thrifting and the ins and outs of refashioning. This book has shortcuts, tips, and secrets to the wide world of inexpensive, individualized fashion. Our clothes make a statement about who we are. What better way to say, "I am an individual!" than to wear one-of-a-kind items made out of other one-of-a-kind items? We derive the most fashionable satisfaction knowing that we are reusing and recycling what already exists in this material world--and looking darn good doing it!

Melissa Alvarado, Hope Meng, and Melissa Roeters are self-taught sewers and the co-owners of Stitch Lounge, a drop-in urban sewing lounge located in San Francisco. Kitted out with 5 sewing machines, 2 sergers, a cutting table, and other sewing related equipment, Stitch Lounge offers a wide range of sewing classes, from Sewing Machine Basics to Re: Fashion Class ("Take that baggy sweater that's been sitting in your closet unworn for 3 years and give it new life! Alter the neckline, or change the fit or even cut off the arms to make legwarmers!") to a weekend long workshop on Independent Designers and the Fashion Marketplace taught by local designers. In addition to classes, Stitch Lounge lets sewers buy time on the machines and bringing in your own machine is heartily encouraged. Please check out their website at www.stitchlounge.com.