Second-time cool The art of chopping up a sweater

Gr. 7-10. This book isn't for the fainthearted. The idea is to rip up existing knitwear and create a new garment. Ivarsson begins with a short history of recycling clothing and an environmental message. She then explains how to throw a sweater into a washing machine (so the material felts together) and begin cutting. There are no real patterns. The idea is to free one's creativity and to show how a sweater can become leg or wrist warmers, mittens, bags, scarves, even skirts and slippers. Mostly, this is filled with inspirational color photographs and directions for different kinds of knitting, crocheting, and embroidery. First published in Sweden, the book features models that are an attractive if somewhat motley crew; many of the outfits they wear are beyond hippie-style. Still, this provides lots of new design paths for the adventurous crafter. --Ilene Cooper Copyright 2006 Booklist

Gr 8 Up-This unusual craft book presents an amazing array of ideas that can be made from a wool sweater that has been washed in the hot cycle and dried until it becomes like felt. When the fibers bind together, it can be cut without fraying. The finished products range from Northern-European trendy teen-style clothing to more conservative mittens, purses, hats, and scarves. All of the suggested items are accompanied by color photographs. In addition to the craft ideas, there is a lengthy discussion of recycled fashions complete with pictures of avant-garde designs. Beginners might be frustrated by the lack of step-by-step instructions, and the author uses terms like "appliqu?" and "rosette" without any added explanation. There are also cursory introductions to knitting, crocheting, and embroidery but no real patterns. For newcomers, Judy Ann Sadler's Making Fleece Crafts (Kids Can, 2000) is a better place to start. However, Cool is ideal for those teens experienced in handwork and willing to try some of the stylish creations.-Donna Cardon, Provo City Library, UT (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Foreword Clothes announce your personality, your identity. Clothes allow us to play, change styles, and become someone different. With Second-Time Cool , you'll see how easy it is to make things with your own hands: how you can make new from old with craft techniques people have used through the ages, and how you can be sure no one else has clothing exactly like yours. Just take an old wool sweater, put it in the wash on the hot cycle, and make something new. Don't be inhibited by rules and convention -- let your hands lead the way and inspiration will follow. Get those scissors chopping! That old sweater will be transformed, even if the result is not what you imagined at the beginning. Ideas are everywhere: on TV, on the street, in the stores, in old books and magazines... even in museums. The way people used to do things is a great way to ignite your imagination. Working with your hands is fun. And it's good for your soul. New ideas are often born when your hands are busy. You don't have to work fast. Be sure to enjoy the process, and forget about any pressure to perform -- there are no rules. You're in charge! Excerpted from Second-Time Cool: The Art of Chopping up a Sweater by Anna-Stina Linden Ivarsson, Katarina Brieditis, Katarina Evans All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.