The re:fashion wardrobe Sew your own stylish, sustainable clothes

Lawrie's breezy, can-do attitude is infectious. After all, how hard can it be to repurpose garments (owned or thrifted) to save the planet and pockets? For readers without sewing expertise, Lawrie advises at least getting familiar with the workings of a machine and its terminology. Her idea works: create 11 items of clothing--from boxy tunic shirt to duvet duster coat--that adhere to a color palette for mix-and-matchable potential. Upfront instructions couldn't be more thorough and are well illustrated too: building the wardrobe, sourcing garments, and working with fabrics, haberdashery, and hardware. Directions for constructing each piece are thorough, filled with step-by-step photographs, tips and tricks (e.g., how to remove jean rivets), opportunities for creativity (like reverse the skirt design and put buttons on the back), and more. There's even a bit of a photo runway, showing different combinations of garments. Best yet is Lawrie's information on techniques that go beyond pattern templates and her reminders that fitting (yes, self-measuring) is critical to buttons and holes, necklines and belts. No excuses!

Refashioning--the act of taking discarded clothing or textiles and restyling them into a new piece--is an eco-conscious way to reuse items that may be out of style, slightly worn, or simply unwanted. Lawrie, who created the Refashioners challenge to encourage sewists to use reclaimed textiles for garment sewing, shares her extensive knowledge of sustainable sewing in this thoughtful guide. She encourages sewists to create a "capsule wardrobe," a curated, practical collection of garments that are timeless and of good quality. There are several projects, from a simple sleeveless shift dress created from three T-shirts to a full-scale refitting of a pair of oversized blue jeans. Each activity includes step-by-step instructions with ample photographs, along with tips and tricks for sewing success. The aesthetic is generally minimalist, featuring loose-fitting, boxy garments in neutral colors, but sewists interested in experimenting with more fitted or embellished clothing can consult the techniques chapter for ideas on creating refashioned items that suit their personal style. VERDICT Many sewists have an interest in sustainability and the environmental impact of fashion. This book provides thoughtful guidance for repurposing a variety of garments and textiles. Recommended for all sewing collections.--Nanette Donohue