T-Shirt Makeovers: 20 Transformations for Fabulous Fashions by Sistahs Of Harlem, Carmia Marshall, Carmen Webber, and Derrick Gomez

Well, some of you asked for suggestions on sources for t-shirt reconstruction when I posted some of my efforts awhile ago. There are lots of internet sites ( like ohmystars.net and the t-shirt surgery livejournal group) and great books on the subject, and there’s another one coming out this fall.

The book is written by two designers who call themselves the Sistahs of Harlem, and that may be the most defining feature of this book compared to others on the topic: the designs are more high-fashion than diy, and have a definite urban vibe to them.

What I like best about the book is the introductory sections, which explain about sizing and offer tips on how to pick styles and colours for your particular body shape and skin tones. It also covers some general information on how to modify t-shirts, like cutting, measuring, ironing and pinning. There’s also a nice section in the back with all the different kinds of neck lines and sleeve styles you could try.

The instructions are well illustrated, with nice full-color pictures of the models wearing the finished product and good drawings for almost each step of the instructions.

The patterns themselves are fun and quite creative, although most are not really my style (a little too much emphasis on halter tops and midriffs showing, I know, its official, I’m old). However, there are a few that I would definitely try, and together with the great instructions, I’m sure I could modify other designs I like to suit my own style (like, just add a few inches to the bottom!)