Girl's Guide to DIY Fashion

Rachel Low is the founder of and head instructor at Pins & Needles, a modern sewing and fashion design boutique in New York City. Her mission is to inspire a new generation of sewists. She lives in Manhattan with her dog, Molly. pinsandneedlesnyc.com

April 2015In another review I mentioned how I learned to sew as a child with help from a book called My Big Book of Sewing. This taught me the basics and showed me that sewing was fun, and a good opportunity for using imagination as well as producing something useful or amusing. It was rather thin on fashion however, unlike this inspiring book on how girls can make their own clothes. Most sewing books start with what you need, show you how to use it and then give you some projects to make to get you started. This is fine for adults, but younger people need a bit more to get encouraged. You can find all that here, from lively colorful layouts to the voice of the author, talking to the book’s owner like a friend. Get started by choosing a box for your supplies and decorating it, before learning what you need to put in it. Learn the parts of a sewing machine and what they all do, create a sewing space and a mood board. I love the way all this takes place first but not in a boring way as there are practical things to do such as the mood board and drawing fashion designs, and none of it takes too long to read. A fair but of knowledge is encapsulated in an admirably short section with plenty of pictures and things to try out. The projects themselves are grouped into sections such as back to school, friends, slumber party, summertime and party wear. Each section has four things to make or customizations for existing items. A project has a full page photo of the garment, plus a list of what you need, how to make it and tips to make it all go successfully. All the garments and accessories are designed to be fun to make and wear, and making them will teach a novice sewer how to do most of the basics. If this sounds boring this also includes the fun part, meaning embellishment and plenty of it. In short, this is a wonderfully produced book that is sure to appeal to any girl who wants to learn how to make their own clothes.

• Introduction [Chapter Title] Note for girls and parents What the girls say - students quotes Affirmations Things to Know [Section Opener] Essential Tools [Chapter Title] Tools/Supplies [Head 1] Using the Iron [Head 2] How to Pin [Head 2] Sewing Machine Basics [Head 1] The Parts [Head 2] How to use it [Head 2] Hand Sewing [Sidebar] Your Sewing Space [Head 1] How to Use This Book [Chapter Title] Finding Your Creative Style [Head 1] What Inspires You [Head 2] What do you love - Let's Doodle [Head 2] Mood Boards - How-to/room to create your own [Head 2] How the projects are organized - the process is broken down [Head 1] How to Use Patterns [Head 1] Ready to Create! [Chapter Title] Sewing Words [Head 1] Things to remember - Safety Tips [Head 1] Finishing Touches [Head 1] Hems, Zippers and Buttons [Head 2] Fun With Fabric [Chapter Title] Fashion Designing [Chapter Title] The Basics [Head 1] Let's practice - samples, stencils and croquis to draw on [Head 1] Some tips/thoughts from designers [Sidebar] Projects [Section Opener] Back-to-School Outfit [Chapter Title] School-Stylish Double Layer Skirt [Project Title] Flirty Flower Cardigan [Project Title] Pretty Pencil Case [Project Title] Happening Hair Ties [Project Title] Totally Tights [Project Title] Fun With Friends Outfit [Chapter Title] Jeggings [Project Title] Amazing Applique Sweatshirt [Project Title] Nifty Necklaces [Project Title] Dynamite D.I.Y. Sneakers [Project Title] Slumber Party [Chapter Title] Peace-Out" Pajama Pants [Project Title] Sleepover Tote [Project Title] Sweet Dreams Eye Mask [Project Title] Friendship Bracelets [Project Title] Rock'N Summer [Chapter Title] Ribbon Tie Dress [Project Title] Hip Halter Top [Project Title] Fabulous Flip Flops [Project Title] Hot" Hair Wrap [Project Title] Going to a Party [Chapter Title] Necklace Dress [Project Title] Party Purse [Project Title] Glitter Headbands [Project Title] Glam Shoe Clips [Project Title] What The Girl's Are Saying [Chapter Title] Templates [Chapter Title] Back-Matter [Chapter Title] Bio Resources