The ReFashion Handbook: Refit, Redesign, Remake for Every Body: Secondhand Style from the Renegade Seamstress

The author’s blog is devoted to refashioning her lumpy thrift-store finds into more attractive (although by no means trendy) outfits, so it makes sense that her first book showcases 19 of the concepts she’s used in her sewing for herself. A frumpy three-quarter-sleeve T-shirt turns into a cute fitted top, while the Emerald Petals Dress takes a frequently found style (the sleeveless, bulky dress) and reworks it into a stylish cap-sleeve dress. The book uses written instructions and color photographs to show the techniques Huntington uses, which should be helpful for readers who clearly can’t count on finding the exact same clothes that she did. A basic techniques chapter is adequate, covering a few trickier skills such as hemming a pleated skirt. There are gaps—Huntington more than once suggests using a purchased pattern for a portion of the sewing without explaining how to do so—and it’s a little odd that Huntington models all of the projects, but this book is a great inspiration for those who like to make one-of-a-kind garments for women. Full-color photos. (Sept.)