About the book…
Crochet new life into unloved, unworn clothes with sustainable fashion hacks!
This book is not just a collection of crochet patterns or a selection of makes to keep you looking ‘de rigeur’. Oh no! This book is actually a toolkit of hints, tips and instructions to help you rethink the clothes that are already around you, from your own wardrobe to second-hand stores and thrifted finds. This book is a way of life.
Whether it’s repairing tears and holes, adjusting the fit of a garment such as increasing the length of the body or sleeves, or completely restyling a piece of clothing into something altogether more exciting, these innovative crochet ideas will keep more garments out of landfill and bring them back to life as your new wardrobe faves.
Sustainable fashion hero and crochet hacking pioneer Emma Friedlander-Collins of @SteelandStitch takes you step-by-step through the process of crocheting into denim, jersey, wool and other fabrics, with 17 projects to save you money AND save the planet!
I have been a keen follower of Emma’s from her columns in ‘Simply Crochet’ magazine, and even keener since I found her on Instagram-her ideas for changing and be-spoking items that don’t spark joy any longer are beguling to say the least.
From taking apart sweatshirts, making jeans into dungarees and bed sheets into jumpsuits, she is a passionate advocate for the ‘be more aware of the change you want to be’ movement. I am so excited to see, in paperback format, these 17 tutorials which will have you thinking twice about your recycling. Odds and ends of yarn can become granny squares, which can then become sleeves. Sleeves can become leg warmers. Jumpers that you aren’t ready to part with, but don’t know how to wear, can become ‘you’ again. With minimal skills but maximum enthusiasm, mending and fixing will take on a whole new meaning.
Put joy back into your clothes whilst being eco-conscious-this is a great read especially for those stuck at home without access to crafting shops etc. It shows what you can do with very little equipment and some time. Each piece can be deconstructed and remade to suit you.
Clothes shopping will never be the same again-here are great reasons to thrift, re-use, let your friends know that you upcycle, because when you do, I guarentee it will start a ripple effect amongst your friendship circles (says she, sitting Smaug-like on a pile of jeans worn through in the crotch and at the knees, shirts and sweaters…)
Oh and one more thing, don’t forget to ask before you hack up a loved one’s sweaters and shirts when closet diving…..
About the author…
Emma Friedlander-Collins has been moonlighting under the name Steel & Stitch since 2010 and has a successful online business and blog (Steel And Stitch) where she tries out her crochet patterns, and shares tips and techniques. She is the author of ‘Crochet Dress Up‘ and ‘Big Hook Crochet’, both for CICO Books. Emma lives in East Sussex, UK.
Instagram @steelandstitch
Author
bridgeman.lenny@gmail.com