Baxter - Chic on a Shoestring: Simple to Sew Vintage-Style Accessories

I f youre anything like me, youll know how it feels to gaze longingly at enticing images in glossy magazines and realize that the object of your desire is way beyond your reach. Theres the handcrafted necklace thatll mean a bounced check, the stunning shoes that will deprive you of your rent, or the elegant hat thatll blow your credit rating out of the water. But it doesnt have to be like that.

Chic on a Shoestring is the doorway to a different world, one in which your creativity will flourish and your purse strings wont snap. Leaf through the pages and youll find a plethora of ingenious ideas for transforming stuff you might otherwise throw out or ignore into a closet full of covetable clothes and accessories.

Inspired by Claire Richardsons stunning photographs and aided by Sam Wilsons delightful illustrations, Ill give you step-by-step instructions to show you how you too can become your own makeover magician using basic sewing techniques. If youre a beginner, youll relish being able to achieve stunning results without accumulating a vast array of skills and equipment; if youre already an accomplished seamstress youll find a host of fresh and exciting projects as well as possibilities for stamping them with your own personality.

Chic on a Shoestring will change your look from top to toe. Theres the charming pillbox hat conjured from a cereal box, the shoelaces that become a show-stopping choker, the silk scarf that emerges as a seductive summer top, and the oxfords that bring to life your basic lace-ups. There are tips for embellishing and customizing everyday clothes to help you express your signature style whether its vintage or modern, and a guide to finding those treasured bits and pieces to incorporate into your designs.

I mostly stitch by hand, which means that lots of the makes are portable and perfect for long journeys or boredom-inducing commutes. Besides, Ive always found that people love it when you stitch in public, and Ive discovered it often helps break down barriers and forge new friendships. Occasionally I suggest using a sewing machine. Often its because I want a more robust finish, or feel its a bit faster. But to be honest, you could complete nearly everything in this book entirely by hand if you wanted to.

As Im rather impatient myself, youll find that many of the items in the book can be completed in under an hour and none should take more than an afternoon or evening. There are no complicated patterns, just some easy-to-trace templates to help you get things right.

For those of you for whom sewing is still a bit of a mystery, or for chiconomistas who want to leave their needle and thread behind for a change, Ive also included some no-sew suggestions that I hope will banish for good the impression that craft and fashion cannot be friends.

Most of all though, this book is about indulging your creative side, having fun, and making beautiful, timeless pieces that youll want to wear again and again. I hope it will inspire you to see beyond the obvious when it comes to creating lovely things.

Ive designed most of the projects specifically for this book, and I know that theyll get you noticed. The diva in you will be delighted, and shrinking violets will shine.

I hope you enjoy the ride!

Looking chic and unique on a shoestring is a challenge, but its an entirely pleasurable one. Commandeer a sturdy old-fashioned hatbox or a redundant laundry basket and turn it into your secret textile treasure chest. Your mission is to fill it with beautiful finds to transform basic items into sophisticated, elegant, and glamorous attire.

Alternatively, you might want to buy a chest of drawers to store all your bits and pieces in. I love old dry goods store chests and those vintage wooden filing cabinets with dozens of drawers that you can label in italic handwriting. Of course, if youre really lucky, you might have the space to dedicate an entire cupboard to housing your precious hoard.

Here are some of the things that you should look out for. None of these items will cost you more than a few dollars, and some, considerably less.

Beadswhether theyre glass, plastic or wood, beads are great for using as embellishments or working into jewelry. Theyre easy to sew on. Just make sure you have a needle fine enough to go through the holes of really tiny ones. You can buy special beading needles for this. If you dont want to splash out on new beads, simply re-use the ones you already have.