Book Review – Thrifty Style

If like me, you like to hunt out bargains at charity shops and car boots then this is a great little guide for re-vamping some of your not-quite-perfect purchases.

Ever had that sinking feeling after buying what appears to be the perfect dress for a pound at a car boot, only to take it home and realise that the fit isn’t quite right? Or have you ever wondered what to do with the massive pile of vintage scarfs that you buy because you love, but never seem to wear?

Well here’s the thing, with a few stitching skills and some of the ideas from this book you can turn the old and shabby into the new and unique. Thrifty Style by Janine Chisholm is a project book full of a wide variety of re-vamping ideas. The book features a selection of clothing projects with step by step advise as well as a handy section at the back with lots of information on equipment and sewing techniques. The book also features 3 full size pull out patterns.

Not all the designs are for me, but I think most people could pick out a few ideas and use them time and time again. My absolute favourite project is the bias binding dress. I love the retro look and I think this is the perfect dress pattern for floral fabrics.

I also love the backless scarf top with ribbon ties. If you’re not afraid to bare a little back flesh then this is a super quick and easy project, plus it couldn’t be cheaper. I think using thrifted items you could make this top for under £2.

Next time I’m rifling through clothing  at a charity shop I’ll be thinking about this book and not writing off clothing that’s not quite right, with a little hard work most things can be re-styled. Not to mention all the clothes at the back of the wardrobe that I’ve got bored of.

This is a great make-do-and-mend guide for the modern woman.

Thrifty Style is written by Janine Chisholm and is published by Cico Books

You can buy it from Amazon here

all book photography is © Cico Books