99 Ways to Cut, Sew, Trim, and Tie Your T-Shirt into Something Special Reviews

• Really, WAY too much fun for the young fashionista

  
  By A1IU7S4HCK1XK0 on 2006-05-28
  Ok. Mom. You have a 15 year old daughter. It's summer and school is out, or it's the deeps of winter and the dreaded boredom has set in. What to do? Get this book and have your kid cut up some flea market tee shirts and make any (or almost any) of these 99 styles.
  
  Firstly, this book is probably not filled with designs for those of us, the invisible women "d'un certain age." I mean if you are middle aged. If your tummy hangs out with a lot of dimples and your back is less than sleek and taut. So unless you are whippet slim or very daring with your skin exposure, you yourself are not going to wear most of these items. However, if you do wear young fashions, hang out your midriff with pride, then there are a lot of fun tops in this book and you can have a year's worth of shopping in an instant, or nearly so, by cutting up WallyWorld clearance shirts and having a blast.
  
  My favorite design in the book is "Sarit"--it's a cap-sleeved "shrug-and-v-neck" design. By clever cutting and tying, you get a sort of tied shrug over a window-v-neck fluttery top. Very cute. No one said you couldn't fire up the old glue gun or get out the fabric puff paint and embellish these models, either.
  
  There are a lot of halters (as one would expect), some lace-up sides, and some VERY bare versions that the 15 year old will want and you will ...not want her to wear. Ever. Even so, this book is a closet of summer wear in a spiral bound book and if you have a crafty kid or if you are crafty, you can't go wrong here. Very clever stuff, and some designs are cute-to-die-for.
  
  

• New Looks for Your T-Shirts

  
  By A1K9IG5MP8RW75 on 2006-04-08
  Here's what the San Francisco Chronicle says about the book:
  "...an ugly old T-shirt taking up space in your drawer can become something much, much better with a good-quality pair of scissors and a little ingenuity. You can cut new necks or sleeves and holes in strategic places, do lacing or ties. With two swipes of the sewing machine, a boxy shirt becomes a baby T. You can do shirring or ruching (i.e., making attractive wrinkles or bunches), make ruffles or add lace or ribbons, safety pins or other embellishments. T-shirts can become skirts, shorts or bags."
  At last, something I can do with the blah t-shirts that I keep shoving to the bottom of the stack. I'd seen some fancied up t-shirts at craft fairs and never imagined that I could make nice looking ones myself. This book gets you past your fear of cutting. What do you have to lose, but a few shirts that you aren't wearing anyway? V.Allain
  
  
  
  

• Fabulous Book!

  
  By AGLWGIBGA203E on 2006-03-13
  I recently bought this book, and was so pleasantly surprised by it, that I immediately bought 3 more for gifts! The illustrations are just gorgeous, and all of the instructions are easy to follow and simple. This book transformed my wardrobe! Anyone can transform old t-shirts into new and fabulously stylish shirts. The designs in this book are so creative.
  Also, this book would make an outstanding gift! I want to display mine in my house, I keep it on the coffee table (when I am not using it to transform!)
  I would highly highly reccommend this book to anyone who a) wants to re-vamp their wardrobe, b) is style-conscious or savvy...c) is a beginner or advanced at t-shirt rehab or d) anyone at all! It's great! Buy 3!
  
  

• Risque designs with little instruction

  
  By A97SZOCQ8XEFL on 2006-07-18
  Most of the t-shirt designs in this book are just plain bizarre... A lot of large holes cut out of the t-shirt or jagged edges cut through it. Not something I would ever, ever wear (ok, I would maybe wear three of the 99, honestly...). A previous reviewer had it right when she commented the designs are made for skinny women who like to show off. This targeted demographic isn't a problem, but this is definitely not a book for every woman, and (if I had children) I wouldn't give it to my daughters as inspiration for art projects.
  
  Also, there are zero actual pictures in the book and relatively little instruction. There is one color drawing of each design (so of course it looks great) and a cursory explanation of how it was created.
  
  I think this book might be more appropriate for someone who has some creative sewing juices but needs a little extra help thinking of unique designs to create and someone who is not afraid to show off.
  
  

• Not a Classic

  
  By A2131CCFZHT5ED on 2006-12-24
  I bought this book for my younger sister because she's always wanting to cut her t-shirts up and change them (with guidance). I thought that this might be a good guide for her, but I was pretty disappointed when I received it. Although spiral bound, which is nice, it lacks clear, concise instructions on how to create the t-shirts. There isn't a single "classic" design, the designs are too similar, and there are no actual photos of the designs, either. Not recommended (and especially not for beginners).
  
  
• Lots of patterns, but....
  By AHHN0H4I75F6T on 2006-10-31
  This book really does have 99 patterns for t-shirt reconstruction. However, at least half were either too ridiculously revealing or too off the wall to wear in public-- and I am not the most conservative twenty something. My main problem with this book is that IT HAS NO PHOTOS-- you really can't get a great idea of how something will work out unless you see a photo. This has cute little penned drawings, which really dont tell me if this would work out, how it would hang, etc. Also, instructions are limited, mostly diagrams, and if you are not a visual learner, that might prove difficult. Also, a lot of the 99 are variations on the same theme. But, it could spark some creative ideas. Check this out at the library before purchasing--
  
  
• a savvy granny cuts a tee
  By ATL73JSA4SDXZ on 2006-03-28
  I am a 78 year old grandmother who hates to throw anything away.I had a whole bag of old tee shirts, and asked my grandaughter if she could use them. She said, Gramma, you don't have to throw them away, buy 99 ways to cut a tee shirt and you can recycle them.Well that was just up my alley, and do you know what, it works just like the authors say, all you need is a scissors and a few minutes time. Who says an old granny can't look cute.
  
  
• Best of the T-shirt bunch
  By A1FH8AY55COJXD on 2006-10-16
  I think this is the best T-shirt transformation book of the bunch. This isn't flashy -- there are no photos, just spot illustrations for each design -- but there are a lot of great ideas here, and you can easily mix and match elements. The ideas become endless. Highly recommended.
  
  
• Not for the Mutton, For the Lamb
  By ANWTVB5QMPF52 on 2006-06-21
  These are really, really youthful designs. They are also strongly oriented towards the small-chested and lithely armed. I flipped through this and found less than 10% of these are wearable for me-- a 35 year old packing about 20 extra pounds. Straight back to Amazon with this book.
  
  
• Mom of Teenagers Learn New Trendy Tricks
  By A2IA00CIWP739C on 2006-03-20
  What a great concept and way to save big bucks by inspiring my teenagers and I to cut our own wardrobe! I happened to see the authors last weekend on MSNBC Weekend Style. They are just amazing. The book demystifies the process and is great fun. I encourage all style-conscious teens and moms to try a few!
  
  
• It's okay but...
  By A3I2WSLAH1SSMX on 2006-05-21
  I ordered 3 t-shirt books (i'm a crafting maniac) and this was the most disappointing of the bunch. I would highly recommend Tease ed. Sarah Sockit or Generation T by megan nicolay which are much more inspiring. Not only are they better, the instructions are much more clear! This book has very minimal instructions and instead of actual pictures, they use fashiony illustrations which don't really convey how they'd look on a real person. The book itself is nice--spiral bound and small with an arresting orange cover but I gotta say the content is just not as good as the others. Like the other person said, there are a lot of tiny, backless tops. This book won't be useful unless you have a small frame and don't mind wearing shirts without a bra!
  
  
• A good mix...
  By A29SWPKMDPP33D on 2006-07-28
  I got two of these books at the same time and this is the best one. There are, admittedly, some patterns that would NOT work for a 30-something girl like myself but, if you have a bit of vision and can pair it up with other items, a good many of these patterns will work nicely. Some of them are just way off in left field, too tattered and torn looking, which is NOT my style. But, some of them are very chic, boho and so cute. I plan to make a good many of them! Really great book!
  
  
• T-Shirt love
  By A2BUIF9LNV3O47 on 2006-03-21
  Simply amazing. I bought the book and it has changed my life. I've never worn a t-shirt the same way since I got this master piece. BUY BUY BUY
  
  
• simply beautiful
  By AZI9NJF39N67L on 2006-04-04
  so this book is filled with magic. as a girl we know how annoying it is when your outfit doesn't feel right? this book has a simple solution to this problem... you will find your creative side and also have t-shirts to last forever..
  
  i promise... it's not one of those difficult and confusing ones that make you feel stupid.
  if you get this book you will be very pleasantly surprised at the simplicity...
  and it will make you twinkle...with beauty...
  
  xoxo
  
  
• Lots of mid-drifts and backless
  By A1355XHCCWZEEA on 2006-05-20
  This book wasn't quite what I expected it to be. There were a LOT of backless and mid-drift models. Which is great if you're thin and don't need to wear a bra, and not much else.
  
  I also found the instructions to be very sparse, depending on diagrams almost exclusively to indicate where to cut or sew without explaining anything. I wanted to know if cutting a tshirt like that would cause it to unravel and what the longevity of the new fashions would be but there was nothing there that really addressed that.
  
  It wasn't really what I was looking for but there were some pretty clever fashions there for someone young enough and skinny enough to really enjoy them.
  
  
• More for teens and young adults
  By A1BMEPJCL1AYVR on 2007-03-08
  There are a few good ideas in this book but the majority are not ideal for anyone over the age of 35 or who isn't in the best physical shape. Some are easy, some more involved and the illustrations aren't always clear nor are the instructions. I'd suggest experimenting on old, worn items before attempting the crafts on new materials.
  
  
• good for a momma
  By A3SZ8JNQGOG8CY on 2006-05-29
  This book is great. When I was pregnant I hated shopping for maternity clothes. I used 99 ways to make my own maternity shirts. I loved it. Now that I'm not pregnant I still use the book to evoke my inner creativity! I love this little book. Actually, I buy a copy for all of my female friends and for almost every occassion I can think of.
  
  
• simply done
  By AHU5X27BFBDZ2 on 2006-08-05
  This book makes transforming your t-shirts so easy. Each design has clear directions and great drawings to show you where to cut, sew, and/or trim your shirt. Even better, it tells you how long it should take you to do it! Great manual for teaching students!
  
  
• Great designs!
  By A10ML62CWSS2XI on 2006-12-16
  These designs are fantastic. They're great for skinny juniors who don't mind (and whose parents don't mind) if they show a little skin - or even for folks like ME in my 30's - who would probably layer the look with a tank or another tee.
  
  There's even a purse design and a skirt design included - the skirt uses the arms, sews them up and turns them into pockets. How creative is THAT?
  
  
• Not entirely my favorite
  By A1TUM1Q5Z1CY2U on 2007-05-26
  Some of the designs are interesting but the directions are sometimes vague. If you can infer some construction plans from the sketches I think you'll be fine but as a whole there are a few more clearly written books likeGeneration T: 108 Ways to Transform a T-Shirt. Also most of these designs aren't built so that you can wear a bra with them (for you modest crafters).
  
  
• designers delight
  By A13MVDY9UO28KV on 2006-05-25
  From the heart, I got this book and in it's simplicity I found so much inspiration in it's colors, ideas, and imagination. It's clear that so much thought went into the graphic design and the concepts, every detail is thought through. I keep this book on my coffee table-- because not only is it useful... but it's beautiful to look at. As an artist myself, I appreciate the fact that every aspect of the design, from the spiral binding, to the simple cover and the clean, fun illustrations, are all perfect. My favorite model are Mimi-number 15 (for a French couture look) and 10 -liora, for an aggressive street look. The shirts came out great. I highly recommend this book for any artist, designer and fashionista--it's worth it.
  
  
• a happy surprise
  By A1X9JHU8TCWKA3 on 2006-05-27
  Because I am Italian I was not sure if I could follow the directions, but the diagrams were very clear so I could really make my own T shirt models that look very nice. I made things that look like they are from a nice boutique. I am so happy with this book I want to reccomend it to everybody. I even made a beach tote that I will take to capri this summer!
  
  
• 99 Ways to cut sew trim and tie your T-shirt into something special
  By AJJ2KJ3BFPWW8 on 2006-11-09
  What an excellent book! Everything in the book was accurate, fun to do, easy to follow. Lots of great options. Well illustrated.
  
  
• good book
  By A5ZPQDERBQ9F6 on 2007-03-26
  This book is perfect for teenages. Cute outfits can be created without a lot of money.
  
  
• very happy with this book
  By A1GDD8Q3VGBXRS on 2006-05-25
  Although the book does not walk you step- by step through every cut and sew, it allows you to see the finished product and get an idea of the creative overall process so I could practice and learn as i tried various styles. i re-used several old t-shirts and have worn them out to clubs in san francisco with great results. I am not the craftiest person, and i liked having lots of ideas thrown at me in this book.
  
  
• Awesome Book
  By A2GY8UNEOR0GIJ on 2006-06-22
  This book is awesome . My BF gave it to me for our 6 month aniv. and I love it! The illustrations are quick and to the point. Love Love Love.<3
  
  
• I learned so much!
  By A2D9E0JM4EJE8H on 2006-07-26
  i got this book for my girlfriend because she loves to be creative with her old shirts. She loved this book and she's making her own fashion statement at her college now. She keeps telling me how easy some of the techniques are and how unique it is.
  I highly recommend this book for anyone not wanting to throw away your old t-shirts.
  
  
• very creative
  By A2WYCZSKFEQZ60 on 2007-01-09
  the best book of remastering t-shirts
  amazing!! and very easy to follow...
  i love it!
  
  
• Not for the larger gals, though.
  By A2WB1P1SM2Y4JU on 2007-07-30
  This book is actually pretty cool. The designs are very fashion forward and I love the illustrations. Most of the tees are easy, too. HOWEVER, if you are not thin, these are pretty much not going to work. If you are bigger, or even I'd say if you weigh more than like 130 lbs (which is STILL pretty small), I'd stick with the "Generation T" book, because these designs look more like they're for really skinny girls (No, I'm not one of those skinny bashers, it's just the truth). I haven't found one idea in the "99 Ways" book that I would actually be able to wear myself without looking gross. It was disappointing that I wasn't able to use this book at all for myself. But there are really great ideas in here if you're smaller, and I'll keep the book because I can use it to make gifts for my skinny friends. It's a good book, in my opinion to have in your repertoire (hope I spelled that right), if just for t-shirt surgery practice!
  
  
• snippers beware
  By A1BERGLPI6BBBC on 2007-09-19
  The designs in this book certainly are creative and unique enough to make you think twice about trashing your vintage tees - but most of these projects are terribly impractical. There are no patterns, no mention of measurements(such as what size shirt will be needed to pull off the design or what size the shirt will end up being) and the instructions are vague. The entire book is illusrated, which suggests that the shirts may not work on 'real bodies' or that the results are not appealing enough to photograph. Without the use of elastics or zippers, I have to wonder how some of these shirts stay where they are supposed to. However, my biggest warning to potential readers and crafters is this: unraveling! Despite the eco-conscious message the book gives about recycling clothing, many of these designs are not built to last. Without finishing the cut edges with hems or tape, they are bound to roll up, tear, or unravel within a few washes.
  
  

• Generation T: 108 Ways to Transform a T-Shirt
• 99 Ways to Cut, Sew & Deck Out Your Denim
• Rip It!: How to Deconstruct and Reconstruct the Clothes of Your Dreams
• T-Shirt Makeovers: 20 Transformations for Fabulous Fashions
• Tease: Inspired T-shirt Transformations by Superstars of Art, Craft, & Design