Generation T: 108 Ways to Transform a T-Shirt Reviews

• Brilliant!

  
  By AQMUXDDCLJSSV on 2006-04-24
  I have a long history of buying lots of craft and instructional books, flipping through the pages once, then sticking them on a shelf while I try to figure out how to do my own thing. Not so with this book! I can't remember another book I've ever bought that was so darn inviting that I sat down and made lots of the projects the same day!
  
  The instructions are VERY easy to follow, and they don't assume that everyone knows how to sew or has a sewing machine (though I do, which makes them even easier). She even explains alternate methods for cutting if you don't have access to a decent pair of scissors. The book is truly accessible to anyone with an old shirt! Plus she's got some really great ideas here, and so far everything I've made (about 10 of the projects over the course of 2 days) has turned out perfectly adorable. I do not exactly have a halter-top body, but somehow her designs have all looked fabulous, I don't know if she's some kind of genius or alchemist or what!
  
  Since we seem to be stating our ages here, I'm 34 and will proudly wear many of these designs myself!! Though some of the sexiest tops and bikini bottoms will probably not be worn outside the house!
  
  Just one note, you may want to take the sizing with a grain of salt when the design calls for a "Fitted T-shirt (Size Small)." Hate to tell the authors, but some of us find a Size Large to be plenty fitted! Just use your own common sense when it comes to that and you'll be fine. In fact, one of the things I love about this book is that I used to be a XXL and after losing weight I found many of my old favorites were way too boxy to even wear for sleeping. This book has given my old wardrobe new life! Not only do I not have to toss my soft old shirts, but they look cuter and sexier than ever before. I LOVE THIS BOOK!
  
  

• we love this book!

  
  By A1L31AJ3AR7YWC on 2006-03-16
  I am 38, my daughter is 17.....we both love this book! And while I may never wear most of the designs in this book, I like them all and will wear some, my daughter and her friends can use them all.....the ideas are great, explanations clear, and can be accomplished by even a beginner. I have many years of craft and hobby sewing experience, which I think helped in some of the projects I made, but weren't necessary. The only problem I have encountered was the sizing in the bikini pattern, I made it as directed for my daughter, and it was too small, we passed it on to her tiny friend, and she thought the top too small, as well, so, perhaps enlarge the pattern measurements and make a test top of paper before cutting up that cool tshirt.
  
  

• no sew, NO GO!

  
  By A254S0EIIKEJCU on 2006-05-09
  this book is just awful. diy is my life, tees are all i wear. that said, i STILL hated this book. if you've sewn 10 minutes in your entire life, this book is an insult to your intelligence. there are entire paragraphs dedicated to explaining to you what a needle is, what a spool of thread looks like, etc.
  many projects are no sew, but don't be lured in by that. they are usually held together by safety pins, so passe. no sew skirts and tube tops equal big, flopping out, over-exposed trouble!
  having experience with t-shirt reconstruction, i can assure you alot of these projects won't even hold up in the wash.
  the book lacks alot of information and, frankly, knowledge. it seemed very rushed. i recommend saving your money and getting your inspiration from well-clad people off the street, and technical know-how from a friend, your mom, or the internet. you'll be MUCH better dressed for it.
  
  

• Shockingly useful

  
  By A2066JC1FGIEAT on 2006-08-03
  I ordered this book after some frustrating shopping for detailed tees (I found very few that were flattering, interesting, and fit well, and what I found was EXPENSIVE).
  
  I am thrilled with this book. Here's what I like:
  
  - There's a remarkable variety of looks represented in the projects. Some scream punk, some hint at it, and some look like you bought it in a pricey boutique.
  
  - The quality of the detail is excellent. A lot of DIY tees look like a six-year-old went through the laundry basket with a pair of round-tipped scissors. With these designs, it's very clear that you _meant_ for it to be exactly as it is, even when it's full of holes and raw edges.
  
  - The projects are remarkably easy. They're all based on cutting, pinning, tying, or easy sewing. And at least one of them is undoable; you tie but don't cut.
  
  - this is not just for 15-year-old tarts. The patterns vary in edginess and bareness, so most people should find something they're comfortable with. Several would look equally good on my 17-year-old cousin, on 26-year-old me, and on my 55-year-old mom (who is as gorgeous and un-frumpy as they come, but never inappropriate for her age). Plus, a lot of the barer designs would look great layered over a tank top for a more modest look.
  
  - a lot of the tee and tank designs are bra-friendly, and many could be adapted to be.
  
  - the instructions are very clear (with lots of illustrations), and they are very technique-based. So once you make (or even understand) one project, you can take those techniques and branch out into your own designs.
  
  - these are incredibly cheap to make: a couple of bucks if you buy a new t-shirt, a few cents at a garage sale or thrift store, or free, if you go digging in your dresser drawers.
  
  - It includes a t-shirt wedding dress. Now, most "novelty" wedding dresses are pretty hideous. This, however, is... stunning. If I weren't already married, I'd have seriously considered it (although probably made it in a silk jersey). I might make a shorter version for a nice summer dress.
  
  
  Things to be aware of:
  (I can't really call them complaints)
  - the sub-title is "108 ways to transform a t-shirt". This is true, but 35 of those are non-garments (legwarmers, a rug, purses, etc.) Half of those use scraps from other projects, which was nice to include.
  
  

• Biiig t-shirts

  
  By AH3X6BVLG1PKN on 2007-03-22
  These projects require enormous t-shirts. I went to good will and bought old mens size large t-shirts, and there was no way I was turning that t-shirt into a kneelength skirt. Anyways, I am 27, and I agree that these designs are for younger girls, even though I consider myself to be on the ball when it comes to fashion. I just think my friends would laugh at me if I showed up in safety pins and slashed t-shirts...or they would at least ask if I had returned to 1980s fashion. Don't get me wrong, I actually think a lot of the designs are pretty cool, but they require a skinny beautifully proportioned body to wear them right. I am slim, but my waist could lose a bit...this pretty much makes it hard to wear any of the designs in the book without feeling really selfconscious.
  
  
• Best Book on the Subject
  By A21PXM7VR5QLB2 on 2006-03-19
  I was surprised to find that Ms. Nicholay's (?) book was a fantastic resource for even those of us who are not experts at DIY. I'd been looking for a fun, informative, easy-to-follow way to get into DIY crafting and fashion - this book is it.
  
  I've gone through many of the designs already and have many more to go.
  
  Here's to hoping there's another addition soon.
  
  
• Perfect Book!
  By AOV9AIX4UE5BB on 2007-02-19
  Great instructions on how to make each project and SO many wonderful things to do with that closet full of old t-shirts that you just can't toss out due to the memories attached to them! I love the idea of the t-shirt quilt and plan to make it.
  
  Oh, that I would have had this wonderful little tome in my hippie days! I'd have been the Queen of T's!
  
  Buy this book if you like to sew and love to dress individually.
  
  
• Not worth your money or your time
  By AA0JDLX3KBKDZ on 2007-07-22
  This book is just awful and it seems that a 10 year old could have done a better job. I have always been a diy girl it is my life, tees are most of what I wear. I live in Fl and a nice cotton T is worth its weight in gold on hot days.
  All that I really hated this book. If you have ever sewn in your life this book is an insult your intelligence, that being said if you know what a needle and thread are this book is a total waste of time. There are entire pages dedicated to explaining to you what a needle is, what a spool of thread looks like, etc.
  Many projects are no sew, but don't be fooled but that, they are usually held together by safety pins, Please this is not the 80's safety pins are not a fashion statement. No sew skirts and tube tops are going to be too loose and floppy you would be over-exposed.
  Having some experience with t-shirt reconstruction, i can assure you that none of these projects would hold up in the wash. Many of the shirts are construced and they would leave your twins hanging out and exposed. Also unless you have a major hour glass figure your hips will not be able to hold up the skrits.
  The book lacks information and, frankly, knowledge. it seemed very rushed. I suggest you look on the internet or even think a bit and you will be saving your money.
  
  I think two blind monkeys could have pulled off a better written book and been able to transforn T-shirts into better items.
  
  
  
• Sew bad
  By on 2006-03-01
  I found this book quite lacking in many aspects.
  
  It was confusing, as well as difficult to read. It had pointless informaiton in it, and it was just horrible.
  
  I will admit, some of the projects were O-K-A-Y but that is it. I would never concider wearing half of this stuff, and I am a die-hard DIY-er.
  
  In my opinion, instead of wasting your money on this book, just go to the craftster.org site forums, and learn everyhting on there. It was a pointless book to buy, I am returning it tomorrow!
  
  It was a total waste of money.
  
  *P.S. al ofthe no-sew projects basically called for safety pins...REALLY LAME and overplayed cliche of punk rocker...gag ame with a spoon already.*
  
  
• super nifty
  By A1E8B8PA31NBQ9 on 2006-04-01
  i had this book on hold at the library but after going to see the author at a bookstore i had to buy it. there are so many amazing projects in here that i can't wait to try. most of the projects in here are pretty form fitting so if that's not your thing you might not like it.
  
  
• DIY heaven here...
  By A3I2WSLAH1SSMX on 2006-05-21
  I love to read craft books and get inspired and this one definitely fits the bill. I got 3 T-shirt books and this is second best. (TEase ed. Sarah Sockit is the BEST) I thought the ideas were refreshing and instructions super clear. Well laid out and fun to read. Most projects have some cool variations and provide hours of dreamy craft time! I can't wait to start ripping up some tees.
  
  
• Even If You Don't Craft, Buy It For the Humor!
  By A3DN41CMXVXB4V on 2006-10-04
  This book reads like a snarky, no-nonsense conversation between yourself and that favorite roomate of yours who made all their own clothes, and somehow managed to live off of $50 a week (and liked it!). Ms. Nicolay is by FAR my favorite craft book author, simply because she writes with less pretension, more results. I'm a crafty pre-med student on a strict budget (of time and money), and this guide makes it possible for me to enter a thrift store and have a year's worth of outfits/accessories for twenty dollars or less when I walk out. Who'd have thought my worn-out Little League tees would make a cute messenger tote or that concert tee I spilled Tabasco on could find new life as side panels of a 10-minute A-line skirt? My girlfriends and I recently hit the thrift shop and bought a myriad of colorful tees, and just spent a rainy afternoon watching a stack of movies and making halter tops and safety-pinned armwarmers for that night's clubbing! Any book that inspires thrifty fashion sense, and unlimited fun whether enjoying your own company or a roomful of friends is well worth a few bucks!
  
  
• buy this intead of Rip It!
  By A1JJ7KRY09EN02 on 2006-02-17
  Much better than anything Elyssa Meyrich could ever dream up, this book actually has clothes I would want to wear. I am very much a DIYer, but my sewing skills suck hard. This book had me ripping up shirts the same night.
  
  
• What a cool book!
  By AG7FBTQB5T9XV on 2006-03-14
  Crafting for me is watching my DIY girlfriend turn my old tshirts into new clothes for her and her friends. I bought her this book for her birthday, and she loves it! Plus, she was excited by the two gifts I made for her from it--a cool skirt (that was no-sew), and an iPod cozy. I got major points for that one since I had never sewed before. The directions were really easy to follow--I think I might even make another iPod cozy for myself.
  
  
• A step-by-step, easy-to-follow conversion process applicable to any T-shirt transformation project
  By A14OJS0VWMOSWO on 2006-05-05
  Generation T: 108 Ways To Transform A T-shirt by Meagan Nicolay is an introductory "how to" guide for converting an old T-shirt into a fun and trendy new article of clothing or accessory. Drawing upon her many years of experience and expertise, Nicolay offers a step-by-step, easy-to-follow conversion process applicable to any T-shirt transformation project. Generation T is an innovative and expressive solution to reusing T-shirts and make them into customized tees, tank tops, tube tops, T-shirts, handbags, patchwork blankets, iPod cozies, leg warmers, and more. A unique addition to any do-it-yourself needlecraft or fashion accessory reference collection, Generation T is very highly recommended for the resourceful and trend-setting teen with a knack for style, sewing, and innovation.
  
  
  
• Real t-shirt wearing women have curves (just not in this book)
  By A1NWYFD9B4Q5GN on 2006-07-21
  I just got this neat little book yesterday and already have plans to slash up some of my old t-shirts this weekend! The book is broken up into several sections, including blouses/t-shirt alterations, crop tops, skirts, accessories, and a whole section on what to do with leftover t-shirt material. I enjoyed most of the ideas in the book, but agree with the reviewer who noted that a number of the designs would only work on very skinny people. All of the models are twig thin boyfigured late teens and early twenty somethings, which isn't so much a criticism on the part of the book as much as a reflection of the target audience perhaps. I wish that there had been more diversity in patterns meant for larger women and more ideas for guys (not just the one "punk" t-shirt that I found!). Perhaps the author could incorporate this into a future book, along with including some ideas that involve using a sewing machine/serger, using other non t-shirt fabrics/trim and basic screenprinting for a true do-it-yourself t-shirt makeover.
  
  
• Good book, but some ideas very basic....
  By AEKAEJV5IBZN7 on 2006-02-13
  I bought this book recently and I love it! The author has a fresh, friendly style that's reassuring for new DIYers like myself. There are tips and tidbits of fun t-shirt info sprinkled among her instructions. Some of her designs are very basic, but she shows things like cutting lines and alternative construction options very clearly, and also gives a lot of suggestions like what kind of thread to use and sewing tips. This is a good book for those who don't feel like they have a lot of creativity, or who are not spatially inclined (like moi) and have trouble transferring ideas from their head to their t-shirts.
  
  There are a few things missing which I am sad about -- no puffed-sleeve shirts, no layered angle skirts and no ideas for sweatshirts. But a more experienced crafter could probably figure out how to do those themselves using some of the instructions here. People who have been crafting with Ts for years will most likely not get much out of it but for a good, basic tee book, this is a nice option.
  
  
• Tee-riffic!
  By A2VFPZGPXC2NXP on 2006-02-17
  This book is not for those who want to clean out their closets. As soon as I opened it, I pulled all of my old t-shirts out of the give away pile and started rebuilding my wardrobe! The writing is lively and the projects are fun and fabulous. I really love the "Cover Girl" Halter Top (Project #46) and the "Knotty by Nature" Tube Top (Project #44). This book is also a great gift for all your cousins, kids and sibs in high school or college. Speaking as a 20-something myself, Generation T is a whole lot of fun!
  
  
• How Can There Be So Many Great Projects in One Book?
  By A3NOFZ9HTNF2VD on 2006-04-09
  I recommend this book highly because there are over 100 projects in it which is an astounding number for a craft book AND I personally find myself wanting to make just about every single one of them. Great book!
  
  
• Memorial Day disappointment
  By A8R4RDMWTIYC8 on 2006-05-30
  I would have hoped for more sewing ideas, but this book did not provide it. I figured out how to use this book with RIP IT and I am glad I did get both. This book is a lot of no sew hoochie wear. It will be fine when I hang out, but it was not what I was expecting.
  
  
• Repetitive designs and NO SEWING
  By A34D6742OLK2C7 on 2006-08-31
  If you do not sew and do not mind the same type of design slightly re-worked into ten different things than get this book. Most designs are slash and tie and require little to no sewing. Not what I had in mind.
  
  
• NOT tbe best t-shirt alteration book out there!
  By A29SWPKMDPP33D on 2006-07-28
  99 Ways to Cut, Sew, Trim, and Tie Your T-Shirt Into Something Special is DEFINITELY better than Generation T! While there are a couple of cute designs in Generation T, it is mostly just outlandish stuff that is a LOT more clownish than classy. Also, it is too cluttered of a book - too many sidebars, insert boxes, too much text. 99 Ways is very to the point, giving the patterns and being done with it. Nice. Invest your money in 99 Ways before you get Generation T.
  
  
• Best that I have found
  By AHHN0H4I75F6T on 2006-10-31
  As mentioned in the other reviews, this book is just the right balance: the projects are simple enough to do without a sewing machine, you dont need all kinds of supplies, and they arent super-complicated, yet the projects aren't basic and boring, they are pretty cool. Combine that with actual PHOTOS of the projects (suprisingly hard to find craft books with photos sometimes) and alternatives to each pattern, and you have got it all. This is by far the best T-reconstruction book I have found. Buy this one first, and then if you need more, buy more. but start here. They have got it right.
  
  
• Buy This Book!
  By A1FIVNZLEMNR2Y on 2006-11-14
  This book is great for a beginning crafter, established designer, or simply to get your creative juices flowing. I initially bought this book as a gift, but after flipping through it, decided to purchase one for myself as well! Projects not only include how to transform a tshirt into different styles of shirts/skirts/etc., but also includes accessories for yourself AND your home. The instructions seem to be easy to follow, and well illustrated, and each one shows a picture of a model with the item, plus a closeup of the item itself. Some of the projects DO require a sewing machine, however, many do not, making it a great book for everyone. I definitely recommend this book for yourself, or for a gift for others.
  
  
• Creative, Fun, and Hip
  By A1O1E9TGBWJIBV on 2006-03-13
  Unlike many other DIY books, the ideas in this book are actually stuff that I would wear and inspired oohs and ahhs from others I showed it to. The enthusiasm just jumps off the pages and you just can't wait to get started clippin' and stichin'.
  
  
• Awesome Book
  By A2NN6OSPF1CASS on 2006-06-06
  I was overwhelmed with all of the fresh ideas and am having a hard time deciding on which DIY project to start first. This is a MUST have item for all DIY'ers.
  
  
• Great book if you're the right body type
  By A27ZB4U7CA80C2 on 2006-07-04
  This book had a lot of really good ideas, but most of the designs can't be worn with a bra. So if you're large chested, this book may not be for you. It's easy enough to modify some of the designs, but only if you have sewing experience.
  
  
• Not what I expected
  By A2RRJN9ZXDRWBZ on 2007-01-11
  This book is for people who are 20 years old and wear a size 4. Don't waste your $.
  
  
• I love a lot of the ideas but...
  By A1N5OHEWA93MA6 on 2007-05-17
  I felt really inspired by this book but I had one major problem with it. Most of the styles are impossible to wear with a bra. I suppose if you're very small busted (like the models in the book) this wouldn't be a problem but at a 36C, I really can't wear standard t-shirt material without a bra - it would be The Headlight Show! I think a few of them might be workable with some bra cups built in but not many. So if you aren't an A cup, this is still a great inspiring book but you might not find many of the styles wearable.
  
  
• the BEST book on t-shirt reconstruction....
  By A3861IBNFDR8RU on 2006-07-07
  I bought this book, along with Tease, and Rip It at the same time...Save your money and buy this one alone(the other two sucked). The ideas and directions in this book are brilliant.
  
  My only qualm is that, like most of these books-all designs seemed geared to a size 3...but that may just be a matter of opinion on my part... I do understand what the reviewer below stated ...most patterns seemed to not being worn with a bra..my solution(when I make a t shirt) is to wear a tank top underneath along with a bra under that.
  
  That being said-this is a throughly well put together book and I highly recommend this to a beginning t shirt crafter.
  
  5 stars!
  
  

• 99 Ways to Cut, Sew, Trim, and Tie Your T-Shirt into Something Special
• Rip It!: How to Deconstruct and Reconstruct the Clothes of Your Dreams
• T-Shirt Makeovers: 20 Transformations for Fabulous Fashions
• Sew Subversive: Down and Dirty DIY for the Fabulous Fashionista
• Tease: Inspired T-shirt Transformations by Superstars of Art, Craft, & Design