Chic Sweats: 22 Ways to Transform and Restyle Your Sweatshirts

by Carmia Marshall, Carmen Webber

Sistahs of Harlem are back to give another essential wardrobe item a complete new makeover. This time, they’re reinventing sweatshirts, both vintage and new. Everyone has an old favorite college sweatshirt or comfortable hoodie, now it’s time to pull them out of the closet and give them a fabulous Sistahs of Harlem twist. In Chic Sweats Carmen and Carmia show you how to make twenty-two fabulous designer looks out of an array of sweatshirts, sweatpants, or hoodies—new or from your closet. Complete with easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions, full-color photos, and detailed illustrations, the projects showcase their signature style blend of vintage and urban. In Chic Sweats you can learn how • Turn your favorite hoodie into a poncho • Transform an old pullover into a babydoll dress • Reinvent your favorite team’s sweatshirt into a sleek triangle skirt • Plus much more! Also included in the book are interesting sweatshirt facts, dos and don’ts for every body type, and visual glossaries of skirts and sleeves to help create the perfect look for you.

Genres: Nonfiction, Crafts

160 pages, Paperback

First published May 26, 2009

Reviews

[Bliss · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of those books you skim through, mostly looking at the cool pics and illustrations, rather than actually read. Though there is lots to read here and I did read pertinent sections...

If I could sew, I would have quite a few cool re-styled sweats in my wardrobe. I don't wear sweatpants but I would buy a pair or two just to re-create as skirts, fueled by ideas from this book.

This book gives extensive details on all aspects of sewing your sweat gear and sewing in general. Also interesting (and helpful for those who don't already know) are tips on what looks good on specific body types and in clothing choices in general.

And to think I got this one for my daughter to read. I'm glad I took time to check it out too.

Good work Carmia and Carmen!

[Marsha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'd say this book is more about 'how outrageous can we make this' than practicality or usability. As the authors are designers, I get that they are cutting edge, forward thinkers, but just because you can make a skirt out of a sweatshirt, should you? The first section of the book, the how to's and informational pages were excellent. Well written, clear, interesting. The section on modifying hoodies - very good. After that, the projects range from interesting to look at, to why?

[Darla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots to look at and some instructions that might be useful Some of it seemed repetitious. Definately directed at a young crowd.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not very many I'd wear, but the ones I would are awesome. Great directions.

[Karen · Rating 1 out of 5]

I don't know what I expected. Sweats just aren't glamorous. Now you can make sweats look even more casual AND home made.

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reminds me of Breakin 2: Electric Boogaloo!!