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Little Green Dresses: 50 Original Patterns for Repurposed Dresses, Tops, Skirts, and More
Never shop retail again with this chic and sweet collection of DIY patterns from a former host of DIY Network's Stylelicious, Tina Sparkles. Joining the green movement was never so easy -- and cost saving! With Sparkles' stripped-down approach to patterning and sewing, the delightful dresses, tops, skirts, and pants in this fashion-forward project book will not only raise your eco-IQ, but open your eyes to new methods for sewing garments. Little Green Dresses author Tina Sparkles, a talented and imaginative designer, offers up an array of project ideas that are both earth- and user-friendly. Readers can pick and choose the patterns that suit them best, from A-line, tiered, and bubble skirts to 'body tube' dresses and 'cap-sleeve cutie' blouses. Included are sewing and shopping resources and a fitting guide.
- GenresSewingNonfictionCrafts
256 pages, Paperback
First published September 14, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 26, 2019
I got this from the library in the hopes of finding some inspiration for my novice sewing skills (for my kids too) and reusing some clothes in fun ways. It won't work for me for a dozen different reasons. The sewing skills needed are above my level, the clothes look like they're from the 80's, and they don't redo the clothes in a new way but rather just have you take apart really big items of clothing or blankets and then make them into her designs -- which aren't very flattering or suitable for women over 20 or over size 3, as someone else mentioned. The patterns are simply little line drawn patterns that you have to replicate yourself and figure out sizing for. Also, there's not a single instance where the author shows you a before and after picture of the clothing or photos of the steps. The book simply shows you a little pattern drawing and the finished piece.
I was really hoping for something that would just show me things like how to take an oversized t-shirt and easily make it into a cute shirt, how to change a man's dress shirt into a cute little girl's dress, how to update a crazy looking thrift store dress so it turns into something stylish and modern, stuff like that. This wasn't that.
I was really hoping for something that would just show me things like how to take an oversized t-shirt and easily make it into a cute shirt, how to change a man's dress shirt into a cute little girl's dress, how to update a crazy looking thrift store dress so it turns into something stylish and modern, stuff like that. This wasn't that.
October 29, 2010
who exactly was this book written for? Slutty-fashionistas-who-care-about-the-environment-and-by-the-way-also-sew-really-well? How is that more than 15 people? There are maybe 3 dresses in this that are cool and the rest look like a curtain. A slutty curtain.
January 25, 2011
I wish I had this book years ago I would have been at my sewing machine all day long. Now don't get me wrong this is a book literally for any age.
"Little Green Dresses" promotes recycling of clothes that you either have saved for too many years or purchased from a second hand shop, we all have done it at least once. We see a dress we like at a recycle shop and say "it won't fit" so we buy it anyway and take it home to resize it or to add a belt from a different outfit. You may have found a very large dress like I have and cut it down to make it two piece or make shorts and a top, or a skirt from it.
This is the crux of this book, from the moment I opened it I felt the freshness of the author, she is excited and committed to this cause, repurposing. Do you have a few sweaters that are not quite up to par? Cut them up and sew together in a new unique way and voila you have a new look.
If I may quote the author: "Old clothes are like junk yard cars waiting for their parts to be used" and that is exactly what she shows us to do. If you have ever used a sewing machine or like to hand sew you can do this. If you have some adventure inside you, you can do this. If you love to frequent old second hand shops you can find the ways to do this.
This book has inspired me already: I took a tank top that I adored, would not toss it, it had a stain on the belly but it fit great on top. I cut around the belly section and took a slice of another top that was ruined and sewed to the middle section of the old top. End product, a new tank top.
This is what this book is all about, I love it and I will use it often.
"Little Green Dresses" promotes recycling of clothes that you either have saved for too many years or purchased from a second hand shop, we all have done it at least once. We see a dress we like at a recycle shop and say "it won't fit" so we buy it anyway and take it home to resize it or to add a belt from a different outfit. You may have found a very large dress like I have and cut it down to make it two piece or make shorts and a top, or a skirt from it.
This is the crux of this book, from the moment I opened it I felt the freshness of the author, she is excited and committed to this cause, repurposing. Do you have a few sweaters that are not quite up to par? Cut them up and sew together in a new unique way and voila you have a new look.
If I may quote the author: "Old clothes are like junk yard cars waiting for their parts to be used" and that is exactly what she shows us to do. If you have ever used a sewing machine or like to hand sew you can do this. If you have some adventure inside you, you can do this. If you love to frequent old second hand shops you can find the ways to do this.
This book has inspired me already: I took a tank top that I adored, would not toss it, it had a stain on the belly but it fit great on top. I cut around the belly section and took a slice of another top that was ruined and sewed to the middle section of the old top. End product, a new tank top.
This is what this book is all about, I love it and I will use it often.
October 16, 2010
Little Green Dresses is a very creative interesting craft book. The instructions are good, and Tina has step by step instructions for how to cut or create your own patterns, or make your own based on the ones in the book.
As far as the dresses themselves: They are all very unique. It's hard for me to visualize how I personally would wear some of them. Some are really cool. I like most of them. Some are just odd.
But then I was never much of a fashionista. My sister used to match my clothes for me. And I'm amazed I haven't gotten kicked off campus for some of the things I've worn.
Still, most of the dresses have a very artistic appeal to them. Only a very few do I actually dislike.
The only reason I don't give this book a 4 or a 4.5 is because, although they are very creative and interesting, some are impractical and I can't really see someone wearing them for anything other than a very specific occasion.
Recommendation: intermediate/advanced seamstresses
As far as the dresses themselves: They are all very unique. It's hard for me to visualize how I personally would wear some of them. Some are really cool. I like most of them. Some are just odd.
But then I was never much of a fashionista. My sister used to match my clothes for me. And I'm amazed I haven't gotten kicked off campus for some of the things I've worn.
Still, most of the dresses have a very artistic appeal to them. Only a very few do I actually dislike.
The only reason I don't give this book a 4 or a 4.5 is because, although they are very creative and interesting, some are impractical and I can't really see someone wearing them for anything other than a very specific occasion.
Recommendation: intermediate/advanced seamstresses
December 4, 2010
I love the idea behind this book, but was expecting something more along the lines of taking pre-existing clothing and refashioning it into something else. Instead it was aimed more at using the patterns from the book with the suggestion of using fabric from your old clothing or clothes purchased at a thrift store.
The other thing that bothered me were the "pattern pieces" in the book. Sorry, but instead of trying to use a two-inch pattern included on the page of a book to draw my own, it would be a heck of a lot easier to go out and buy a similar full-size pattern at the fabric store, which defeats the purpose of being environmentally friendly.
Several of the fashions are also not really wearable by anyone larger than a size 2 or over the age of 20.
The other thing that bothered me were the "pattern pieces" in the book. Sorry, but instead of trying to use a two-inch pattern included on the page of a book to draw my own, it would be a heck of a lot easier to go out and buy a similar full-size pattern at the fabric store, which defeats the purpose of being environmentally friendly.
Several of the fashions are also not really wearable by anyone larger than a size 2 or over the age of 20.
January 16, 2012
Points (stars, whatever) for having lots of good information about sewing and pattern drafting.
However: although she mentions the importance of reusing and repurposing, most of the dresses require enough yardage that one wouldn't be able to make them out of existing thrift store-type purchases. So it ends up being a book that's more about pattern drafting and sewing specific dresses she's designed patterns for, than about repurposing clothes.
Also, none of the dresses were anything that I would wear. Even if I were 25 years younger. Some are just bizarre.
I'd give it 2.5 for not fulfilling the promise of its title.
However: although she mentions the importance of reusing and repurposing, most of the dresses require enough yardage that one wouldn't be able to make them out of existing thrift store-type purchases. So it ends up being a book that's more about pattern drafting and sewing specific dresses she's designed patterns for, than about repurposing clothes.
Also, none of the dresses were anything that I would wear. Even if I were 25 years younger. Some are just bizarre.
I'd give it 2.5 for not fulfilling the promise of its title.
November 22, 2011
I love the idea of this book that explains about helping the environment while saving money and still being able to dress fashionably. 'Little Green Dresses' does a good job of explaining how to use old clothes, both from home and bought from charity shops, to refashion into more stylish items. It shows the techniques step by step, which as a novice I find helpful. Where the book slips up for me is with the designs as I can't see myself wearing most of them. They seem more suitable for the younger generation.
November 20, 2010
I sew. A lot. I love working with vintage clothing to repurpose into new designs so I thought this would be a perfect book for me. I borrowed it from my library to see if it would be worth purchasing but was ultimately disappointed with Tina Sparkle's designs. I've read several reviews here about the awful styling and I have to agree - kind of trashy and not flattering. It's too bad because I really, really wanted to like this book!
December 28, 2010
Adult nonfiction; sewing clothes. [reviewed from e-galley.] Most of these creations look like something somebody made, and not in a good way, though there are a couple of cute designs in here and plenty of fodder for experimentation, if that happens to be your style. I didn't have the patterns and so can't judge the clarity of the instructions, but the sewing technique tips at the front of the book looked helpful (for beginners, at least).
October 26, 2010
The photo styling for this book was really off-putting. Almost trashy looking, and not in a fashionable way. And there was very little detail or explanation of the original clothes they used for repurposing.
The only two creations I liked were on page 83 and page 152.
The only two creations I liked were on page 83 and page 152.
January 6, 2021
Good for inspiration and would love to have had this when I was a sewing-mad teen. A great concept, it would have been nice to see what the original clothes were that got turned into new clothes, though i suppose that could potentially limit the imagination of the reader... a good book but better for those who can already sew well.
December 19, 2018
funny pictures. whimsical dresses . simple design
July 26, 2011
This book shows readers how to re-use/harvest cloth from old clothes, and how to refashion clothes. Chapter 1: Sewing introduction, with the 4 levels of sewing
Chapter 2: Using and Creating Patterns
Chapter 3: Tops (Patterns)
Chapter 4: Skirts (Patterns)
Chapter 5: Dresses (Patterns)
Chapter 6: Bottoms and Rompers (Patterns)
When I read this title, I was like, "Yay! Finally a way to re-use all those clothes that have become too big for me to wear!" Which, this book is good for giving ideas on how to re-use those ex-large clothes that no longer fit, but for me this book was more for a beginner sewer than for someone who is intermediate or advanced. But, it still has it's good points for any sewer to have it in her library.
Good points for this book include that it gives not only the pattern difficulty (Levels 1-4), it also gives the sewing difficulty (Levels 1-4). All patterns are referred back to previous patterns, so it is best to start at the beginning with a Sewing Level 1, Pattern Level 1 and work your way forward instead of skipping around. Everything in this book builds upon itself, which makes it a great beginner sewer book.
Also, Chapter 2 gives wonderful introduction and ideas on how to create, patterns, use tools for creating, measuring for your pattern, copycatting a pattern you like and the basics on using a pattern. And this is great, because we all know that sometimes we experienced sewers need that refresher on how to do something. And if you have never made your own pattern before, this gives you some great pointers.
Personally, I found this book to be targeting the young adults and teenagers. I personally found very few outfits that were appealing to me as an adult.
Highly recommend for the new sewer, the needed refresher on techniques, and for those who want to learn to create their own patterns using recycled/reused fabrics from clothing.
Chapter 2: Using and Creating Patterns
Chapter 3: Tops (Patterns)
Chapter 4: Skirts (Patterns)
Chapter 5: Dresses (Patterns)
Chapter 6: Bottoms and Rompers (Patterns)
When I read this title, I was like, "Yay! Finally a way to re-use all those clothes that have become too big for me to wear!" Which, this book is good for giving ideas on how to re-use those ex-large clothes that no longer fit, but for me this book was more for a beginner sewer than for someone who is intermediate or advanced. But, it still has it's good points for any sewer to have it in her library.
Good points for this book include that it gives not only the pattern difficulty (Levels 1-4), it also gives the sewing difficulty (Levels 1-4). All patterns are referred back to previous patterns, so it is best to start at the beginning with a Sewing Level 1, Pattern Level 1 and work your way forward instead of skipping around. Everything in this book builds upon itself, which makes it a great beginner sewer book.
Also, Chapter 2 gives wonderful introduction and ideas on how to create, patterns, use tools for creating, measuring for your pattern, copycatting a pattern you like and the basics on using a pattern. And this is great, because we all know that sometimes we experienced sewers need that refresher on how to do something. And if you have never made your own pattern before, this gives you some great pointers.
Personally, I found this book to be targeting the young adults and teenagers. I personally found very few outfits that were appealing to me as an adult.
Highly recommend for the new sewer, the needed refresher on techniques, and for those who want to learn to create their own patterns using recycled/reused fabrics from clothing.
July 20, 2011
I love the idea behind this book--taking outdated and unwearable fashion and making it fresh, new, and wearable. Tina gives great advice in this book about how to create your own patterns, how to fit clothing to your body, as well as some truly eye-opening statistics about how much wearable clothing finds its way into landfills each year. This book is full of pictures and diagrams and chock-full of tips and techniques. That said, however, I really don't think I'd find myself using much from this book BUT the tips and techniques. I guess I was hoping that this book would be more about altering finished garments to make them more current (which she does discuss, but not in great detail), but instead it focuses on taking the usable fabric from a previous garment and treating it as from-the-bolt. I had really hoped to see more finished products that could be made from existing items in one's wardrobe (there are some, but they're really more the exception than the norm); instead it seems that many of the designs require larger pieces of fabric than one can typically get from items already in one's own closet. Once she gets past the how-to sections, for the most part, she loses me. Very few of the designs really fit my style, so I can't see myself making many--if any--of the patterns. I'm very tempted to try her three-level approach to DIY pattern making before I sew my next garment, though. She really does a good job of descibing the step-by-step process required.
September 2, 2011
Back in the days of living in a country with thrift stores on every corner, I was quite enamored with refashion--taking an ancient muumuu some granny deposited at Goodwill and making a little stitch here, a rip or two there, a button or some ribbon over there, and VOILA! Instant cute dress. Now that I'm living in ultimate conserve mode, it's even more appealing to me.
Enter this nicely designed book, Little Green Dresses, 50 Original Patterns for Repurposed Dresses, Tops, Skirts and More. The girls and I really enjoyed thumbing through the great pictures and picking what we'd like to make. I can't say that the actual styles of the clothing shown were up my alley, but with some adjustments, there were lots of great finds. That's what refashion is all about anyway, right? And did I mention that these are all earth-friendly?
With easy-to-follow instructions, detailed sketches, and full-color photos, this book would be appropriate for beginners like myself or the more experienced hipsters. Now, to dig up time to make all those bookmarked little cuties!
**NOTE: NetGalley provided me with this book for review purposes.
Enter this nicely designed book, Little Green Dresses, 50 Original Patterns for Repurposed Dresses, Tops, Skirts and More. The girls and I really enjoyed thumbing through the great pictures and picking what we'd like to make. I can't say that the actual styles of the clothing shown were up my alley, but with some adjustments, there were lots of great finds. That's what refashion is all about anyway, right? And did I mention that these are all earth-friendly?
With easy-to-follow instructions, detailed sketches, and full-color photos, this book would be appropriate for beginners like myself or the more experienced hipsters. Now, to dig up time to make all those bookmarked little cuties!
**NOTE: NetGalley provided me with this book for review purposes.
December 27, 2013
I checked this out awhile ago from the library and just got it again as I really liked a couple of the ideas-- I'm generally, at this point anyway, more curious about how to fashionably alter existing articles of clothing into something actually wearable, or repurposing fabric in such a way that it can be used again. some of these ideas are a bit out there, but there are some definite winners, and she notes each of them by level number, the breakdown of which is based on having mastered certain types of skills. the best bit about this kind of garment construction is how relatively low-risk it is for novice and intermediate sewers-- most of the items will be things dug out of the give-away pile or found for cheap at a thrift store, so if it doesn't come out how you hoped, no harm done. looking to make a shirt and skirt from here.
March 16, 2011
A fabulous idea for a book. A very practical way to contribute to the environment. The directions are step by step and are easy to follow. The author did a wonderful job of writing something that is logical and easy to understand for beginners as well as experienced seamstresses.
The designs though I found to be a little interesting. I have never been much of a fashionista, but I have difficulty visualizing myself wearing most of the designs shown. Although, the thought of reusing old material from existing items is a marvelous plan. I have always been a fan of thrift and second hand stores and am excited to try out some of the plans outlined within this book.
The designs though I found to be a little interesting. I have never been much of a fashionista, but I have difficulty visualizing myself wearing most of the designs shown. Although, the thought of reusing old material from existing items is a marvelous plan. I have always been a fan of thrift and second hand stores and am excited to try out some of the plans outlined within this book.
January 16, 2011
I thought that the Introduction and the first 2 chapters were very helpful in terms of explaining fabrics and pattern creation (some stuff was review for me and some were new info). However, it all went downhill once I looked at the projects. There is no way in hades that I, at the age of 47 (soon to be 47 anyway), would be caught out in public wearing any of these creations. I don't think I could have pulled them off even in my late teens, given my vertically-challenged stature, let alone as a middle-aged woman.
August 17, 2015
No, not every dress in here is exactly my style. But isn't that the beauty of this book-- it's what you need to know to find something and put your spin on it? Too short? Too seventies? Your pushing that pedal to the metal on the sewing machine and you get to diy!
I happen to love the style of Tina's designs and the examples of upcycling. It looks like she hasn't published much and she doesn't appear to have a social media presence though I'm eager for more of her work.
There are absolute gems in here. Very helpful and inspiring guide to sewing.
I happen to love the style of Tina's designs and the examples of upcycling. It looks like she hasn't published much and she doesn't appear to have a social media presence though I'm eager for more of her work.
There are absolute gems in here. Very helpful and inspiring guide to sewing.
December 6, 2011
I'm a beginner, so take that into account when reading this review, but this book was a life saver! I finally found a pencil skirt tutorial that made sense!
All the steps are clear and there are a lot of fun and imaginative patterns in the book.
I only have one tiny thing to point: the order of the pictures and instructions. It would be much easier to follow if the finished piece always preceded the patterns and instructions. It was still easy to understand, though.
All the steps are clear and there are a lot of fun and imaginative patterns in the book.
I only have one tiny thing to point: the order of the pictures and instructions. It would be much easier to follow if the finished piece always preceded the patterns and instructions. It was still easy to understand, though.
February 19, 2012
This is an interesting book and I enjoyed reading it. It is clearly aimed at someone much younger than me, the styles seem to be for teenagers and my teenage years are well behind me! However, there are useful sections of techniques both for sewing and designing patterns. It gave me lots of ideas for sewing projects, I was especially interested in the patterns involving redesigning an existing item of clothing. I look forward to using some of these ideas to create my own outfits.
January 4, 2011
I really liked the book and thought the ideas for skirts were very cute. Not all the fashion suggestions are ones I'd wear, but definitely the pencil skirts--it has me thinking about different items I have in my closet in a new way. The instructions were pretty clear to me and I'd love to take some of the patterns and try them.
February 9, 2011
An excellent stepping stone for those wanting to repurpose clothing, but looking beyond the Generation T-type books. Provides lots of instruction for measuring, constructing garments & gives lots of ideas for personalization & veering from the given pattern.
Contrary to the name, there are patterns for tops, skirts & dresses to mix-and-match into different pieces.
Contrary to the name, there are patterns for tops, skirts & dresses to mix-and-match into different pieces.
September 21, 2011
solid sewing sense and instruction with really great patterns. i loved looking at the pictures in this book. it was easy to read and understand. each pattern is pictured and leveled and has lots of instructions. i am dying to try out a few of the dresses and skirts. now, if i can just get over my fear of my mother's sewing machine...
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October 12, 2010I'll have to try out the projects before I give a rating, but I love the ideas and the instructions for creating/modifying patterns seem pretty clear! Which isn't always the case with cute sewing books...
November 9, 2011
Love the idea; don't love the dresses. Maybe in different fabrics? Nevertheless, this book is a good source of inspiration for breaking free from traditional styles and dressmaking techniques.
November 12, 2011
There was a couple of looks in here I really liked. The instructions for generating the patterns was easy to follow also.
March 31, 2012
Great book with easy indication to make your own pattern.
October 3, 2012
I like the concept of this book, but none of the patterns are things I would want to wear!
July 6, 2013
There's some weird and very homemade looking things in this book. It's a good exercise in DIY and imagination, though. Brainstorm for what's possible.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews