Reconstructing Clothes For Dummies

Miranda Caroligne Burns (San Francisco, CA) has donned a variety of hats in her young years: physical therapist, event producer, community activist, installation artist, author, performance artist, philosopher, and fashion designer. Mentored by her mother, Miranda has been sewing and creating her own clothing since she could hold a needle. Over time she developed a zest for re–use and heartfelt desire for truly unique design. This ethos is masterfully woven together to recall the forms of yesteryear with an otherworldly edge a philosophy she calls "neoarchaic." Miranda s life has been a bi–coastal artistic evolution. She became active in the alternative arts scene in Boston, where she introduced "living construction," a live sewing performance piece staged in gallery window fronts. Relocating to San Francisco in 2005, she quickly emerged as a bright new star in a constellation of provocative artist–designers. Her fashion shows are known for their performance–art quality, embodying political, artistic, and personal statements. These shows include Catwalk on the Wild Side (U.N. World Environment Day Gala Walk the Talk ), Love Fest VIP Event (San Francisco City Hall), and Maker Faire (Swaporamarama and Make magazine). She has also had various individual performance art appearances at Supperclub San Francisco, San Jose Museum of Art, and Burningman. Meander through San Francisco s Mission–Deco Ghetto neighborhood and you ll find Miranda reconstructing in the window–front of her boutique, miranda caroligne a living construction boutique (www.mirandacaroligne.com), 485 14 Street @ Guerrero. You re sure to be delighted by the local art and design, and step forward with the inspiration to do it yourself!

Introduction.
Part I: Let the Reconstruction Begin! But First . . . .


Chapter 1: The Ins, Outs, and Inside–Outs of This Book.


Chapter 2: Reconstruction Reasons.


Chapter 3: Scoping Stuff with an Eye for Design.


Chapter 4: Deconstructing 101: Taking Stuff Apart.


Chapter 5: Reconstructing 101: The Very Basics of Sewing.


Part II: Shirts: Sluggish to Spectacular.


Chapter 6: Transforming T–shirts.


Chapter 7: Redefining Boring Button–downs.


Chapter 8: Pullover Overhaul.


Part III: Breathing Life into Dead Pants.


Chapter 9: Basic Slacks Brought Back.


Chapter 10: Regenerating Jeans.


Chapter 11: The Existential Stretch Pant.


Part IV: Salvation for Your Sweaters and Other Knits.


Chapter 12: Do It Again with Your Cardigan.


Chapter 13: Pullover Sweaters Pulled in All Directions.


Chapter 14: Afghan Today, What Tomorrow?


Part V: Skirts and Dresses (re)Done Right.


Chapter 15: Bridesmaid s Redemption.


Chapter 16: Second Life For Your Skirt.


Chapter 17: Addressing That Tired Old Dress.


Part VI: Now What to Do with All These Scraps?


Chapter 18: Brand New Bedding.


Chapter 19: Deck the Halls with Lots of Scraps.


Chapter 20: Decorative (re)Touches.


Part VII: The Part of Tens.


Chapter 21: Ten General Tips.


Chapter 22: Ten Fix–a–Stain Tricks.


Index.