Generation T

Hello lovelies,

Up until now I haven't really mentioned the other side of clothing & fashion that I enjoy - creating it. I love to DIY, and started learning the ins and outs of sewing over the last few years when my boyfriend's mother was kind enough to purchase a sewing machine for me. (Unfortunately, said sewing machine is currently out of action!)

So is anyone out there into DIY? If you're into clothing reconstruction then you've probably already heard about Generation T. You probably actually already have a copy, and use it on a regular basis. But, for anyone like me - who has either been living under a rock, only recently got into DIY or who has been unable to get their hands on a copy (Many thanks to my beautiful Canadian friend!), I'm going to give it a bit of a review.

Basically, if you're a first-time DIYer this book is absolute gold. Having said that, there are projects in this book suitable for all skill levels (and the levels are indicated with each project). Plus, with a little bit of imagination DIYer's with higher skill levels can tweak the projects to their own liking - and their are suggestions for ways you could do this. If you don't have a sewing machine/can't sew to save your life, have no fear! A good portion of the projects in Generation T do not require any sewing whatsoever. As the front cover suggests, there are 108 projects in Generation T, ranging from your run of the will t-shirt to tank top transformations to the t-shirt wedding dress. If you're like me, and end up with way too many t-shirts laying around your already-crowded house, this book will show you exactly what to do with them.

Generation T is split into seven chapters plus instructions for the t-shirt wedding dress at the very end. The first chapter deals with materials, basic stitching and all the sewing techniques you'll need for the projects. This chapter is especially helpful for first-timers - it's loaded with tricks, tips, helpful information and well-labelled, clear diagrams. Taking measurements, pinning, threading needles and different types of useful stitches are all covered, as are some simple ways to jazz up your old t-shirts (or that original Ramones tee you've been dying to steal from your parent's closet*).

The second chapter includes 13 ways to spruce up t-shirts, while still being able to call them t-shirts. I've attempted a few of these myself, and I've always found the instructions to be clear and easy to follow. Just for kicks - the pic here is Project #8 : It's A Cinch. This required very minimal sewing, and was the last thing I made before my sewing machine died! The pages are also packed with interesting "t-shirt trivia" - for example, did you know the t-shirt was originally worn as Men's underwear, and was not permitted as outerwear in schools until the 70's. Doesn't that make you feel a bit more risque when you're sitting around home in a holey old t-shirt and trackpants? I suppose it might just make you feel a little manly.

Moving along! Generation T's third chapter includes 22 ways to turn t-shirts into tank tops, the fourth chapter 14 ways to turn t-shirts into boob tubes and the fifth chapter 23 ways to turn t-shirts into skirts! That's a whole lot of ways to jazz up your old shit, let me tell you that. And, as I've said already, those without sewing skills shouldn't be put off. There are a good many projects in each of the chapters for those without the knack or equipment for sewing - and I should know, as I've been on a mission to make each and every one in the last few weeks. Pictures to the right are Project #32: All Strung Out. Heh, please excuse the piles of crap on the couch, and my ugly bra in the second shot - of course I ended up stopping in the middle of house cleaning to fit in some DIY.

Alright, onto chapters six and seven! Chapter six gives instructions for making t-shirts into just about anything except clothing - bags, belts, scarves, ponchos, cushion covers, blankets and more. Then chapter seven is a handy guide to making useful things out of all the t-shirt scraps you will have accumulated from making everything else in the book (which tends to happen if, like me you suffer from severe lack of social life). There are instructions for making scraps into 19 different things, from headbands to rugs.

The "grand finale", or epilogue is my personal favourite project: the t-shirt wedding dress. Of course, it is possible that I'm the only person in the world who is now severely tempted to get married in a dress made wholely of t-shirts. But I like to think there are other people as crazy as me out there. To sum up my rambling, I think this book is a valuable resource for the DIYer's out there who are into t-shirt reconning, or recycled clothing. Not only are the projects in the book awesome, but flipping through this book gives me endless ideas for new projects (And makes me incredily sad that my sewing machine is out of action).

If you're interested, it is available to purchase here. Also, I didn't realise but there is a sequel! Generation T: Beyond Fashion : 120 New Ways To Transform a T-shirt by Megan Nicolay was released in May of this year (buy it here). I believe I'll be snagging myself a copy come pay day, so keep your eyes peeled for another review!


Until next time, xo.

*No responsibility will be taken for injuries sustained should anyone actually try to steal an original Ramones tee from their parents closet.