Miranda Caroligne Burns 
Reconstructing Clothes For Dummies 

Reconstructing Clothes for Dummies offers inspiring projects and savvy tips on how to salvage those tired old clothes in your closet and turn them into a one-of-a-kind wardrobe. It shows craftsters, DIY enthusiasts, budget-conscious fashionistas and people from all walks of life how to unleash their inner fashion designer and transform outdated duds into hip new clothes. Featured projects include making good use of old scraps; reviving shrunken sweaters; finding redemption in that bridesmaid dress; decorative repair and embellishment of existing pieces; and creating unexpected home décor with what’s hiding in your drawers.

Table of Content

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.

About the author

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!