Tease: 50 Inspired T-Shirt Transformations by Superstars of Art, Craft & Design

I wasn't even shopping for a T-shirt reconstruction book at the bookstore last night. In fact, I didn't expect to be interested in this book because when I browsed through Generation T before, the projects didn't seem all that compelling to me. However, with every page-turn, I saw a different project in Tease that I would love to try. Some of the ideas were completely new to me; some offered ways to execute ideas I've been chewing on for a while; some seemed pretty standard but still helpful in their instructions. I love the different ideas for lining cuffs and collars, and one of the shirts I hope to do soon is the one with the crocheted bits, not to mention the T-shirt button-down and some of the totes and the Marilyn shirt for some easy, fast gratification. I bought the book and stayed awake thinking of the projects I would work on the next day if I didn't have to go to work. I can't wait to begin breathing new life into my old T-shirts and plundering Good Will for more project Ts.

This book is completely worth the money. I am always looking for fun ideas to try out (on clothes, furniture, accessories, etc). This books is full of them. Yeah, sure, there are a couple of duds but the good ideas are REALLY GOOD IDEAS and they make the book an invaluable resource for DIY projects. I especially like the FLOWER CUT OUT TEE, the BOYFRIEND TEE, and the GARDENING APRON. But this book isn't just about turning t-shirts into t-shirts. There's a great variety of things to make out of all those oversized or too-tiny shirts you just can't bear to give up. BUY IT and you won't be disappointed. I'd lend you mine but I'm using it.

I bought 3 books on reconstructing T's with a gift certificate, and I gotta say this is the best. VERY clever ideas and useful projects you can make that don't look like you took a weedwacker to your clothes. Plus some non-clothes ideas like a t-shirt bag that are cool (though I probably won't make!). I really like the snap tape tee that you can snap flowers and other embellishments onto...very classy looking and boutique-y! Definitely not a dumb, waste of time craft book.

After seeing so many cute yet expesive tees, I decided to start making my own. I reviewed many of the t-shirt reconstruction books and found most of the ideas too young and too impractical - many of them will make you look like you just attacked a t-shirt with a pair of scissors. I think the reason this one works is the divesity of the artists featured (Debbie Stoller, Jenny Hart, Leah Kramer, Julie Jackson, Sarah Neuburger, among many others) - these are really crafting celebrities in my book. This book has not only given me what I was looking for - ideas for t-shirt projects I really want to make and wear - but it has introduced me to many other artists I look forward to being inspired by.

I saw a copy today, and have to say, the projects are much more inventive and interesting than what I have seen in typical craft books (in addition to clothing, there are bags, a lampshade and more), and are things I would actually want to make, like Karly Hand's perpetual deconstruction snap shirt. Also, there are many craft techniques used (which is refreshing), and cover a range of skill level (from easy to challenging). 55 really cool inventive designers. Also I really like the layout and format. Big fan of Sarah Sockitt. Am definitely buying this book!