Second-Time Cool

Second-Time Cool: the art of chopping up a sweater
Ivarsson, Anna-Stina Linden; Brieditis, Katarina; Evans, Katarina
Published by Annick Press, 2005; ISBN 1550379119
Recommended reading age: Young Adult

Summary:
This book is filled with creative ways to use and re-use old sweaters. Pictures and directions accompany projects, including turning a sweater into a purse, or transforming a sweater into a skirt. The book begins with a brief history of altering and recycling clothing, and ends with basic techniques for knitting, crocheting and embroidering.

Review:
The authors get incredibly creative in Second-Time Cool. Our culture is obsessed with replacing worn-out or unfashionable clothing with brand new items. This book shows creative readers how to take items they already own (or items they can find cheap at a thrift store) and turn them into something new. This way they can save money and save the environment! I personally found some of the projects a little difficult, but for the most part the authors make their projects seem pretty easy and cute. I’d recommend Second-Time Cool to crafters, creative teens, and anyone looking for a way to reuse and recycle their clothes.