Chic on a Shoestring

As anyone with a modicom of interest in fashion will have noticed, there has been a massive resurgence in all things vintage, a comeback of the "Nana Arts" – both in sewing and in cooking – and crafting has re-emerged as a hip activity…

As anyone with a modicom of interest in fashion will have noticed, there has been a massive resurgence in all things vintage. This trend has coincided with the comeback of the "Nana Arts" – both in sewing and in cooking – and crafting has re-emerged as a hip activity.

This book then, falls into fertile ground.

Chic on a Shoestring is a how-to fashion-cum-crafts book by British BBC journalist and trained milliner, Mary Jane Baxter.

I would say it is not so much fashion, but more craft; the items are on the edge of fashion and are definitely conversation pieces rather than stylish. For instance, I wouldn’t be seen wearing ric-rac trim on anything and some of the items are really a little odd – but some are very charming and quite sweet.

It has original ideas – excepting the change-the-buttons-on-an-old-top trick (even Gok Wan ‘Look Good Naked’ does this every second week) and good, clear photographs with very easy to follow instructions.

I would recommend Chic on a Shoestring for lovers of vintage and with a passing interest in crafts- especially those not skilled at sewing – and not for the experienced crafter. In fact experienced crafters wouldn’t even need these instructions, but would find the photos alone good for ideas.

I think I will make myself the vintage scarf top, and I like the 1950s paste jewellery bib/necklace a lot.

No op shop will be safe from raids!

Chic on a Shoestring: Simple to sew vintage-style accessories, by Mary Jane Baxter, published by New Holland RRP $39.99. Released in NZ July 2011.

By Megan Robinson, 22 June 2011.