Lifestyle Book Reviews

Book Review: 49 Sensational Skirts

By Sandy Amazeen Feb 11, 2008, 18:20 GMT

British textile designer and recipient of a Crafts Council Development Award, Alison Willoughby brings her innovative ideas to the simple skirt. While many of the skirt treatments may not be appropriate for everyday office wear, the embellishment ideas can be toned down (or ramped up) for those special occasions when you want to make a statement. Using the enclosed wrap skirt pattern and scraps from your craft stash, Willoughby shows how an easy repeat motif can transform straight A-lines into a richly textured garment with attitude as evidenced in “Sushi Rolls” and “Simple Sushi.” Everyday items like buttons, colored badges and hatpins take on an entirely different look when layered or laid out in geometric patterns. There are a number of over-the-top designs such as the “Green Grocer” complete with an array of mixed plastic fruits, vegetables, burgers, flowers and feathers. “Remaindered” with its many overlapping layers of folded fabric circles creates an unflattering, bulky look but the principles can be applied to more sedate applications. Detailed photographs and easy construction techniques ensure even beginning seamstresses success in creating a unique garment and stir the imagination of the more experienced.