Restyle & Restitch for Little Ones

Publishers Weekly 1/18/2023
This imaginative English-language debut by Swedish architect Larsson shows how to transform used clothes into garments for babies and toddlers. The creative projects include turning an adult button-down shirt into a frilled romper, jeans into overalls, a T-shirt into a sleepsuit, and a wool sweater into socks. The measurements are for infants who are 0–6 months old, but the author describes how to adjust the designs for babies who are 6–12 months or 1–2 years old. Other projects show how to make accessories and decor: old bed sheets can be modified into quilts, and T-shirts make a fine material for bibs. To customize these projects, Larsson encourages readers to dabble in such simple fabric printing techniques as dipping the end of a carrot in fabric ink to make dots and carving a stamp from the inside surface of a halved potato. Straightforward instructions aimed at novice sewists ensure that even readers uneasy with a sewing machine will be able to follow along, and the clever designs charm. This adorable collection is ideal for sewing enthusiasts and environmentalists alike.


Library Journal
Parents often face mountains of clothing that their children have outgrown. Larsson, a Swedish architect, artist, and designer (Instagram’s @go_recreate), provides 30 sewing projects to transform clothing that children from birth to two years have outgrown into rompers, pants, and even accessories such as a changing bag and bibs. With the growing emphasis on recycling and sustainability over the last several years, these are great alternatives for those who want to try their hand at upcycling clothes that would otherwise be donated or collect dust. Each project includes a photo of the finished product, what the original piece was, and instructions on how to turn it into something new. Although the patterns do not require advanced sewing skills to complete, they may be daunting for anyone making their first foray into the sewing world.
VERDICT As recycling and sustainability keep growing in importance, this is a creative way to avoid ditching clothing that readers aren’t ready to give up.