A bit of sewing restyling inspired by the pretty book-Sew Serendipity by Kay Whitt

Do you ever get a book that you think every page is so pretty you want to jump in? That's what I was thinking as I flipped through the pages of Sew Serendipity: Fresh and Pretty Designs to Make and Wear by Kay Whitt.
The details of the designs and the styling oh and the fabric....oh all of it is so pretty! The book comes with full patterns but I generally just take scissors to things and put them back a bit different. Such is the case here. Let me tell you this garment's history.
It started with some shirt that had this great overall buckle hardware. I am sure it was probably really short (for me at least). So I hacked off (well again I took my seam ripper to it) and separated the cool top with the hardware. I then sewed a simple "A" line dress and stitched the two together. Sorta cute and I did wear it like this above picture but I felt it still needed something. Sew Serendipity to the rescue! This great criss cross tie design was perfect!

So I cut some ties off of another garment I wasn't wearing, opened up the side seams and restitched them with the ties in place. There are a whole bunch more really great details in Sew Serendipity I plan on incorporating into some of my upcoming restyling projects.

More about Sew Serendipity: Fresh and Pretty Designs to Make and Wear from the publisher, Krause Publications:

"Lay it out, cut it out, sew it up, put it on!

Kay Whitt of Serendipity Studios proves that all you need to re-make your wardrobe are a few key things: Great fabric, easy-to-make patterns, a handful of simple skills, and your own personal sense of style!

Use Sew Serendipity to create a fresh, new look.

• Included in the book are tissue pattern inserts for the skirt, tunic/dress and jacket—each with 6 variations detailed in the book. 3 basic patterns x 6 variations=18 ways to show off your skills and style!

• Kay provides the master instructions for each basic garment, and individual instruction for each unique look. Once you master the basics, changing it up is a snap!

• Each clothing pattern is graded in seven sizes (bust: 32-44; waist: 24-36; hips: 34-46) from XXS to XXL. Use the “Custom Fitting” section of this book to learn how to measure yourself and adjust the patterns to get the best possible fit!

• Check out the “Tools of the Trade” and “Sewing Techniques” sections for an overview of tools and skills you’ll need to make the clothes in this book.

• Embellish your designs to match your style, whether you’re feeling the need for classic, tailored elegance, or you’re in the mood for a little ruffled whimsy. Kay’s simple embellishments make it a breeze to adapt your design to the look you want.

With Sew Serendipity, you’ll find out how to lay out the pattern pieces, cut them out and sew them up. All you have to do is put them on and strut your stuff!

About the Author

A licensed designer for McCall's and regular exhibitor at spring and fall Quilt Markets as Serendipity Studio, Kay Whitt has been designing and selling patterns for the past 10 years. "