The Return of Home Ec
In the recession, more people are learning how to re-cut a dress or alter their Levi’s to look like Dior. Renata Espinosa on the new breed of DIY seamstresses.
The Complete Book of Handicrafts / Crescent Books
Designers are taking inspiration from the '70s arts and crafts movement and re-imagining home ec. VIEW OUR GALLERY of crafty looks, then and now, and the books you'll need to recreate runway looks with only a good sewing machine and a little gusto.
The Complete Book of Handicrafts / Crescent Books
A project to start now, for later: Reinvent last season's plain wool coat with floral applique or embroidery. (Embroidered felt vest from The Complete Book of Handicrafts, Crescent Books, 1973/Libertine Fall 2009)
The Complete Book of Handicrafts / Crescent Books; Courtesy of Renata Espinosa
Nothing inspires envious stares on the street quite like a hand-knit poncho. (Knit cape from The Complete Book of Handicrafts, Crescent Books, 1973/ Emanuel Ungaro Spring 2009)
The Complete Book of Handicrafts / Crescent Books; Chris Moore, Catwalking / Getty Images
Even Karl Lagerfeld would have to concede that no one did plaid coats quite like the '70s. (Crochet project from McCall's Crochet: Book 4, 1970/Chanel Spring 2009)
The Complete Book of Handicrafts / Crescent Books; Chesnot, SIPA / AP Photo
Summery Stella McCartney meets wintery whites, or, crochet your own cape in linen for a beach coverup that is just as chic. (Crochet ensemble from McCall's Crochet: Book 4, 1970/Stella McCartney Spring 2009)
The Complete Book of Handicrafts / Crescent Books; Jacques Brinon / AP Photo
Marc Jacobs pulls from vintage inspirations, so why shouldn't you? (Print dress from The Complete Book of Handicrafts, Crescent Books, 1973/Marc by Marc Jacobs Fall 2009)
The Complete Book of Handicrafts / Crescent Books; Mat Szwajkos / Getty Images
There's Valentino couture, and then there's DIY couture. And they look pretty similar. (Crochet project from McCall's Crochet: Book 4, 1970/Valentino Spring 2007)
The Complete Book of Handicrafts / Crescent Books; Eric Ryan / Getty Images
Both Pucci and a DIY version of a maxi dress possess an air of '70s authenticity, but only one won't break the bank. (Maxi dress from The Complete Book of Handicrafts, Crescent Books, 1973/Pucci Fall 2009)
The Complete Book of Handicrafts / Crescent Books; Karl Prouse, Catwalking / Getty Images
Floor-length Missoni scarves are luxurious, dramatic, and expensive. Get the look by picking up a crochet needle instead. (Crochet scarves from McCall's Crochet: Book 4, 1970/Missoni Fall 2009)
The Complete Book of Handicrafts / Crescent Books; Alberto Pellaschiar / AP Photo
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