“Designed [for] the tastes of the tween . . . from a simple and stylish vintage-inspired A-line collared dress to a gorgeous paneled skirt.” —Love Sewing
Bestselling author Mary Abreu is back with a book that will shut down the dreaded words, “I have nothing to wear!” from young girls. Starting with three basic pieces—a top/dress, skirt, and pants—you’ll learn how to modify simple patterns and rectangles to make twelve classic garments: four tops/dresses, four shorts/pants, and four skirts. Technique instructions teach you how to gather, create waistband casings, and insert zippers. Advice on choosing fabrics and adding embellishments is also included. With this handy guide, you can help your girls develop a style all their own.Add collars, change armholes, and add ruffles to basic garments to create updated takes on existing piecesClear techniques will guide you on how to finish seam allowances, insert zippers, hem, and add unique embellishmentsHelp your girls create an entirely new wardrobe of classic pieces to mix and match in any way they want
“The focus here is on sizes seven to 12—an age in which girls want clothes that don’t look babyish but are still appropriate for play. Designs include tops, dresses, pants, shorts, and skirts, and the style is charmingly retro—think pedal pushers and Peter Pan collars but in contemporary fabrics . . . Most pattern books for children’s clothing concentrate on smaller-sized clothing for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, so the focus on school-aged children’s clothing makes this a nice addition for sewing collections.” —Library Journal
Mary Abreu left the newsroom after an award-winning journalism career to pursue sewing. Today she works as a seamstress for movie productions and teaches sewing, pattern drafting and hacking, and costuming for children. She lives with her family near Atlanta.