HOW TO MAKE SOMETHING OUT OF PRACTICALLY NOTHING

Corrigan really does know all the tricks when it comes to recycling old clothes. But her needle-and-thread innovations are geared towards the economy-minded young girl who wants to look the picture of the well-dressed matron of a decade or two ago. The remodeling techniques offered require a rather extensive ""basic knowledge of sewing""--fitting, measuring, patternmaking and such--unlike Barkin and James' more elementary (and fun) Slapdash Sewing (1975). The text is aimed at the 10--14 age group, but it's their mothers who are more likely to have a closet full of old tailored coats, bridesmaid dresses, three piece suits, cardigans and low-waisted dresses. The young sewer may find Practically Nothing a bit threadbare.