SHELF LIFE
THE ART OF CRAFT
In these tumultuous times, many artists and designers are craving a return to craft: objects of beauty made by hand. These three recent books by FIT alumni celebrate craft in different ways.
The Handsewn Wardrobe: A Complete Guide to Making Your Own Clothes from Patternmaking to the Finishing Stitches
By Louisa Owen Sonstroem, Technical Design, Fashion Design ’16
Storey
Sonstroem, a technical designer for Eileen Fisher, created this patternmaking and sewing primer to empower makers of all experience levels to craft wardrobe staples like jeans, button-down shirts, and T-shirts.
Punch Needle Fashion: 15 Punch Needle Projects for Crafting Accessories and Wearables
By Micah Clasper-Torch, Fashion Design ’09
Quadrille
Clasper-Torch has amassed a large and loyal social media following by bringing the craft of punch needle rug hooking to accessories and wearable fashions. In her debut book, she shares advice and 15 approachable projects for DIYers seeking that textured look.
Artisans and Designers: American Fashion Through Elizabeth and William Phelps
By Rebecca Jumper Matheson, Museum Studies: Costume and Textiles ’05
The Kent State University Press
From the 1940s to the 1960s, William and Elizabeth Phelps created high-quality leather goods and women’s sportswear, much of it handcrafted. Matheson, a fashion historian and FIT faculty member, explores the husband-and-wife duo’s often-overlooked contributions to the fashion industry and employee-centered business practices.