If the thought of wearing that bridesmaid "beauty" again gives you cold chills, there are other options. Author Cindy Walker published an amazinglytongue -in-cheek book called 101 Uses for a Bridesmaid Dress in 1999, but the tips are still relevant. Though there are no actual patterns of directions in the book, Walker does offer an intriguing collection of part-joking, part-serious ways to reuse that hunk of fabric hanging in your closet, such as "you can never have too many hair scrunchies" and "how about a taffeta hammock?"

Maybe you have long since donated your bridesmaid gowns to a non-profit, but can’t help but be reminded of the happy moments and unique experiences you went through to help one of your close friends have the perfect day. Then there is a book for you as well. Meg MateoIlasco’s You Can Wear It Again: A Celebration of Bridesmaids’ Dresses "pays loving tribute to fifty years of bridesmaids’ dresses, as featured in real-life weddings." While there is no doubt that bridesmaid dresses will never be "in fashion", this book is also a great gift for that bride that you care so much about that you spend a whole day wearing a puffy, peachy nightmare for.

Published as the first editorial feature in the Fall issue, "Renew, Repurpose, Reuse, Redo, Refashion" features a smattering of stats related to crafting garments from second-hand finds, starting on page 48. Four projects set the stage, but only three of them are wardrobe-related. Also included is a pattern for an ottoman covered with thrifted sweaters, great for amping up a footstool you already have or a somewhat-sustainable but bland new piece from IKEA. My first look at the fashion projects made me a bit hesitant, thinking "would I ever really wear that?" Quickly, I reminded myself that I could use any color or texture of second-hand garments, making the projects all the more exciting to undertake.

Shown first, the pieced jumper is stylish all on its own, but could be easily customized to have a longer length, no pockets, sleeves, and more. The sampler scarf, featured second, doesn’t even need a pattern or directions to follow - simply cut up some sweaters and sew them together. Adding a vintage or hand-knit piece of costume jewelry would lend even more personality to this particular creation. The third and final project, the felted bolero, teaches us how to use small elements of nature, such as marbles, shells, river rocks, or hazelnuts, to create a spectacularly textured vest. Adding sleeves from another sweater, pockets, a zipper, or button closure would be as easy as spending a couple extra minutes in front of the sewing machine.

For those with a passion for chains and baubles, check out page 64’s jewelry making "Lost & Found" feature. Sent a collection of vintage and new materials, three indie jewelry designers use their one-of-a-kind tastes to create unique pieces on the cheap. Though the feature focuses on necklaces, this concept can easily be embraced with any sort of accessory you are looking to craft: rings, bracelets, earrings, brooches … etc.

These two articles are the particular ones that lend themselves to green style, but the rest of Adorn magazine’s Fall 2007 issue is more than worth a look for more ideas and inspirations on how to create great new items or customize and update the ones you already own (but haven’t worn in how long?).

Inexpensive. Indispensable. Iconic. A basic t-shirt is the perfect blank canvas-ready for a creative crafter to cut, stitch, bedazzle, bleach, deconstruct, and personalize. Everyone has a drawerful just waiting for the creative touch. What could be a better way to broadcast an artistic manifesto? In Tease: Inspired T-shirt Transformations by Superstars of Art, Craft, & Design take the basic T from ordinary to extraordinary-and sometimes, turn it into something completely different. With fabulous illustrations and easy-to-follow instructions, Tease provides outrageous, inspiring ideas from crafters around the globe.

How many pairs of old jeans do you have in your closet? Everyone from the sewing novice to the fashion guru can appreciate the ingenious projects that will reincarnate your denim has-beens into fashion must-haves in 99 Ways to Cut, Sew & Deck Out Your Denim. The techniques are simple, the supplies are easy-to-find, and every project takes ninety minutes or less, from start to finish.

Sew Subversive is about making fashion your own, whether it’s embellishing or customizing off-the-rack clothing or transforming clothes that have lost that loving feeling. The three twenty-something co-owners of Stitch Lounge, an urban sewing studio in San Francisco, teach you, in plain, fun language, how to do it, whether you’re hand sewing, machine sewing, or, in a few cases, simply wielding a pair of scissors.

It’s time to get subversive, again! The downtown divas of Sew Subversive are back with another happy helping of straightlaced sewing advice for stylish results every time. Transform tacky bridesmaid gowns and pleated pants into picture-perfect tops, skirts and accessories. The two Melissas and a Hope deliver 30 great projects that are achievable for even the new sewer. Subversive Seamster is your secret roadmap to the jewels of thrifting and the ins and outs of refashioning. This book has shortcuts, tips, and secrets to the wide world of inexpensive, individualized fashion. Our clothes make a statement about who we are. What better way to say, "I am an individual!" than to wear one-of-a-kind items made out of other one-of-a-kind items? We derive the most fashionable satisfaction knowing that we are reusing and recycling what already exists in this material world–and looking darn good doing it!

Like knitting before it, sewing is being reclaimed by a new generation: one that is tired of poor quality and bored by homogenous design. Indie fashion designer Wendy Mullin, of Built by Wendy, teaches the creatively inclined and ultra-stylish how to make the perfect skirt, shirt, and pants in Sew U. She gives readers everything they need to know to begin sewing and provides step-by-step instructions and patterns directly from her studio. She explains how to customize everything from the fit to the pockets so readers can create a thousand different looks using the same three basic patterns. These ideas will inspire readers to rethink and revamp their old clothes to make unique, custom fashions. For those who find themselves brimming with ideas, but unable to make everything themselves, Wendy also offers guidance on how to work with a tailor.