new and noteworthy s w e at e r s u r g e ry: h ow to m a k e n e w t hin g s wi th old s w e at er s Stefanie Girard, B.I.D., Industrial Design ’91 $19.99 (Quarry Press, 2008) If you were wondering what to do with outmoded or damaged old sweaters, this spiral-bound volume is a must read! Sweater Surgery shows you how to upcycle all your slightly worn, slightly damaged, or plain old out-of-style sweaters into fabulous new items for your wardrobe and your home. The guide comes with complete instructions for 27 projects, plus a huge gallery of exciting ideas for further inspiration. You will learn how to choose, cut, restitch, felt, and embellish old sweater fabric, transforming it into beautiful handbags, mittens, scarves, hats, hoodies, skirts, jewelry, soft toys, pillows, and more! Before-and-after pictures illustrate the dramatic makeovers that are ecologically correct and less time-consuming than hand knitting. The California-based Girard has worked as a set decorator and prop master for 10 years in the entertainment industry. She has been covering creative topics for HGTV, DIY Network, and Lifetime TV and has designed and written directions for over 400 craft projects for clients. Girard writes the blog http://sweatersurgery.blogspot.com. Available at bookstores and through quarrybooks.com.
co n st el l at i o n ch an d el i er Kenzan Isutakawa-Chinn, M.I.D. Industrial Design ’08 $5,000 Light up your life with this stellar low-energy lighting solution that uses light emitting diodes (LEDs). The Constellation Chandelier takes the form of a gorgeous sunburst, breaking LEDs free from their circuit-mounted domain to create soft, ambient lighting. The free-form hanging lamp is composed of 364 individual LEDs, which are hand soldered together at the tips of 91 copper tubes to emit a shower of warm light. Shining like an exploding star, the chandelier, which measures 30 inches high and 18 inches in diameter, runs on 12volt DC, consuming about as much electricity as a 15watt incandescent light bulb. It was featured in the BROOKLYN DESIGNS™ exposition 2008. Available through studio1thousand.com.
art ful jewel ry Patricia Madeja, B.F.A. Jewelry/Metals 1985 Pratt faculty member Caged cubed pendant, $175-$575 Caged cubed earring, $185-$440 If you love the clean lines and bold geometric look of modern sculpture, Madeja’s innovative jewelry is for you. The internationally exhibited artisan’s latest minimalist designs unite cultured pearls with sterling silver and 14K or 18K gold in a dynamic new spin on conventional jewelry combinations that retain the practicality and comfort of the traditional type. Her caged cube pendant and earrings are small wearable sculptures constructed from square wire and pearls. Madeja enjoys the challenge of working with pure unornamented form that incorporates the aesthetic values of symmetry, balance, and proportion. Each limited edition piece is handmade and signed by Madeja, an adjunct associate professor at Pratt. Available through artfulhome.com.
37