If you want the designer look but find your bank manager is not in agreement with you then perhaps this book might be of use. In it are seventeen projects that show how to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary and add that touch of uniqueness to your sewing.

This is basically all about taking plain fabrics (or old items) and making them into something innovative and different. If, like this reviewer, you are stuck with a limited assortment of stores selling a tiny range of fabrics then this will have plenty of appeal. Learn how to pleat, gather, appliqué, fray, tuft and ruffle fabrics to create shag pile rugs, fabric flower bedecked purses, recycled plastic bag tote bags and give the appearance of embroidery without stitching.  Many of these projects have a distinct retro appearance that made me think of the 60s and Habitat stores, but even if this is not to your taste this is an empowering sort of book.  Projects are described in detail with plenty of photographed stages and patterns, and it is easy to adapt the techniques to suit your own ideas. Certainly I was left thinking that even the dullest fabric does not need to be painted or embroidered over to look interesting, and I particularly loved the ideas for fun and creative recycling. A useful book that will be opened again and again, and which is sure to appeal to anybody with a sewing machine and some experience of both working with patterns and "going it alone."

If you cannot find a good range of the materials used in this book locally try  SearchPress.com for a list of suppliers.