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Book Review: Sweat Shop Paris: Lessons from a Sewing Cafe

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Sweat Shop Paris: Lessons from a Sewing Cafe by
Martena Dusss and Sissi Holleis is a really fun and inspiring book. It most definitely has the “Paris” look. Which I totally loved as someone who craves other culture’s creative spirit! The style of the projects are mostly of the alternative hip style while the tutorials and how-tos are solid fundamentals. This also happens to be my favorite style of craft book, one that covers lots of different mediums, materials and projects from clothing to home decor, a totally buffet of fun. In addition to all that great project content you get fun stories and back ground about the designers which can be equally inspiring. Oh and if all that crafty goodness makes you hungry you can whip up one of the yummy recipes featured in Sweat Shop Paris: Lessons from a Sewing Cafe. My favorite thing to recycle currently are shoes and featured in  Sweat Shop Paris: Lessons from a Sewing Cafe is just such a topic. See what the book inspired me to do to an old pair of shoes over at the blog Sweater Surgery.

More about the book from the publisher Andrews McMeel Universal:

“Sweat Shop Paris: Lessons from a Sewing Cafe brings the namesake Paris Sweat Shop founded by Martena Duss and Sissi Holleis to North America with more than 50 DIY fashion and home projects, including instructions and more than 200 helpful, inspiring full-color photographs. The first “cafe couture” sewing shop in Paris, the Sweat Shop was named to highlight the questionable nature in which store-bought clothing is sometimes made. Instead of rewarding dubious labor practices, the Sweat Shop and The Sweat Shop Bookinspire crafters to make something unique with their own sweat equity and creativity.Crafters meet at the cafe and share ideas while renting equipment by the hour. In addition, classes teach novices how to sew, knit, crochet, and much more.

In March 2010, Martena Duss and Sissi Holleis opened the Sweat Shop, the first sewing cafe in Paris, near the trendy boutiques of Canal St. Martin. Duss is a Swiss makeup artist. Holleis is from Austria, where she had her own fashion store and label. In addition to carving a niche in Parisian society, the Sweat Shop has been featured in publications such as Vogue, Elle, the New York Times, Le Monde, the Guardian, and Marie Claire. “

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Handmade with a Past: Tuesday’s Top Recycled Etsy Find

If you’re looking for a bag that’s as stylish as it is eco-friendly, look no further than this recycled cloth jute beach tote bag. Handcrafted from upcycled materials, this tote combines the rustic charm of jute with the sustainability of recycled cloth, making it the perfect accessory for your next beach trip, farmers’ market visit, or casual day out.

What I love about this bag is its combination of practicality and earth-conscious design. The sturdy jute fabric gives it a timeless look, while the use of recycled cloth keeps things fresh and eco-friendly. It’s large enough to hold all your essentials—whether you’re headed to the beach or carrying groceries—and it’s the kind of bag you can feel good about using.

Why this tote bag is a must-have:

  • Made from recycled cloth and jute, giving new life to old materials while keeping things stylish

  • Perfect for a beach day, carrying groceries, or just as your go-to everyday tote

  • Eco-conscious design that helps reduce waste while looking chic

This bag isn’t just a practical piece; it’s also a conversation starter. People will ask where you got it, and you can proudly say, “It’s handmade, recycled, and fabulous!” A must-have for anyone looking to add more sustainable options to their daily life.