DIY: How to Sew a Garden Kneeling Pad

Posted on April 22, 2018 by

Who doesn’t look forward to spring? The air is warm, the sun is shining and the flowers are starting to bloom–it’s exactly what we all need after a long, cold winter. However, sometimes kneeling on the hard ground can put a damper on our bloom planting bliss. Say goodbye to mud stained knees and say hello to a bright, comfortable kneeling pad that you made yourself. Just grab some fabric, rice and a bit of elastic to get to that gardening in style.

Happy Sewing and Gardening!

Beth

For more sewing and refashioning inspiration click here.

To order The Refashion Handbook for more than 50% off just in time for Mother’s Day click here. (The sale ends May 12)

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Make a Zesty Citrus Pin Cushion For Your Main Squeeze

Posted on April 21, 2018 by

You could just store your pins in the plain plastic container they come in, but why not give one of your hardest working sewing tools the presentation they deserve with a bright, handmade pin cushion?

My good friend Jakki inspired this project. She creates the most beautiful felt ornaments and pins. Then, being one of the most thoughtful people I know,  she’ll wrap them up in a pretty package, deliver them to her friends, and brighten up the lucky recipient’s day.

Using just a few sheets of felt and some embroidery thread, you can create a zesty cushion for yourself or maybe even make one for your main squeeze. You will definitely brighten up their day. 🙂

Click here for the full tutorial.

Happy Sewing!

Beth

PS. Thank you to everyone who has ordered The Refashion Handbook during this last $10 Mother’s Day sale. The sale lasts until May 12 when they go back to the regular price of $24.95. Click here to order your $10 copy today.

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DIY: How to Make Fabric Boxes

Posted on April 9, 2018 by

How to make fabric boxes

Combine your love of sewing and your need to be organized by creating these fun fabric bins. Make one for silverware, surprise your friends and family with a fabric gift box, or organize your drawers. Once you start to whip up these cute fabric boxes you’ll want to put them everywhere–your kitchen, the bathroom, bedroom drawers, your desk at the office or school. With just a little practice, you’ll be dreaming up all kinds of ways to use them.

Click here to find out how to make these fabric boxes.

For more sewing and refashioning inspiration and tutorials, click here.

Happy Sewing!

Beth

P.S. Just a friendly reminder that if you’re looking for a good Mother’s Day gift, my book, The Refashion Handbook, is on sale for $10 until May 12, 2018. Click here to order your copy today.

 

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A Great Gift For Mother’s Day: The Refashion Handbook $10 Sale

Posted on April 7, 2018 by

One of the best ways to learn to sew, is transforming thrift store clothes into something more modern. Not only is it much more cost friendly than buying new fabric, but you can do your part to help keep so many textiles from ending up in the landfills around the world.

If you’re looking for something earth-friendly to give to a seamstress (or wannabe seamstress) in your life this Mother’s Day, then The Refashion Handbook just might be the gift for you. And it’s only $10 right now (that’s more that 50% off.)  🙂

My book, The Refashion Handbook, is filled with ideas and step-by-step instructions on how to refashion ill-fitting, outdated clothes into more modern pieces. I had so much fun creating this book for you and then C&T Publishing flew me down to California for the final photo shoot at a ranch right next to George Lucas’s ranch. Had to pinch myself!

It was a beautiful day for photos and I loved working with such creative people.

Here are a few of my favorite AFTER shots from the book:

The photographer called the next two pictures my “Martha Stewart” photos. And….I’m totally fine with that. 🙂

I REALLY love how this next dress was transformed.

In The Refashion Handbook, you will also find out how these dresses morphed into something more wearable along with 16 more refashioning projects, and sewing instructions:

                                

Thank you in advance for supporting The Renegade Seamstress by purchasing

The Refashion Handbook.

Click here or on any of the photos or links on this page to buy a book.

Sale ends on Saturday, May 12, 2018.

Happy Sewing!

Beth

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How to Make a Washable Fabric Bowl Cover and A New One Minute Video

Posted on April 6, 2018 by

I know my Minnesota friends won’t believe this, but summer really is almost here and you know what THAT means.

PICNIC SEASON!

And what goes great with those outdoor get togethers? Bright, colorful and happy bowls! These Fiesta Ware salad bowls deserve so much more than plastic wrap. They deserve a cheerful, washable fabric bowl cover to keep those bugs out of your salads.

You can see the Youtube version here:

You can watch the Facebook version here:

Click here to read the entire step-by-step directions.

For more sewing and refashion tutorials click here.

Happy Sewing!

Beth

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How to Sew Journals and Books

Posted on March 10, 2018 by

How to sew journals and books

I’ve always loved fabric, but back when paper companies started to produce so many beautiful papers, I just couldn’t get enough of them. I was obsessed with scrapbooking, hand made cards, and envelopes. I loved creating unique invitations, boxes, and tags for special events. Today I went back in time and combined my love of sewing with paper to create these fun books with a sewing machine.

You can put these colorful books all around your house to record your thoughts, generate unique artwork, make those lists or even document your travels. You never know when I bright idea is going to hit you and you are going to need to make a note of it.

Click here or on any picture to see the entire tutorial.

So, if paper is more your thing than fabric, you can still use that sewing machine to create some colorful books with some beautiful paper.

Happy Sewing!

Beth

Click here for more sewing and refashioning tutorials and inspiration.

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How to Sew A Zippered Pillow Cover

Posted on March 4, 2018 by

How to sew a zipper in a pillow cover

Promise. Possibility. Potential.

If I had a fabric store, that’s what I’d name it.

Those words describe exactly how I feel when I walk through the doors, grab a cart and start running my hands over all of the beautiful textiles. It seems as if anything is in the realm of possibility. There is just something magical that happens when my eyes take in all of the wonderful colors and patterns. I instantly feel better, no matter what is happening in my life. It’s no wonder there are stacks and stacks of fabric in my studio.

Pretty sure I’m not alone…:)

Decorative throw pillows are a great way to bring those beautiful fabrics that inspired you off the shelves and into your home. Especially if you add a zipper. Zippers allow you to make quick seasonal design changes and freshen up any room in your house.

An easy way to sew a zippered pillow cover

An easy way to sew a zippered pillow cover

An easy way to sew a zippered pillow cover

Click on any picture or click here for the entire tutorial to see just how easy putting a zipper in a pillow cover can be.

For more sewing and refashioning inspiration, click here.

Happy Sewing!

Beth

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How to Make a Little Girl’s Sweater Even If Knitting Isn’t Your Thing

Posted on January 20, 2018 by

Knitting Envy.

It’s a thing, you know, and I’ve got it bad.

It’s that jealousy you feel when your social media feed is filled with cute little girls in those adorable little hand knit sweaters but sewing is more your thing than knitting.

No need to scroll on past and give into that green eyed monster because there is a way to wrap your little one in a handmade sweater using your mad sewing skills instead. And to top it all off, it’s actually pretty easy.

Just grab a big sweater, some bias tape , a few buttons and you’re on your way.

Upcycle an old sweater to make this cute little girl's pullover.

Click here  for the full step-by-step instructions or scroll down to watch the one-minute how-to video.

You can watch the Facebook video here:

Or, if you’re not on Facebook, you can watch the video here:

If you’re really feeling adventurous and you’d like to make your own bias tape in any color or pattern you’d like you can find the step-by-step tutorial here.

Happy Sewing (instead of knitting)!

Beth

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How to Look Great and Avoid Hat Hair This Winter

Posted on January 14, 2018 by

Move over headband, now there’s an even better way to stay warm and look great with your hair up.

Make this trendy messy bun/ponytail hat even if your skills don’t include knitting or crocheting.

Just grab an old sweater and some fun bias tape and make your own.

(Doesn’t Rylee look adorable!!!)

How to look great and avoid hat hair this winter. Make your own messy bun/ponytail hat from an old sweater.

Check out my one minute Facebook video here:

(Be sure to turn on the music, it’s much more fun) 🙂

Or if you’re not on Facebook, you can watch the Youtube version here:

For the complete step-by-step directions click here or on any of the photos.

How to look great and avoid hat hair this winter. Make your own messy bun/ponytail hat from an old sweater.

Feel free to pin!

How to look great and avoid hat hair this winter. Make your own messy bun/ponytail hat from an old sweater.

Happy Sewing!

Beth

How to look great and avoid hat hair this winter. Make your own messy bun/ponytail hat from an old sweater.

PS. For more sewing and refashioning inspiration, click here.

What do you think? Would you make and wear one of these hats?

 

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Make a Casserole Carrier: A New One Minute Video

Posted on January 10, 2018 by

 If your winter social calendar includes heading over to friends for a potluck, keep your hot dish hot with this easy-to-make Insulated Casserole Carrier. You can check out the step-by-step tutorial here or scroll down to the bottom to check out my new one minute video.

Or if you’re not on Facebook, here’s the Youtube version:

Happy New Year!

Happy Sewing!

Beth

 

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