Shortage of elastic?
Yep, with so many DIY face masks are being sewn worldwide the demand for elastic has skyrocketed.
If elastic is in short supply where you are, t-shirt yarn could be a good, free and available alternative.
Click here for the complete step-by-step photo tutorial.
If you’re not busy sewing masks, here are a couple of other ideas on what to do with your t-shirt yarn.
I hope you and your loved ones are all safe and sound.
Beth
Yesterday, I posted how to make a journal cover from a suede jacket.
Here’s something you can create with the rest of the jacket:
When things go back to normal and you’re on vacation, shopping at the store, strolling through the park or enjoying an afternoon at the zoo, a cross bodybag will be a must have item. They are perfect for carrying the essentials and keeping your hands free at the same time. You can even make your own from an old thrift store suede jacket or shirt to put your own personal touch on a bag that just might become a new favorite.
Click here for the complete step-by-step photo tutorial.
Happy Sewing!
Beth
PS. Click here for more refashion and sewing inspiration and tutorials.
For many of us, our normal days have been temporarily halted.
It would be so interesting, for the sake of history, if we kept journals of what life is like now and what we learn through these unprecedented times. Each of our individual perspectives are important when recording our experiences.
Keeping a journal is also a wonderful way to clear your mind or help you to destress. Writing each day can also be a great tool for self-improvement or just a way to keep track of important events. Even though we can’t travel right now, you could make one to document your future travel adventures.
To source the suede for this project, I used an unwanted suede jacket that had been hanging around the thrift store for awhile.
(I got some comments on Facebook about destroying a perfectly good jacket for this but let me assure you, I only buy the unwanted, on-sale items. We all know what happens to the unsold thrift store clothing… on to the landfill they go. Plus, I have another project for you that uses the rest of this jacket.)
Click here for the entire step-by-step photo tutorial.
We are all in this together.
Beth
PS. For more sewing and refashioning ideas and tutorials, click here.
If staying home has got you looking for creative ways to pass the time, here’s a sewing contest that could be just the ticket.
One of our Refashion Runway sponsors, Lorri Scott, who wrote the book Wayward Threads,
is hosting a sewing contest.
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Here is the information about her contest:
“I have started this Facebook page to share upcycled garment design with other like minded souls. I have recently written a book on this “wayward threads” and know that several people have already purchased it.
Because the world seems to have come to a halt as far as socializing and entertainment because of Covid-19 I am going to host a contest for those who want to create a garment using an idea or technique from my book. If you haven’t purchased it but want to join in you can find the book at Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0851LL3FT/ref=sr_1_2…
We can all stay home and create!
“wayward threads” garment contest.
Starting today, March 14th 2020 I will be hosting a contest for people to create an upcycled garment using a technique or an idea from my book “wayward threads”. If you have not purchased the book yet you can get it through Amazon here https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0851LL3FT/ref=sr_1_2…
Take a photo of the shirts/materials you gather to upcycle! In the next couple of weeks work on your project and take photos of the final garment you create. Post the photos on this page along with your full name.
The deadline to finish garments and post photos is April 1 (don’t be fooled, lol!).
I have a team who will help me choose the top ten contestants. On April 4th I will post those top ten photos and names on my website www.lasfibers.com for the public to vote on and choose the top winners. Voting will end April 6th and winners announced on April 7th.
I have a prize for everyone who enters! It is a downloadable tutorial on special treatments for upcycled garments, pocket, neckline and sleeve(less) ideas.
I will have prizes for the top 3 contestants but will keep them as a surprise, believe me they are items you will want, I want them!
Happy designing and sewing! Can’t wait to see what is created!”
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Happy Sewing!
Beth
Apparently, the term “social distancing” is not being used by our neighbors to the north.
Our Canadian friends are using the much more romantic phrase,
“exiled for the good of the realm”.
🙂
My friend, Debbie, says it’s much better way to leave everyone wondering what you did, and I totally agree. From now on, since we’ve been “exiled for the good of the realm”, you can find me in my sewing studio until further notice.
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The guacamole is fresh, the onions are diced, the cheese is shredded and the table is set. All you need to make your taco night perfect is a handmade, cotton fabric tortilla warmer. Soft, warm tortillas are essential for delicious fajitas and tacos. Just place your tortillas in the warmer and heat them up in the microwave. In just 30 seconds or so, your tortillas will be ready and will stay warm throughout your dinner.
YUM! Now, I’m hungry.
For my entire photo step-by-step tutorial, click here.
Happy Sewing!
Beth
PS. For more sewing and refashion inspiration or tutorials, click here.
Since many of us are staying home these days, here’s a comfy DIY idea to make for some serious snuggle time with your kids or grandkids. This just might be a good time to be making holiday gifts. Or maybe just make one for yourself. 🙂
WARNING: There’s some cuteness up ahead.
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Whether watching a favorite movie, reading a good book or just relaxing next to a warm fire, this floor pillow mat will keep you cozy and comfy. Bring it along when you’re camping, take it on sleepovers or wherever an extra bed or mattress is needed. It just takes a couple of yards of soft fleece and four standard sized pillows to make one of these snug cushions. Just a word of warning though — if you have kids, you’ll need to make more than just one.
Click here for the entire step-by-step photo tutorial.
Happy Sewing!
Beth
PS. Click here for more sewing and refashioning tutorials.
How lucky am I?
Being able to create content for eHow and being able to work remotely from my little rural Eastern Oregon town has definitely been a blessing and even more so during these times of “social distancing”.
I know so much of the media is focusing on the tough times, but it’s my prayer that many good things will come out of this time. For instance, opportunities for remote work will continue so those who need it can be more available to the people they love or have work no matter where they live. Who knows what other great things will come out of all of this, but I just know that there are future changes ahead that will surprise us and actually be good.
In the meantime, I’ll be sharing projects for you to enjoy and maybe help you through these unusual times.
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If you’re a sucker for succulents, but if you’re like me and your thumb is less than green, these adorable little felt desert plants are a great alternative. Felt succulents are not only full of color, texture and unique character, but they are a cinch to make. Plus, no watering is required and they will forever be in bloom wherever you plant them. Jackpot!
Click here for the full tutorial.
I hope you, your family, neighbors and friends are staying safe.
Happy Sunday!
Beth
Click here if you came for sewing and refashioning tutorials and inspiration.
Social distancing can have some perks.
It’s all in how you look at it.
Hunkering down with your loved ones, getting some much needed chores accomplished, or finally having time to learn how to make something new.
Maybe learning how to do something new, lighthearted and pretty is just the ticket for these unusual days. Something like my latest eHow project:
How to Make and Preserve Homemade Peach Jam.
I know this isn’t sewing related but one of my other favorite things to do is preserve foods.
You know, like can summer peaches for winter cobblers, can green beans for hearty stews, or preserve beautiful jams to go on warm homemade rolls.
Like making 185 jars of jam as wedding favors for Katie and Adam a few years ago.
So. Much. Fun!!!
If you want to learn how to make and preserve homemade peach jam, click here for the entire step-by-step photo directions.
Or, watch my new video here:
If you came here looking for sewing and refashioning inspiration, click here.
Happy Canning!
Beth
Amy Smith was brave to sew along with us on this season of Refashion Runway: Season Five. Thank you Amy!
Here is her version of the Southwest Challenge:
Thank you for joining us this season, Amy. I’m sure you’ve inspired more people to sew along with us next season. 🙂
Happy Sewing!
Beth
WOW!
Every season of Refashion Runway has it’s own personality and if I was to describe this season with one word, it would be STRONG.
So many capable, energetic, tenacious, and solid designers and each of them enchanted us with their different strengths and talents every week.
And they all came through the finish line with a STRONG finale!
Thanks to you, this season we had close to 20,000 total votes. The winners are determined by combining the percentage of the total votes they received with the total number of points they received from the judges who scored each week on, following the challenge, originality, craftsmanship, design, & presentation.
After all your votes and the judges scores were totaled up, this is how the competition came out.
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In 4th place,
KT
Here are the innovative designs that she bought to us this season:
(If you are interested in seeing the before pictures as well, click on the challenge title.)
Thank you so much KT for being a big part of Refashion Runway! You shared so many tasteful designs and did so with such grace. It was such a pleasure to see what you created each week. I hope you had fun because we loved having you here with us.
She will be receiving a nice gift card from JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts.
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We have a tie for 3rd place between Julie Kong from Sugarcane Sweet Designs
and Beki Biesterfelt from Beki’s Custom Sewing
Let’s take a look at what they brought us this season:
Beki
(If you’d like to see how these refashions started out, click on the challenge title)
Statement Sleeves from window screen and candy wrappers!
Thank you Beki for sharing all of your original, artistic designs. All of your unique techniques surprised and impressed us each week. The very first entry I opened this season was your Statement Sleeves made from window screen and candy wrappers. I knew right then that it was going to be an unprecedented season.
She will be receiving a nice gift card from JoAnn Fabrics also.
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Here are the awesome projects that Julie brought us this season:
(If you’d like to see how these refashions started out, click on the challenge title)
Thank you so much, Julie, for being a big part of Refashion Runway. From your amazing work with crochet and lace to your beautiful daughter, Alana, you have inspired us week to week with your incredible refashions. And I hear you did all of this while sharing your love of books to 1,000 elementary students each day, taking a class and taking care of your mom. I applaud you and I hope you’ll have a chance to rest for awhile now, you deserve it!
She will also be receiving a nice gift card from JoAnn Fabrics.
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In 2nd place
Peggy Latta from Heirloom Textile Art
Let’s look back at her amazing and classy creations this season:
(If you’d like to see how these refashions started out, click on the challenge title)
Peggy, your attention to detail, originality, and incredible sewing skills have inspired thousands of us this season and we all thank you for joining us. I hope you’ve met some new friends and that loads of people have discovered your incredible replica miniature gowns that you create over at Heirloom Textile Art.
Your attention to the intricate details that your work requires is so remarkable.
She will be receiving a nice gift card from JoAnn Fabrics.
and a book from Tambra Nicole Kendall
who graciously donated one of her beautiful new books as a Refashion Runway prize.
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Please join me in congratulating the overall 1st place winner of
Refashion Runway: Season Five…..
Deana Budgell from djewelss
Here’s a look back at Deana’s incredible designs:
(If you’d like to see how these refashions started out, click on the challenge title)
Statement Sleeves from a men’s suit
Faux Fur from a faux fur jacket
Small to Large from two wedding dresses
Kentucky Derby Hat from couch springs, placemats, and much more
Deana, you and your unexpected designs, remarkable photos and incredible sewing skills have elevated Refashion Runway to a whole new level. I have been honored and humbled that you decided to join us this season and I’m really looking forward to seeing your future adventures in sewing because I know they’re going to be exciting ones.
She will be receiving a nice JoAnn Fabrics gift card sponsored by my friend and Co-Madre, Penny Hampton and moi, The Renegade Seamstress. 🙂
In addition, she will receive the newly released book by Lorri Ann Scott from l.a.s. fibers
And also a prize package from from Lisa Christman at Wild Ginger Software
Fashion, Design and Sewing Pattern Software
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A big thank you also to Sonya Blackman from She’s So Creative, Marisa Glied from The ReFash Stash, and Michelle Paganini from Paganoonoo. They are incredibly talented designers who work hard with their sites and I hope you will subscribe to them and support them in their future endeavors. They will also be receiving nice JoAnn Fabric gift cards.
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Well, there you have it!
Cheers to another friendly sewing competition in the books:
Refashion Runway: Season Five
I hope you enjoyed voting for your favorite designers, looked forward to opening those emails each Saturday, met some new sewing friends, found some sites to support, and became inspired to try some refashioning yourself.
I’m definitely going to miss the excitement….
until next season……..
🙂
Happy sewing and refashioning!
Beth
