SHEESH-Ka-Bob!

So far, this has been a big week in the Boho Chic department at The Renegade Seamstress.

Who knew that this challenge would generate more votes than any other challenge, inspire a myriad of sew alongs, and create so much controversy.

I just love how everyone interprets the challenges differently, which is why I leave them very open ended. I always marvel at everyone’s creativity!

If you haven’t had a chance to vote for your favorite Boho Chic refashion, click here. The voting is open until Friday at midnight and the winner will be announced on Saturday morning.

Now, let’s take a look at the Boho Chic sew alongs for the week.

****************************************

I’m so happy that Sylvia from Her Kitschy Majesty in Bulgaria, is continuing to sew along with us! You’re going to be so impressed with the meaning and history behind her interpretation of the Boho Chic challenge:

“There is such a big history in this. See the embroidered skirt panel I’m
holding in the ‘before’ photo? It used to belong to my Great Grandmother
and she actually used to wear it sewn to the underskirt of her traditional
folklore ensemble (check the traditional Bulgarian dress over here:
http://www.thelovelyplanet.net/traditional-dress-of-bulgaria/ ).

This is a hand-woven, hand-sewn and hand-embroidered piece – just bear in
mind it was probably created in the early 20th century. I love the
connection it represents, and I love our traditional folklore clothes and
decorations so I knew I had to make something of it.

To me, bohemian has a strong foreign folklore influence, so I decided to
roam all around that part. So I divided the panel to two equal pieces, sew
them together at the side where there was no embroidery and created a
beautiful panel for my future refashion. I worked around that panel with
the leftover from the white curtain that took part as an undergarment in my
maxi dress refashion. I sew them together, created a draping, spray-dyed
the curtain fabric and added some brocade-tape decorated neckline and
straps. I also added elastic on the armholes and on both sides of the
bottom hem to give it a more structured look while still keeping it flowy.

And oh, please do bare in mind that I love putting stuff on my head. That
includes feathers and no boho outfit is finished without some feathers. So
I played big and wore them on my head. (Really, I wear them a lot. I
should’ve warned you that my bohemian game is very strong.)

This turned out to be, in my humble opinion, the best refashion I made for
the challenge because it really meant all that to me to refashion and wear
something that’s a traditional heritage for my family. My Gran handed me
this last year, she has been holding on to it for a while after my Great
Grandmother passed, and she gave it to me to, quote, put it in good use.

I think I did.”

So beautiful, Sylvia!

********************************

Now, meet Peggy from Heirloom Textile Art. Peggy designs heirloom keepsakes which honor the memories of special gowns. I hope you’ll check out her site and see these beautiful works of art. I am so impressed!

Peggy sewed along with us this week and this is what she had to say,

“Your theme for the week captured my attention and I just had to join in the fun!
Bohemian + my work in bridal = Boho Chic Wedding Separates!!
My versatile (wedding) separates feature an on-trend midriff top, a tiered peplum
maxi skirt and a detachable casual train. I used four lace tops, one crochet
sweater, the skirt and lining of one lace dress and trim from one tank top…all
from my local Goodwill at a total purchase price under $35.00. My daughter Amber
graciously modeled for me.”

Wow! Gorgeous, Peggy! Thanks for sewing along with us!

**********************************

I always get excited when I open up an email with one of Carissa’s creations! Carissa from Carissa Knits sewed along with us and updated an old dress and made a really cool kimono from a scarf. Pretty sure I’m going to have to make one of these!

*************************************

Eira Donovan from Hoffi Coffi also sewed along with us this week and created a fun and flowy shirt from a table cloth:

A few of last week’s sew alongs didn’t get posted last week (oops, my bad) so here is Eira’s maxi dress sew along. Much better!

Vicky Meyers from Vicky Meyers Creations also sewed along with us for the maxi skirt or dress challenge. I know she’ll get much more use out of her cute new skirt than the dress.

Brandy Whitfield used her daughter’s old pageant dress and made it into something cute for herself.

Mandy sewed along for the bag challenge and created a tote bag from some old jeans.

Thanks everyone for sewing along with us!!!

**************************

Remember to vote for your favorite Boho Chic refashion before midnight tonight.

The winner will be announced tomorrow morning.

And last but not least, here’s The Renegade Seamstress version of a Boho Chic Cowgirl: You can click on any of the pictures to see how it was made.

See you tomorrow!

Beth