The Renegade Seamstress

Create a Modern Sleeveless Blazer and a Giveaway

Posted on April 4, 2015 by The Renegade Seamstress

I really hope I’m not the only one who hears the voices.

You know… those voices that come with the change in the weather. Those voices that speak in perfect harmony with the chirps of the spring sparrows. Those voices that call to me from the middle room as I enter my studio. I hear them constantly clamoring for their chance to be transformed.

Today, I heard the voice of this beautiful, but tired, old blue blazer. I imagine it once attended important business meetings in its day, but then somehow found itself wedged between some old velvet jackets at the thrift store. It convinced me that if I brought it home with me, I could, at least, use the fabric for something fun. It sat quietly on the shelf for almost a year, but today, it begged me to lighten it up a bit by taking off the sleeves and to bring it back out into the spring sunshine.

That smooth talking blazer was quite convincing, so I got right to work. I then dug through the miles and miles of bias tape that I can’t seem to stop making and found the perfect match.

It took less than an hour for that smooth talking, now sleeveless blazer and I to be ready to head to work, feeling polished but not too stuffy or hot in this nice spring weather.

Click here for the full tutorial and your chance to win your own copy of The Refashion Handbook. Just pin and leave a comment and your name will be entered to win.

Thanks to everyone who has been leaving 5-star reviews on Amazon!

Here is the latest review from KLH:

“I got this book in the late morning and couldn’t put it down until I had read the whole thing!! I’ve been sewing for a long time and have done my own minor alterations here and there. A couple of years ago a friend introduced me to thrift shopping and I was hooked. I, too, felt “called” to by gorgeous discards that didn’t fit, as Beth described. But as I looked at previously expensive former treasures, I wondered whether I could alter them but never took the leap (what was I thinking? It’s so cheap!! Like no risk!!).

I just happened to find Beth’s book during an Amazon book browsing session and couldn’t believe it–a book on something that was starting to give me great interest. I checked out her blog and felt like I had a new friend and acquired new stitching bravery so I ordered it. While reading it, I could tell as an experienced sewist myself that her techniques are good and sound. Now I can’t wait for my next visit to a thrift store–it will be with new eyes and a new adventure. So many new ideas…. Sooooo excited. Thank you, Beth!!”

Thank YOU, KLH!

For more refashion inspiration:

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged alterations, clothing, DIY, fashion, giveaway, Refashion, Sewing, sleeveless blazer, The Refashion Handbook, Thrifting, tutorial | 37 Comments

Upcycle a Vintage Buckle and Create a Colorful Fabric Belt

Posted on March 29, 2015 by The Renegade Seamstress

Have I ever mentioned to you how much I love my assistant, Jan?

She is so thoughtful, so kind and so patient. Everyday she comes to work with a smile on her face and makes our day better. I love her laugh and her voice. 🙂 She is one of those people who can light up a room just by walking in.

One day she showed up with a bag full of vintage belt buckles for me. Talk about lighting up a room! She found them at a yard sale and thought I might like them. And yes, I LOVE them, Jan! They are beautiful and perfect for making some new spring fabric belts.

To liven up your spring wardrobe, just grab a 1/4 yard of your favorite fabric, a buckle, a few sewing tools and we’ll get started.

Click here to see the entire step by step tutorial.

Thanks, Jan! You’re the best!!!!!!

For more refashion inspiration:

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged clothing, DIY, fabric belt, fashion, reconstructed clothing, recycling, Refashion, Sewing, The Refashion Handbook, tutorial, vintage belt buckle | 20 Comments

How to Keep the Original Hem When You Shorten Your Jeans

Posted on March 28, 2015 by The Renegade Seamstress

You know, a girl really has to watch out for that “Sewing Paparazzi”. Those photographers just waiting for a shot of a self-proclaimed Renegade Seamstress using the wrong needle or not finishing a seam correctly.

They almost got the perfect “money shot” of me the other day. It would’ve been like snapping a picture of the Pioneer Woman making Kraft Macaroni and Cheese from a blue box.

But it was worse than that, they almost got a picture of me…..gasp……horror of horrors…..

STAPLING THE HEM OF MY JEANS!

WHHHAAAATTTTT!!!!???!!

Ok, now don’t act like you’ve never done it before, or at least thought about doing it. But, in my defense, look at how long they were. Clothing manufacturers must think by my hip size that I’m seven feet tall.

But there is a way to shorten your jeans and keep the original hem. It’s actually quite easy to do and looks way better than a few shiny staples.

Click here for the step by step photo tutorial.

Thanks to all of you who click and go over to eHow to check out my published posts. I’m especially thankful when you pin the articles and make comments on them.

Last week’s winner of The Refashion Handbook is…

Kalamity Kelly! Send your address to bhunting@eoni.com and I’ll be sure to send a book out to you ASAP.

For more refashion and sewing inspiration:

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged alterations, clothing, DIY, giveaway, hem those jeans, Refashion, Sewing, The Refashion Handbook, tutorial | 10 Comments

DIY: How to Make Fabric Baby Shoes

Posted on March 22, 2015 by The Renegade Seamstress

Along with the daffodils and warmer weather, those baby shower invitations that keep popping up in mailboxes are sure signs that spring has arrived. If you’re looking for a handmade shower gift idea, baby shoes can be a wonderful present to make for the next new baby in your life.

And I’m excited to announce that my beautiful daughter and her husband will be welcoming a new baby into their family in May. 🙂

I think it’s true what they say-

“There’s really nothing quite so sweet as tiny little baby feet”.

But these tiny little baby shoes have to be right up there on the “sweet-o-meter.”

The process is fairly simple and you can see the entire tutorial by clicking here.

Thank you for checking out my eHow tutorials. Everyone over there has been incredibly kind to me and creating content for them has allowed me to continue to bring you tutorials each week. To me, everything is right with the world when I’m creating and you help make that possible when you show interest in my articles by making comments, pinning and clicking the “yes this article was helpful” button.

You guys are the best!

I hope you had a chance to check out yesterday’s “Tutu-orial” .

Enjoy your Sunday!

Beth

For more refashion inspiration:

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged baby shoes, clothing, DIY, giveaway, Refashion, Sewing, The Refashion Handbook, tutorial | 11 Comments

DIY: Tutus Aren’t Just For Dancing Anymore

Posted on March 21, 2015 by The Renegade Seamstress

You know what they say…

She who leaves a trail of glitter is never forgotten…

What better way to leave a trail of glitter than making a tutu.

Tutus aren’t just for dancing anymore.

To leave a trail of your own glitter, click here to see the entire tutu-orial

(ha-some more early morning caffeine induced humor) 🙂

To thank you for taking the time to comment and pin this tutu-orial :), I’d like to give away another copy of The Refashion Handbook to one of you.

Thank you to everyone who pinned and commented on last week’s too small dress alteration.

The winner of The Refashion Handbook is…

Sara Douglas-Polwort.

Congratulations and send your mailing address to bhunting@eoni.com and I’ll send your book to you ASAP.

For more refashion inspiration:

Have a wonderful weekend!

Beth

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged clothing, DIY, fashion, giveaway, Refashion, Sewing, The Refashion Handbook, tutorial, tutu | 12 Comments

More Exciting News I’ve Been Busting at the Seams to Tell You!

Posted on March 15, 2015 by The Renegade Seamstress

I looked out the window as my plane descended into the Minneapolis airport that night last January and I couldn’t help but smile as I flew over the city and saw those brightly lit areas in every neighborhood. Most people wouldn’t even give those areas a second thought. Most people wouldn’t even know what they were. But I knew what they were. I knew what was going on under those lights. I grew up in Minnesota. I knew that under those lights there was lots of laughter, play, exercise, games, friendships building and young love happening. Some of my most favorite childhood memories happened under those lights. I knew those were the lights of the neighborhood ice skating rinks and I immediately knew I was “home”.

But they didn’t fly me there for ice skating.

Nope!

They flew me there to be on TV!

Yep, The Renegade Seamstress is going to be on TV and I’m beyond excited!

It really is going to happen.

Back in December, Roberta Bonoff, the CEO of Creative Kidstuff, contacted me and asked if I would like to be a guest on their new show, The Happi House. Of course, I didn’t even take a breath before I responded with a resounding YES! They flew me to Minneapolis in January and we filmed three episodes.

The Happi House is an entertaining and informative weekly magazine style television series for women that airs on the CW channel at 9:00 on Sunday mornings. It’s sponsored by Creative Kidstuff.

As a teacher, I love Creative Kidstuff’s mission. They believe that play is joyful, educational, creative and inspiring. Their mission is to help families play together and learn together. The Happi House is a natural extension of that philosophy, and they were definitely lots of fun to work with!

I can’t wait for you to see the shows on April 12, April 26 and May 10.

I’ll remind you again as the air dates get closer. But, in the meantime, even if you don’t have an ice skating rink close by, I hope you can get out there and play!

For more refashion inspiration:

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Creative Kidstuff, DIY, fashion, Refashion, Sewing, The Happi House, The Refashion Handbook, tutorial, upcycling | 41 Comments

Get More Life Out of a Too Small Dress

Posted on March 14, 2015 by The Renegade Seamstress

I admit it.

I tend to shy away from refashioning things that are too small.

But thanks to Susan, from Second Chances by Susan, that’s not gonna happen anymore.

Nope, it’s not gonna happen anymore.

She inspired me to try adding panels to the sides of a dress and how right she was!

Click here for the step-by-step how to. I’ll be giving away a copy of The Refashion Handbook to one person who pins and comments on this article.

Thanks to all of you who commented on and pinned the jacket alteration post. The winner is…

Heidi Martin. Please send you address to bhunting@eoni.com and I’ll send the book out to you ASAP. 🙂

Have a wonderful day!

Beth

For more refashion inspiration:

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged alterations, clothing, DIY, dress, fashion, giveaway, Refashion, Sewing, The Refashion Handbook, upcycling | 28 Comments

DIY: Celtic Knot Headband

Posted on March 7, 2015 by The Renegade Seamstress

Isn’t she beautiful!!! She’s a bit Celtic.

And I’m kind of fascinated with Celtic things.

I’d LOVE to take her to Scotland someday! If we’re ever lucky enough to travel there, the first thing on my agenda will be to head on over to our castle for a photo shoot!

“You have a castle in Scotland?” I can hear you asking.

Well, sort of.

You see, my maiden name is Crichton. Pronounced like Michael Crichton, the author of Jurassic Park. (Oh, so fun to name drop) And I am a direct descendent of Lord William Crichton, who was Chancellor of Scotland (1439-1443 & 1448-1454). This was his castle and even though it changed hands throughout the ages, it’s still called the Crichton Castle, so I’m going with it. 🙂 Crichton Castle Stables

Perfect place for a photo shoot don’t you think?

Someday, I’ll go there and take some pictures of Brooke in this courtyard. In the meantime, Celtic knot headbands, and the beautiful, mystical Celtic music will have to tide us over until we get there someday.

Celtic knots are full of symbolism. They represent infinity and eternity because they don’t contain beginnings or ends. In ancient times, if a gift was adorned with a Celtic knot it was thought to give the recipient longevity or good luck in new adventures.

This no-sew, T-shirt headband is made with a Shannon knot which symbolizes balanced creativity.

Click here to see how you can make a Celtic knot headband from an old T-shirt. Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day. (Who was actually Scottish BTW)

I’d love to know what you think!

For more refashion inspiration:

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Celtic Knot Headband, Crichton Castle, DIY, giveaway, Refashion, The Refashion Handbook, tutorial, upcycling | 19 Comments

How to Alter a Jacket

Posted on March 1, 2015 by The Renegade Seamstress

March is coming in like a lamb for all of us in Eastern Oregon. This is the time of year when jackets become a great transitional wardrobe piece. You can wear them with a lightweight sweater or T-shirt underneath, but a well-fitting, modern jacket can be elusive to find off the rack.

Instead of leaving that too-big jacket with the nice fabric in the dressing room, take it home instead. With a few simple changes, you can make it fit perfectly.

You can see the step-by-step photo instructions here.

To thank you for taking the time to check out this jacket alteration, I’d like to give away another copy of The Refashion Handbook to one of you who comments and pins.

Thanks to everyone who took the time to check out and share last week’s Snow Skirt article.

The winner of The Refashion Handbook is….

Linda Thornton. Send your address to me at bhunting@eoni.com and I’ll send it out to you ASAP.

I also want to thank all of you who have taken the time to write a 5 Star Review on The Refashion Handbook over at Amazon. If you’ve read the book and haven’t had a chance to write one yet, I’d really appreciate it. The mysterious and powerful Amazon algorithms love 5 Star Reviews and in turn promote the books with more reviews.

For more refashion inspiration:

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged clothing, DIY, fashion, giveaway, Jacket alteration, reconstructed clothing, Refashion, Sewing, The Refashion Handbook, Thrifting | 38 Comments

Make Your Own Snow Skirt From an Old Jacket

Posted on February 21, 2015 by The Renegade Seamstress

OK, all my friends and family still dwelling in the clutches of old man winter, here’s a fun sewing project to help keep your buns warm and look great at the same time.

Make a cute snow skirt from an old jacket.

Don’t you just love this label!

My fun and stylish friend, Linda, found this old “jaquette” at our thrift store and was inspired to create a cute snow skirt to wear to the upcoming Snow Blast at Anthony Lakes Ski Resort in March.

We headed up those 32 studio steps together and she let me photograph her process so I could share it with you.

Click here to get the step by step directions.

To thank you, once again for taking the time to go over to this tutorial, I’d like to give another copy of my new book The Refashion Handbook to one of you. All you have to do to enter is pin the tutorial to one of your Pinterest boards and make a comment.

The winner from last week’s Look Cooking-Show Chic in This Apron Made From an Old Shirt post is…

Maggie Ragatz! Congratulations and send your address to bhunting@eoni.com and I’ll send it to you ASAP!

I also have another huge favor to ask of you. If you have read The Refashion Handbook and you haven’t had a chance to write a five star review over on Amazon, my family and I would be forever in your debt if you would take the time to write one. The magical Amazon algorithms love five star reviews. The more a book has, the more they promote the book. Thank you so much for all of your support and encouragement!

For more refashion inspiration: