The Renegade Seamstress

DIY: Felted Jewelry Pouch Tutorial

Posted on March 29, 2014 by The Renegade Seamstress

I’m proud of the people I come from and I happen to be the lucky recipient and caretaker of some of their most cherished pieces of jewelry.

Isn’t this dress amazing!

Aren’t they beautiful!

And they were a big part of the Washington DC social scene in the late 1800s and early 1900s. My great grandmother kept extensive scrapbooks complete with hand written notes written to her from Grace Coolidge and White House party invitations. There is even a signed letter from Theodore Roosevelt amongst the many, calling cards, photos, newspaper articles and cards.

Shesh-ka-bob!

I’ve got some pretty deeply entrenched history in the DC area. My grandmother lived on Dupont Circle until 1988. Uncles, grandfathers and great grandfathers are buried in Arlington Cemetery. And as a matter of fact, there is a bridge named after my great grandfather there-The Kutz Bridge. And that is only the beginning of the accomplishments of these people who were here before me. (And yes, these are the women who came down the pipe from Pocahontas. 🙂 )

I mean seriously, who wouldn’t be proud!

It’s fun to imagine them wearing their jewelry to some of the grand social engagements they attended in DC. I’ve had these treasures wrapped up and safely tucked away in a box. But wouldn’t it be a fun way to honor their memory by placing a few of their beloved pieces in a soft, handmade, lambswool and angora jewelry pouch, where I could easily take them out, keep them organized and possibly wear of few of them?

So……… I put together two jewelry pouches.

One for me and one for you along with this tutorial.

eHow has graciously published my tutorial once again, and to thank you for taking time out from your busy days to pin and make comments, (I’m a sucker for your kind words, what can I say?)

(Minus Grandma’s earring, though. Sorry, can’t seem to part with that. 🙂 )

Do you have some great stories about your people? I’d love to hear about them.

P.S.

Yesterday morning, I met with Alicyn from BurdaStyle and we did a run through on Monday’s web seminar. This past week I’ve been busy putting it all together for you and I’m excited to say now, I’M READY!!!

I can’t believe it’s almost here!

I really hope you can join us for the live version, but if you aren’t able to make it on Monday to actually hear my funny voice :), you can still sign up and you will receive a copy to watch and listen to anytime you’d like.

To register, go here:

Refashion: Inspiration and Projects to Revamp and Recycle Your Wardrobe for Less

Enjoy your weekend!

Beth

PSS

While you’re over at eHow check out my new fellow craft bloggers:

Tonia Larsen has a tutorial for these playful scented Easter eggs:

and Amy Sinibaldi has a tutorial for these cute Brown Bunny Treat Bags:

It’s an honor to be able to blog with these talented women!

For more refashion inspiration:

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged crafting, DIY, fashion, giveaway, history, Jewelry, reconstructed clothing, Refashion, Sewing, tutorial | 27 Comments

DIY: Three Refashioned Easter Basket Tutorials

Posted on March 26, 2014 by The Renegade Seamstress

“Here comes Peter Cottontail, hopping down the bunny trail, hippity, hoppity, Easter’s on it’s way!”

This year, why not create a handmade fabric Easter basket that your child will cherish after the treats inside are long gone. I’ve put together three refashioned Easter basket tutorials for you.

Believe it or not, this pretty in pink fabric basket started as an outdated thrift shop suit jacket.

Modeled by none other than my cutie pie granddaughter of course!

Click here to see the step by step pink basket tutorial.

If you don’t happen to have an old suit jacket around, maybe you’ve got a pile of old jeans that need some refashion love.

Not only is the Easter basket a symbol of Easter, but it is also a symbol of spring. Both spring and Easter represent renewal, rebirth, and new life. Give your old jeans new life by creating a fun, refashioned denim Easter basket that could actually be used all year long.

Click here to see the denim step by step tutorial.

Here is another no sew Easter basket that I resurrected for you from a couple of years ago.

Click here for the step by step fabric basket tutorial.

Whatever basket you choose to make, fill it with goodies and let the fun begin!

Wishing you a spring full of renewal, rebirth, and new life for you and your old clothes.

Happy Easter!

Beth

PS. I’ve been having so much fun putting together the live BurdaStyle Web Seminar:

Refashion: Inspiration and Projects to Revamp and Recycle Your Wardrobe For Less

I sure hope you can join us on Monday, March 31. All you need is your computer, a comfortable place to sit and your favorite drink. If you are busy that day, you can still sign up and you will receive a recorded version of the seminar that you can access at any time.

Click here to sign up for the seminar.

Hope to see you there!

For more refashion inspiration:

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged crafting, denim, DIY, Easter basket, recycling, Refashion, Sewing, Thrifting, tutorial, upcycling | 11 Comments

DIY: Boho Chic Cowgirl Shirt and Some Winners

Posted on March 22, 2014 by The Renegade Seamstress

I love the Boho Chic look.

I was thrilled to find a HUGE sheer peasant shirt at the thrift store. I planned to channel my inner hippie and wear it proudly.

Well, perhaps it’s because I live in rural Eastern Oregon, or perhaps it’s because I’m short, or perhaps it was just too big, but it seemed to literally swallow me up. It did nothing to flatter my figure. I disappointedly folded it up along with my flower child dreams and put it away for awhile.

Then along came this large men’s denim cowboy shirt. Talk about opposites attracting.

I just knew these two shirts had to be together somehow.

I wrangled the two shirts together to create something a little more wearable around these parts. 🙂

Bring on the Eastern Oregon Livestock Show! Yee Haw!

The step by step tutorial for this shirt is my latest contribution to the Crafts Channel over at eHow. Thank you so much for taking the time to go over there and let me know what you think of my work. Your comments really do make me happy!

http://www.ehow.com/ehow-crafts/blog/diy-boho-chic-cowgirl-shirt/

I also have two winners to announce today.

First, the winner of the Mr. Roger’s Cardigan Award is:

Nora

This is what she had to say about her nominee:

“I nominate my husband who has worked 20 plus years in law enforcement with a specialty in crimes against children. As a child abuse investigator (which covers all sorts of issues) his days are unfortunately quite busy but his expertise and his faith has been instrumental in keeping kids safe and putting perpetrators behind bars. It takes a special man to do this. And I am thankful to be able to care for him. Even though he probably would not wear a cardigan, I tell him he’d look good in one all the time. I would be honored to wear one for him in honor of all those who care for our children.”

And I would be honored to have you wear this cardigan! Congratulations Nora!

Please email me at bhunting@eoni.com and let me know where you would like me to send the cardigan.

I’d also like to announce the winner of the Tribal Print Leather Bracelet.

Congratulations, Debbie Flack! Thank you for taking the time to make a comment over at eHow!

Here’s an update on my upcoming BurdaStyle web seminar. Even if you aren’t able to attend the live session on March 31 at 11:00 EST, you can still register because everyone who signs up will receive a recorded version that you can access at anytime.

As you know, I’m pretty excited about this new opportunity that has come my way and I hope you’ll join me on this new adventure as well.

Happy Spring Break!

For more refashion inspiration:

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged boho chic cowgirl, clothing, denim shirt, DIY, fashion, giveaway, reconstructed clothing, Refashion, Sewing, Thrifting, upcycling | 58 Comments

Meet Debby From Culler Creations

Posted on March 17, 2014 by The Renegade Seamstress

I’d like to introduce you to my newest partner, Debby Carter from Culler Creations.

Debby lives way up north in Alaska and loves to sew and refashion. She designed an innovative pattern for a toasty warm Snow Skirt and has taught many people how to make their own. She now sells her pattern at Culler Creations.

There are always great stories that come with the people we meet and I was able to ask Debby a few questions about her fun story.

What a cute skirt. How did you come up with your Snow Skirt idea?

I have been living in Alaska, with my family, for 15 years and am finally
not quite so cold with my snow skirt wrapped around me! I was motivated to
create a pattern for this winter gear when I stood outside with
Kindergarten students during recess. Standing still for 25 minutes in the
cold can seem like forever!

I’ve got a few brave friends who have made the move up there. How did you end up in Alaska?

We had all lived in Pennsylvania until 1999 when we drove across the
country in a 15 passenger van to Alaska. Had not expected to do that ~ but
also would not have created a pattern for making snow skirts if we still
lived on the east coast!

You definitely found a silver lining to all that cold. Most of the people I know in Alaska are teachers. What do you do up in Alaska?

I have been working at Seams Like Home
Quilt Shoppe in Anchorage, since August 2011 and enjoy all aspects of my
job. I have been teaching a variety of classes over that time and love the
interaction between teacher and students. We continually fill my classes
for making the Snow Skirt. Every skirt that leaves the store is unique – in
a variety of colors and trims!

Sounds like you are a busy gal. What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time, I love watching my 2 adorable grandchildren, Ellie and Luke. I am blessed that they also live in Anchorage with their mom and dad. I have 2 college age daughters, studying and living at home and one daughter who lives in Virginia and teaches Sign Language to high school students.

One of my other favorite free time activities is perusing the used clothing
stores in town and finding items that I can re-purpose into something new
and unique. I have made mittens from old sweaters, cool tote bags from wool
shirts, grocery totes from jeans & flannel shirts, a sundress from a men’s
shirt, a cardigan from a men’s turtleneck sweater and an awesome hooded
sweater for my youngest daughter from 2 coordinated men’s sweaters. I love
when I am able to use almost all of the original garment!

Oh yes, we are definitely cut from the same cloth, so to speak. 🙂

Who is your role model and why?

My dad is really my role model – we spent lots of time together at lumber
yards and in his workshop. He has always been a very creative and
intelligent man. Sadly, he is now struggling with Alzheimer’s Disease, but
maintaining a gracious heart and loving spirit. His name is Richard Culler
Lyman ~ for whom I have named my business ~ Culler Creations.

Wow, your dad must be a wonderful man and what a nice way to honor him. Thank you, Debby, for giving us a glimpse into your life in Alaska. Good luck with your Snow Skirt adventure and we will definitely help you spread the word about your pattern.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged clothing, Culler Creations, DIY, fashion, patterns, Refashion, Sewing, Snow Skirt | 7 Comments

DIY: Gussy Up Your Denim With a Vintage Serape

Posted on March 15, 2014 by The Renegade Seamstress

Mark my words, one of these days you’ll be receiving a postcard from some exotic place with my name on the back. I think somewhere in warm and sunny Mexico would be just the ticket.

I have a feeling it will be happening sooner than I think.

But until then, I brought a bit of the warm Mexican sun home for spring break and paid homage to our southern neighbor by gussying up a plain denim jacket with a vibrant vintage serape.

Click here for the step by step tutorial and your chance to win a zipper pouch made from this vintage serape. Just pin and leave a comment over at ehow and your name will be entered to win. I’ll announce the winner on Saturday, March 29th.

Where are you going for spring break? I’d love to live vicariously through you and hear about your adventures.

Beth

PS. Just a reminder about my live BurdaStyle web seminar coming up on Monday, March 31, 2014.

Refashion: Inspiration and Projects to Revamp and Recycle Your Wardrobe For Less

Even if you can’t watch the live session at 11:00, if you sign up, you will receive the recorded version to watch anytime that works for you.

Hope to see you there!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged clothing, denim jacket, DIY, fashion, giveaway, reconstructed clothing, Refashion, Sewing, Thrifting, vintage serape | 36 Comments

DIY: Tribal Print Leather Bracelet

Posted on March 10, 2014 by The Renegade Seamstress

Ok, I think it’s time I tell you something about myself.

Most of the time when I tell people about this, the looks on their faces say they don’t believe me. But it’s true. For a long time I didn’t believe it. My mom told me about it and she said people didn’t believe her either.

But it’s true. It really is!

And I’m quite proud of the fact that I’m a direct descendant of Pocahontas.

Yep, that’s right, I came right down the pike from the daughter of Powatan, the Paramount Chief of Tsenacommacah.

My great grandfather made a family tree for my great grandmother and when I was lucky enough to inherit it, we did a little on-line research to make sure it was true and it is!!!

You see Pocahontas married John Rolfe and they had Thomas Rolfe who married Jane Poythress and they had Jane Rolfe who married Robert Bolling and they had John Bolling who married Mary Kennan and they had Jane Bolling who married Richard Randolph and they had Mary Randolph who married Archibald Cary and they had Anne Cary who married Thomas Mann Randolph and they had William Randolph who married Lucy Bolling Randolph and they had Thomas Beverley Randolph who married Maria Barbara Mayer who had Martha Elizabeth Randolph who married John High Keim who had deBenneville Randolph Keim who married Jane Owen Keim who had Elizabeth Randolph Keim who married Charles Willauer Kutz and they had Marian Elizabeth Kutz who married Louis Tenney Ross and they had Katharine Randolph Ross who married Charles Franklin Crichton and they had

ME!

How cool is that!

So I figured since I have a wee bit of Native American blood flowing through my veins, I would be qualified to create a leather tribal print bracelet tutorial for you. 🙂

I do hope Pocahontas would be proud…..

And I do hope you’ll check out the tutorial here. I’ll be giving this leather bracelet away on Saturday, March 22 to one lucky pinner and you know how much I love comments, too. Hint, hint:)

Just a reminder about my live BurdaStyle web seminar on March 31 at 11:00 EST

Refashion: Inspiration and Projects to Revamp and Recycle Your Wardrobe

Go here to sign up and get more information.

Please join us!

Beth

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged DIY, fashion, giveaway, leather bracelet, reconstructed clothing, Refashion, Thrifting, tribal print, tutorial, upcycling | 43 Comments

Mom, BurdaStyle is on the Phone for You!!!!!

Posted on March 6, 2014 by The Renegade Seamstress

This has definitely been a year of firsts for me.

Just when things start to get comfortable, I’m thrust into a whole new realm. A whole new opportunity comes my way.

Last Thursday, Alicyn Stensaas, the eMedia Production Coordinator for BurdaStyle.com contacted me and asked if I’d like to do a live Web Seminar for them.

REALLY!?

BurdaStyle wants ME to do a live Web Seminar for them?

Oh my gosh,

OF COURSE I WILL!

So here I am, pinching myself and announcing my first ever live Web Seminar.

I hope you’ll join me on Monday, March 31 at 11:00 am EST for

Refashion: Inspiration and Projects to Revamp and Recycle Your Wardrobe

I’m so excited to be given the opportunity to present with BurdaStyle and I truly hope you’ll come along with me. There will be loads of new inspiration and it promises to be lots of fun for both of us. For me, planning this web seminar is like planning a party. It’ll be like we are next door neighbors hanging out for awhile. It’ll be like we’re going thrift shopping together. I’d be so delighted if you would join me.

I seriously can’t wait!

Please head over to BurdaStyle to get more information and sign up.

Hope to see you there!

Beth

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged BurdaStyle, clothing, DIY, fashion, reconstructed clothing, Refashion, Sewing, Thrifting, tutorial, upcycling, web seminar | 73 Comments

Simple Alteration: Big Change for a Denim Coat

Posted on March 1, 2014 by The Renegade Seamstress

Pretty sure I’m not alone in this.

Getting things big enough for my hips usually means too big in the waist. What to do? Sometimes too big not only means too wide but it also means too long.

I love the look of a long denim coat and when I found this one at Goodwill, I thought it would be perfect. I kept putting it on in the morning to wear that day, but something just wasn’t right. It wasn’t huge, it just felt awkward. So back in the closet it would go. No wonder someone donated it. The fit was fine in the hips, and the front but not in the back. So finally one Saturday morning, I grabbed my scissors and decided it was time to get rid of the bulk.

With just a few simple alterations I had the denim coat of my dreams.

To see the entire step by step process, click here.

You guys really are the best subscribers in the world. Not only are your comments food for my soul, but you caused the editors at eHow to really stand up and take notice of my tutorials. When they first contacted me to create content for their site, I was asked to publish once a month for them. But now, thanks to you and your nice comments, they have given me the privilege of creating content for them once a week.

YAY! Thanks to you, miracles really do happen!

For more refashion inspiration:

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged alterations, clothing, denim coat, DIY, fashion, reconstructed clothing, Refashion, Sewing, Thrifting, tutorial, upcycling | 28 Comments

Winners Announced

Posted on March 1, 2014 by The Renegade Seamstress

The winner of this cute sweater beret is:

Tara Crawford Leininger

And the winner of the Craft Schmaft Hot Air Balloon Kit is:

LeeAnn Curtis

Thank you both so much for your nice comments over at eHow on my tutorials!

You can send your mailing information to me at bhunting@eoni.com

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged clothing, DIY, giveaway, reconstructed clothing, Refashion, Sewing, sweater beret | 3 Comments

Today is National Wear Your Cardigan Day

Posted on February 19, 2014 by The Renegade Seamstress

Not really, I just made that up.

But it is true that Mr. Rogers began putting on his iconic cardigan forty six years ago today, when his television show, Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, debuted on February 19, 1968.

So, in honor of Fred Rogers, I have taken it upon myself to unofficially declare this day, February 19th,

“National Wear Your Cardigan Day”!

There are just some people in this world that deserve to have their own national holiday and I think Mr. Rogers is one of them.

“Won’t You Be My Neighbor” became an important part of several generations of American childhood memories all because Mr. Rogers dedicated his life to making this world a better place for children.

I, for one, would love to have had Mr. Rogers for my neighbor. Apparently, he was the same off screen as he was on the screen. A man of tremendous faith and integrity, people loved him wherever he went. I read a wonderful article highlighting the 15 Reasons Mr. Rogers Was the Best Neighbor Ever. From gaining the love of a gorilla to single handedly saving Public Television in 1969, Fred Rogers proved to be a man anyone would be proud to call their neighbor.

So let’s wear our cardigans today in honor of Mr. Rogers’ life long commitment to the children of America.

And let’s wear our cardigans today to pay tribute to all those people that lovingly work with our children day in and day out. There are so many unsung heroes out there quietly protecting, nurturing and enhancing childhood. They really don’t get the respect and recognition they deserve.

Do you know someone that has made a big difference in your child’s life? Do you know someone who has devoted their life to children? Do you know someone who deserves to receive the “First Ever Mr. Rogers’ Cardigan Award”? If so, tell us about them and nominate them in the comment section.

This cardigan refashion tutorial is for you, Fred!

I loved the design on this sweater, but pullovers just don’t do much for me. This was the perfect candidate to become a much more versatile cardigan.

All you need is some coordinating fabric, a pair of sharp scissors, a measuring tape, a button, an elastic hairband, and of course your trusty sewing machine.