Click on an image to see the entire sewing/refashion tutorial.
Visible Mending: 7 Beautiful Ways to Give Your Clothes a New Life
How to Make Wool Dryer Balls From an Old Sweater
10 Delightful Holiday Sewing Ideas and Tutorials
Homemade Cranberry Pepper Jam Recipe
Easy Canned Apple Pie Filling Recipe
How to Make Pickled ApplesHow to Make Pickled Apples
DIY Life-Size ‘The Addams Family’ Cousin Itt Halloween Decoration
DIY Giant Spider Web Halloween Decoration
How to Make a Giant Spider Halloween Decoration
DIY Spider Web PillowDIY Spider Web Pillow: One Minute Video
DIY ‘Poltergeist’ Haunted TV Halloween Decoration
DIY Life-Size ‘Hocus Pocus’ Witches Halloween Decoration
How to Make a Floor Pillow Mat
How to Make a Paint By Number From Any Photograph
How to Make a T-Shirt Yarn Rug
Travel Fabric Checkerboard Game
Reusable Grocery Bag Made From a Pet Food Sack
Reusable Microwave Popcorn Bag
Reusable Fabric Makeup Remover Pads
Hanging Dishtowel
DIY Cast Iron Skillet Handle Cover
How to Make a Fabric Purse Organizer
How to Make a Little Girl’s Skirt from a Sweater
How to Make a Weighted Blanket
How to Add a Pocket to a Dress or Skirt
How to Customize Your Beach Towels With Bleach
How to Make a Double Pot Holder
T shirt to Ruffled Cardigan Tutorial
DIY Bleach Pen Design Tutorial
DIY Pleated Summer Shirt Refashion Tutorial
Get Out of Jail Free Sweater to Nautical Fun
Come join the fun!
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hi,
i love the ruffle top,and i think you have pointed me in the right direction for some maternity tops i will never use again -4 boys 18 yrs to 5 months- those tops need a change!
Oh my, sounds like you are a BUSY mom. Have fun refashioning and I’d love to see pictures of your projects!
Beth
sorry i forgot to sign the bottom! Always distracted by babies or just not techno- savy enough.
Will definitely make the ruffle top one day soon and credit you as my inspiration !!
Ohhh, thats a good idea…Refashioning maternity tops. Why didn’t I think of that?!?! (They have been sitting in the closet…and moved into 5 different houses in 7 years.) I think its time to re-purpose them…and if I screw up, no big deal, right?!
That’s right! Have fun with all of this, Laura!
hace poco me inicié en la manualidades, creo que tus trabajos son hermosos, intentaré hacelos, cariños, mpnica
muchas gracias
Thank you for the “like” for my giraffe t-shirt. I’m glad I found your blog. I’ve been needing a fabric flower tutorial as I am in a project now requiring them, but not doing really well with the tutorial I’ve been following. I’m also very intrigued by your men’s shirt refashion!
Oh I hope it helps! The flowers are super quick and easy!
Enjoy your night Karen!
Beth
Eres increible !!!!.. Un saludo desde Chile. Quisiera aprender todo lo que haces. Felicidades!.
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hi i just read your blog and i totally love your tutorials
i wanted to refashion an old t-shirt but have no idea at all
i would be so glad if you could help (:
Hi Heidi,
What does your t shirt look like? Do you have an idea of what you’d like to do with it?
oh I’d like to show you the t-shirt, so maybe i’ll send you an email?
Sure send a picture, I’d love to see it.
bhunting@eoni.com
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Wow! I dnt think Ive ever met anyone other than my mom whith whom Ive admired their craft skills!!! What you do with those thrift cloths is amazing!! Love them all! 🙂
Such a nice thing to say! Thanks, Tina, you made my day!
Beth
Wow, you have in spired me to continue taking my old clothes and turning them in to something new. I was being laughed at because of taking stuff like you did and turning it to something even better. My skills aren’t that advanced but you showed me that all it takes is an imagination and being creative
Thank you, Brittney! I hope you continue to sew, it can be so rewarding and fun!
Beth
You’re really good! Thnx 4 sharing all of your awesome ideas with us! I especially like your maxi skirt & the ruffled fitted tee
You are so very welcome! Thanks for visiting!
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WOW! Your ideas are awesome and your tutorials are so clear and easy to follow for a novice sewer like me! Plus, you are the chicest grandma I’ve seen! : )
Thank you for all of your nice comments! What a great way to wake up this morning! I hope these tutorials are helpful to you. Please let me know if you ever have any questions. I’d be happy to help.
Enjoy your Sunday!
Beth
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I love this blog the only blog I actually looked all the way thru … nice!
Wow, thank you Theresa! I hope you’ll come back and visit. Happy Friday!
Beth
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I loved your remakes. When my children were little I didn’t work outside the home. Of course, I didn’t have the money to sew new clothes. As I have always loved to sew I would take my old cotton skirts, etc. and remake them into dresses, etc. Nice to see the idea expanded so well as you have done.
Thank you so much, Kay! I do believe it’s a fun and frugal way to have a nice wardrobe for little ones and for yourself!
Beth
There are a lot of men’s shirts at the “Thrift Store, Goodwill” etc. I’ve seen shirts with red plaid left front blue plaid right front, b/w sleeves and checked collars for example. So if you don’t have enough good fabric for a whole shirt, try mixing things up!
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I have be thoroughly inspired by your creative sparkle! Thanks for sharing all your projects! Darlene
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Wow, I was really impressed by your creativity in recycling all those clothes into updated and fashionable outfits, odds and ends! You’ve inspired me. 🙂 It’s amazing and overwhelming at how much clothing is thrown away and wasted each year and your site is a great inspiration and wonderful instructions on alternative ways to upcycle it all! Thanks so much for taking the time and effort to share your knowledge. I will be referring everyone I know to your site. -SandyKay
Thank you, Sandy Kay!!! I love refashioning. I was tired of paying lots of $$$ for clothes that didn’t really fit me that well. This has been a great way to update my wardrobe for very little money. And even more fun to share it. Through this blog, I’ve met so many great people all over the world who enjoy doing the same thing I do. Thanks for the referrals!!!
Enjoy your week!
Beth
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Omg..i love your stuff…where can I send my clothes so you can make magic with it..?
Thanks, Tavy! Fire up your sewin’ machine, I bet you can make magic, too!
Where have you been ally life!! I’ve been saving stuff because I love the fabric, now I know what to do!
Thanks, Nicole
Hey Nicole! So glad we connected. Happy sewing!
Beth
So incredibly talented. You inspire me!
Thank you, Missy!
I love what you do with the clothes, so stylish when you are done. Wish I had that for sight. Great job. I see objects I can remake, but you see clothes, a real gift.
Thank you so much, Debbie! I have loads of fun with this.
Have a beautiful day!
Beth
Your work is amazing! I’m so inspired. Hi ho hi ho….off to the thrift store I ho. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much, Carrie!! Hope you find something great to refashion. I’d love to see your projects!!!
Happy sewing!
Beth
lol that was supposed to say off to the store I GO
ah well
That’s so funny, I didn’t even notice. 🙂
I love love love what you did!
I am so gonna visit your site often!
Thanks for sharing! Keep posting!
Xoxo kalinda
Thank you, Kalinda! Welcome to The Renegade Seamstress!
Beth
I don’t sew…. but I have to compliment you on your skills & ingenuity!! You go girl!!
Thank you SEW much! 🙂
Beth
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Firstly….WOW! I love your blog and find your tutorials to be easy to follow and throughly enjoyable. Now I look at old clothes in a totally different way! From those of us in the UK, a big thank you for helping us find new life in old clothes and also saving our pennies in this terrible financial climate. Keep up with the good work! 🙂
Oh, Gemma, thank you so much for all of your encouragement! I love doing this and knowing you appreciate it makes it even better! Have a wonderful weekend!
Beth
oh. wow. you’re amazing. like a sewing wizard. a sewizard. 😀
but seriously you’re really talented
A sewizard! I love it!
Just found you through pinterest, YOU ARE AMAZING! From drab, to fab! Think I better brush up on my sewing skills, always looking for ways to be fashionable without breaking the bank.
I’m definately not the most creative when it comes to clothing, so I am very greatful to people such as yourself for providing inspiration.
Hey Em,
Thanks so much! Upcycling thrift store clothes is the BEST way to look fashionable with out breaking the bank. I hope you’ll be able to try this sometime. Just a word of warning though: Once you start, you might not be able to stop. 😉
Beth
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I am in awe of your talent. It’s wonderful how you transform outdated styles into something that is current and stylish. I wish I had a tenth of your talent!!
Thank you so much, Linda! Just try it, you might just surprise yourself. 🙂
Beth
Wow, I have a sewing machine and surger, but don’t know how to use them. I wish I did so I could work magic like you do!
Hey, Dawn! Once you start, you”ll never want to stop….
Beth
You have such a creative eye and a flair for fashion that is both beautiful and “doable”! Thanks for inspiring me!
Thank YOU, Vanessa, for the encouragement!
Beth
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Super cute clothes! I MUST KNOW MORE ABOUT THOSE SHOES! The red ones with the ankle straps and the flower!
Hi HLB! Aren’t those shoes fun! I found them at a consignment shop. They are Fioni. I’ve never found anything else like them.
Thanks for visiting!
Beth
This is so amazingly incredible. A really really good job. It amazes me how some of these clothes started off and how they ended up! Keep on with the great work, such an inspiration!
Thanks for the encouragement, Alex. It’s so much fun for me to share this with everyone!
Beth
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Wow, totally awesome. You have a gift for seeing something beautiful in something that was boring! Sewing is not really my gift but now wish it was!
Y Morgan
Thanks, Yvonne!! It’s never too late to start……:)
Totally AMAZING…gonna go dust off the old sewing machine!
Oh good, have fun!!!!!
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Your clothes transformations are incredible!! Do you sell any of your pieces?
Thank you, Emily. I don’t have anything for sale, but I guess if someone was interested, I might be persuaded. 🙂
Happy Monday!
Beth
That was awesome to see how u transformed everything. You are really talented !
Thank you, Gabby! I really enjoy doing it!
Beth
Well it helps when the woman making and modeling the clothes is absolutely amazingly beautiful!
Wow, what a nice thing to say! That started my day out right for sure!
Hugs,
Beth
OMG !!!!!!! Great ideas, thx for sharing. This has inspired me to try some ideas.
You are so welcome! Happy sewing!
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I think you are the awesomest seamstress I have ever seen! I wish I could sew – LOL!
Thank you, Arielle. It’s never too late to learn!
Beth
You are AMAZING!! WOW! I am so impressed… and so *jealous*!! What awesome talent you have!
Thanks, Ladette! Really, if I can do this anyone can. All it takes is that first snip of the scissors and then your hooked! Have a great week!
Beth
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Your ideas are fabulous! 🙂 I can’t even pick a favorite I like them all…you have given me lots of inspiration!
Thank you, Heather!
You’re a seamtress genius! I’m obsessed with the dresses! They’re alll so cute and I just love your style. 🙂
Thank you so much, Jenn! I’m making another dress as we speak. It’s black with white polka dots. Can’t wait to wear it tomorrow!
Have a great week!
Beth
So impressed. I can not sew at all, I never learned! Your creativity and skills are outstanding.
Thanks, Laura! It’s never too late to learn to sew. 🙂
you are amazing!
Thank you, T!
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You are the most creative and adorable person!!!!!
Thank you, Amanda! Such a sweet thing to say.
Beth
HI BETH! TYPE LIKE THIS SO I CAN SEE IT..THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ,GIVING US ALL ACCESS TO YOUR SEWING EXPERIENCES, I HAVE WANTED TO DO THIS FOR SUCH A LONG TIME, BUT DIDNT KNOW WHERE TO START. JUST LOOKING AT WHAT YOU HAVE DONE WITH THESE THINGS INSPIRES ME SOOOO……MUCH. THRIFT STORES ARE ONE OF MY FAVORITE PLACES TO SHOP, AND I USUALLY BUY THINGS THAT DONT FIT ME FOR CRAFT PURPOSES. NOW I CAN DO BOTH. ENJOY YOUR POSTS.THANKS CAROL
Hi Carol,
I’m so glad these posts are helpful to you. Have fun refashioning!
Beth
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I am trying to get some inspiration for a coat dress of crushed velvet that I have lost so much weight it is hanging on me!
Congratulations on your weight loss, Paula! I’d love to see your dress, it sounds beautiful and I bet it has so many possibilities.
Beth
In one word…WOW!
Thanks, Carlyn!
Hi! I love what you’re doing!! I have been tossing around the idea of turning a long dress or long skirt into new, *hip*, high waisted full leg pants. Any tips?
Hi Susan,
Your idea sounds like a good one. I’ve not been brave enough to do much with pants yet so I’m not much help in that department. Good luck with your project and I’d love to see it when you finish!
Happy sewing!
Beth
I think you should come over and play at my house. We can sew, talk teaching (I’m a reading specialist) and make over all kinds of cool things. I’ll gladly provide the coffee, treats and thrift store make-over-ables!
I would LOVE that, Cori!!
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Your transformations are awesome. I’m jealous, can’t sew at all. 🙂
Thank you, Jessica! It’s never too late to learn…..:)
Beth
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You recently liked my post ‘How To Crinkle A Broomstick Skirt’ and I am so glad that you did! Scrolling through your main blog page was very exciting and I couldn’t decide which post to view first. Your work is wonderful Beth, and I am so looking forward to coming back again and again. Your certainly have a great eye for transformation. So happy to visit with you!
Take Care,
Jennifer Wright
http://homesteadministries.wordpress.com/
Thank you so much for the visit, Jennifer! I’ve always wondered how the broomstick crinkling was done. Thanks for the tips. I might have to try it sometime.
Have a wonderful day!
Beth
Your welcome!
Blessings,
Jennifer
I love your re-fashions. You’ve inspired me to do some of my own.
Thank you, Denise! Have fun!
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thanks for ur great tutorials…. ^_^
You are so welcome!!
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Amazing! I need to get a new sewing machine, start thrifting, and start refashioning. You’re an inspiration!
Thanks, Jen! You’ll love it!!!
Would you ever consider making modest prom dresses?
Hi Hailey,
Are you asking about refashioning prom dresses or making them from scratch?
Beth
wow great ideas love every one of them =)
Thank you so much!
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I have been given so many ideas !! When I go into a charity shop next I will be looking at things totally different
Thank you
Lisa ipswich England
You are so welcome, Lisa! Have fun!
Beth
Love your makeovers. Keep up the great work.
Thank you!
Fantastic!! I’m totally inspired!!
Thank you, Sarah!
You are amazing! What an inspiration:)
Thank you, Emily!!
This is fabulous!!!
Thanks, Jesseca!
These are so awesome!! It makes me want to know how to sew REALLY badly!! 🙂 Good work!!
Thank you!!!
Wow you are awesome!
Thank you!
Fantastic superb ideas
Thank you so much!
These are amazing! Makes me wish I could sew 👍👍
Starting to make my own clothes for this summer. All these are so helpful. Going to have to go thrift shopping now. Thank you so much! You are amazing!
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Wow, you have such creative ideas for your refashions! I especially love the dresses that look entirely different just by shortening them. Very inspiring!
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What creative ideas! And I absolutely love the red/burgundy shoes in the top picture…where did you buy those (or what brand are they)? 🙂
Hi Martha,
I actually bought the shoes at a local consignment shop. The brand is Fioni. Aren’t they fun!! I’ve never seen anything like them before. Have a great weekend!
Beth
Beth, thank you for the information. I was lucky enough to find a pair in my size on ebay! Yeah! Love them!
Wow, seriously!!! How cool! Are they red?
Yep, they sure are. Look just like the ones in your picture. 😀
That’s great!
This is truly one of the most amazing things I’ve seen! Way to go! It’s inspiring and could also be a total eye opener on “how to dress your body” like a crafty version of the show what not to wear. I just mean its such a transformation of often baggy unflattering clothing to a classy well dressed polished woman! Awesome! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Awwww…. Thanks, Katie!
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You are awesome! I wish i could sew as good as you! Clothes seem to be the hardest thing for me to make. I’m self taught and still learning and you have inspired me so much!
Have looked at many DIY sites and yours is by far the BEST!!!! LOVE IT!!!!
Oh my gosh, Karen, what a nice thing to say!!! Thank you!
Have a great day!
Beth
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I just across your website from Pinterest and I’m in love!!
Hi Starla,
I’m so glad you are here. I hope these wil be helpful. I’d love to see your refashions. Happy Sewing!
Beth aka The Renegade Seamstress 🙂
You are FABULOUS!!! I just stumbled upon your site on Pinterest, of course, and you have such vision and talent to pull it off. Awesome!!!
And YOU are so sweet, Candice! Thanks for your kind comments!!!
How clever you are! I’m not a seamstress of any stretch of the imagination but I’m tempted to try a few of your ideas. They are inspiring!
Thank you so much!! I hope you get a chance to try a few things out. You just might surprise yourself!!! 🙂
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You are a true artiste! You have combined two of my favorite things…thrifting and sewing! I am so inspired by your posts…I can’t wait to get started this weekend on some upcycling of my own! Thanks for this wonderful blog!
Hi Pamela,
I’m so glad you found this useful. Please let me know if you have any questions. I’d love to help!
Happy sewing!
Beth
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I am blown away by your creativeness and ability to see something new in something old or unwanted!!!! I want to try some of your ideas!!!
Thanks so much, Julie! I hope you get a chance to try some of these refashions. So much fun!!!
Beth
I can’t wait to try the man’s shirt project:) I love re-dos!
Have fun, Marnie!
Your work is amazing! I wish I had the talent (and energy) to try also
Thanks so much, Iris!
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Uh-may-zing. If I had a sewing machine (or any patience) I would try your tutorials! Maybe one day…until then, I’ll just keep reading your posts with awe!
(BTW, I do not believe for one second that you’re a grandma…Hot mama!)
Oh, you’re makin’ me blush. 🙂 Thanks for all of your kind words! I hope you’ll follow The First Ever Refashion Runway contest going on right now. https://chicenvelopements.wordpress.com/2013/06/01/refashion-runway-competitors-and-challenges-announced-today/
You can vote for your favorite starting on Saturday.
You make me want to learn how to sew!
I hope you do, Jodi!! It’s so much fun!!!
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ove all the things you do with the thrift store finds …I like to try to make new things and you have some awesome ideas here …..I like to buy the over size mens shirts that I call them Vacationers shirts with all the different designs on them and now i know what I can do with some of them …..repurpose to make something for me …..I think that I can make a sweet little skirt out of them to wear in the summer or when i go on vacations or on a cruise …would be just great for a cruise to wear a sweet little skirt that has some fantastic colors and designs on them …thanks for the insight …..Maude
It sounds like we are cut from the same cloth!!!
U r so talented! It’s so amazing what u have done with old used up dressed and other clothes!!! Very inspiring!!!
Thank you!
What a very clever lady you are – I wish I could do what you’re doing. I may give it a go but I’ve never been great with a sewing machine.
You might surprise yourself…..:)
wow..im speechless your work is amazing ..i cant believe how you turned such ugly clothes in to cutest outfit ever…your are such a talented woman .keep the good work up
Thanks so much for your encouragement!!
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Wow! I don’t know how to sew, but I found your blog on pinterest. Your clothes are amazing! I’ve enjoying browsing your site. 😉
Thank you, Leah! I hope you’ll come back and visit again.
Beth
You are my new favorite person! I love all your remakes and you have inspired me to start sewing/creating again! Thank you!!!
Awwwwww….Thanks, April!!! I’m so happy to know you’re going to start sewing again, and to think I had a little part in that, just made my day!
Happy sewing!! 🙂
Beth
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Oh, my gosh this is so amazing!!! So, truth, I have not really ever sewn before, but have basically inherited all of my grandmother’s things when she passed away about 2 years ago this August. She was the seamstress and a perfectionist at that. I have become addicted to pinterest and have gained an interest in learning how to use my grandmother’s machines. My sister-in-law does a lot of up cycled clothing for her and my niece. Well, while perusing through pinterest and trying to find something that I could try and make (jeans into a stylish skirt) and didn’t look like I just threw it together, but did pay a pretty penny for, I stumbled across your before and after images. Let me say I was just impressed by what you have done.
For me, the creative part comes easy, I can take an old ’80s style dress and see what it can become, but I am not sure how to actually do it. I don’t have the skills to take what I imagine and actually apply it into the material. I guess, my question is: Do you have any suggestions as to take a pair of jeans and make it into a skirt or a pair jean shorts and create something that doesn’t look like it was a cut pair of pants? I see so many images that, that’s what they just did. Can you help?
-Lindsay
Hi Lindsay,
How cool to have your grandmother’s sewing machines. I bet she would’ve been thrilled to know you were going to learn to sew and use her things. Your question about the jeans comes at a pretty good time. I’m hosting a contest called Refashion Runway on my blog right now and last week’s challenge was “denim”. You can find it here: https://chicenvelopements.wordpress.com/2013/06/15/time-to-vote-again-refashion-runway-week-two-denim/ You might get a few ideas from the contestants refashions. I have done a few denim refashions that you can find here: https://chicenvelopements.wordpress.com/2012/08/07/diy-denim-dress-refashion-tutorial/
and here:
https://chicenvelopements.wordpress.com/2013/04/22/upcycled-denim-at-que-linda/
Have fun with your new sewing adventures!
Beth
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Love it all you are VERY talented!!!!!!
Thank you, Ash!
Holy up cycle batman! This chick is a genius!!!!
I love it!
Thanks!!!
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Hello
I love your ideas! My daughter and I have a couple of etsy shops. One of our shops is primarily homemade items and upcycled items. We have just started this shop and would love to talk to you about the exposure on your site. Thank you and keep upcycling……you do a wonderful job of it!
Hi, thanks so much for the encouragement and your interest in The Renegade Seamstress. Please email me at bhunting@eoni.com and we’ll talk some more.
Happy sewing!
Beth
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FABULOUS upcycling!! uhoh, Im off to the thrift (I practically LIVE there anyway ..lol) Fantastic job, all…thnx for sharing it with us other ‘crazy doers’..:>)
You are so welcome!! Happy sewing!
also love the more ‘finished professional ‘look of your redos, my ideas are good but have to refine my sewing skills to get the right effect..inspirational! I machine felt thrift sweaters and remake them (Etsy), got some new fabric on sale, and just refashioned a few sun dresses to skirts, working on some tops..wish you were closer lol..challenge to pull them off well..linen, need to be taken in and I usually cut the sleeves off here in FL..any advise? thnx!
Thank you, one word of advice when cutting the sleeves off, use seam binding to finish the edge. Often times this is easier than hemming and produces a much nicer finish.
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You should have your own TV show! You are amazing!
Now wouldn’t that be FUN!!!!
You are so very talented! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you so much!!!
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I LOCE ALLL OF YOU PROJECTS! THEY ARE ALL BEAUTIFUL!
Thank you so much!!
maybe you can tell me ur secret sometime???
Love all you have done! Just found your site. Ever take a maternity skirt or pair of pants and turn them into non-maternity? Been trying to figure out what I can do with some…
Hi Robyn,
Thank you for your kind words. I have taken thrift store maternity shirts and dresses and taken them in to fit. I’ve never refashioned maternity pants, though. Possibly they could be made into a skirt? Good luck and I’d love to see what you make.
Beth
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You have so many wonderful ideas, thank you for sharing:) you’ve inspired me to dig out that basket of “needs help” clothing and finally give them a much needed makeover!!
Hi Zandra,
I’m SEW glad you found these helpful!!! 🙂
Happy sewing!
Beth
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I LOVE what you do. I just happened to notice a grammar mistake. If it were me I would like someone to point it out. Not judging just noticed is all. In the area where you talk about the wool sweaters. It should read “Wash and dry AN old sweater” and you have it as “Wash and dry and old sweater.”
You are a brilliant woman with an obvious gift for fashion and have a great vision. I for one can only look at the original and don’t automatically see the outfit that you see until after you make it! AWESOME talent! Think of all those thrift shops in need of you! LOL
Thank you for pointing that out, Shannon, I’ll have to see if I can find the original photo and fix it. And thank you for your kind words of encouragement!!
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Hi…
Thank you so much for the tutorial…. it really helping me to refashion my old clothes that i dont like the style… God bless you and your family. Thanks \(^o^)/
Thank you, Vitri! I’m happy it was helpful to you!
Hi,
Just wanted to say that I’m absolutely amazed by your website!!! I have just recently discovered the whole concept of up cycling for myself so seeing your work has been a great inspiration.
Thank you so very much and kind regards,
Kaiu
Thank you, Kaiu! Have fun!
You are just the person I need! I have a grand daughter who has a long torso and long arms. Unfortunately this plays havoc when trying to dress for school in August and September because shorts are never long enough to fall the required one inch below her fingertips. I would like to take a pair of denim shorts and add a skirt. Who knew middle school would be so hard!
Your granddaughter is a lucky girl to have you in her life. Good luck on your project and let me know how it goes.
Beth
I love, love, love that your upcycles areappropriate for the classroom. Sewing is a passion, but I don’t always have time to start from scratch. Thanks for the wonderful ideas!
-A fellow teacher/seamstress
You are so welcome, Angela! Hope you have a wonderful start to your new school year.
Beth
I absolutely love your site!
Thank you, Becca! I hope you’ll come back and visit to see what’s new.
Beth
Definitely! I have you bookmarked. I already went through most of your tutorials, great inspiration.
🙂
Becca
Hi… I wish I could sew. You have amazing ideas!!!!!
Thank you Jennifer! If you ever decide to learn to sew and have any questions, please be sure and ask. I’d love to help in any way I can.
I stumbled across your site on pinterest and have fell in love with your ideas. All I can say is that you and your ideas are absolutely awesome! You have totally inspired me. So happy that I found your site just wanta share it with everyone. Please keep up the excellent ideas and tutorials!
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Wow! You are amazing! My mom use to sew all her & my aunt’s clothes, but she didn’t pass on a whole lot of that knowledge to me. I have taken a few sewing classes and I am determined to learn more. I use to sketch designs a lot when I was younger but then life kinda got in the way and needless to say, it has been years. I recently came across my 8th grade graduation dress. It has been well taken care of. My mom spent a fortune on it back then and I can’t tell you how much I hated it. While everyone else was wearing what was hip and in style, I had this antique lace and mauve looking formal dress. Now, many many years later, I can appreciate my mother’s choice. I almost gave the dress to good will the other day when we were moving, but my daughter stopped me. I would really like to upcycle this into something amazing, but I’m stumped. Looking for inspiration anywhere and everywhere
Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m so glad you saved your dress, it’s sounds like a perfect garment for a refashion. I’d love to see what you end up doing with it.
You might even get some ideas from “Refashion Runway” that’s happening right now on the home page of my blog. It’s a “friendly sewing competition” complete with weekly challenges and you can even vote for your favorites each week.
Good luck with your dress!
Beth
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Love your work. Inspiring, because I love altering and upcycling clothes. Just wanted to mention that if you combine the before and after pictures into one image with a white background/border, then they can be pinned together as one on Pinterest and will be much more interesting than a before picture by itself, or an after picture by itself, and you’ll get a whole lot more repinning of your images, which will drive more people to your blog.
Thank you, Rachel. I was thinking the same thing, too. But on the other hand, the before image of the 60’s dress refashion has been pinned and repinned over 300,000 times. At first I was perplexed about it, but then I thought maybe people are curious about the after…..
Who knows, thanks for visiting and commenting. I love your blog, it’s beautiful!!!
Beth
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i was searching for how to wear old cardigan and came across your work here….wow…those are fabulous! thank you so much 🙂
You are so welcome, Nila! Have fun!!!
Hi there, your alterations on here are all very impressive.
I have a plain dress I’m trying to make more interesting, it is a navy t-shirt dress (I like it’s length). It has a nice collar (with a white outline), that is v-neck with buttons. I’m planning to put some more shape in it (it’s completely straight) but wondered if you had any other suggestions?
cheers 🙂
Could you cut it off at the waist, bring in the bottom of the bodice, then reattach the skirt with some gathers to give it some more shape? Check out this tutorial, it might be helpful….http://www.ehow.com/ehow-crafts/blog/refashion-magic/
WOW! I would have never thought of most of these refashions! Thank you so much for the inspiration. I am a beginner sewer and hope to some day be able to do many of these projects. I do have a question – is there a way to shorten a medium weight cardigan sweater (I think it’s an acrylic/cotton blend)? I have 2 that are too long and not flattering. Thank you!
Hi Marie,
Welcome to The Renegade Seamstress!!
I have shortened a couple of cardigans in a couple different ways.
Check out these posts for the tutorials:
https://chicenvelopements.wordpress.com/2012/03/04/spring-sweater-refashion/
https://chicenvelopements.wordpress.com/2013/03/28/diy-quick-cropped-sweater/
Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions.
Beth
Thanks for the links! I am definitely going to try it. I think refashioning can be more fun and rewarding than working from patterns.
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You do such great work and look wonderful! Very well done and looks modern and hip!
Thank you, Darcy!!!
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You are very talented to be able to take yucky to beautiful with those before and after’s, gives me ideas for my wardrobe for sure. I am voting for your blog on Craftsy.com for sure! Love your site, keep the ideas coming we need you.
Thank you so much!!! I really appreciate it!
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I am your Fun.Your ideas is so inspiration for me.Please,visit me:
http://creativacale.blogspot.com
Thank you so much!
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I love all of your ideas. I am making kids clothing for the local children’s shelter. And you have such great ideas. I can’t wait to make the mittens . Thanks so much for sharing your ideas.
You are so welcome, Sheila! Have fun making the mittens and what a nice thing for you to do for the children’s shelter!
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Wow. ….. great ideas. You are so creative. I feel inspired. Thank you.
Thank you, Kristi!
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Just found this link thru Pinterest. Wow! What great re-fashions. I think I may try some if you don’t mind. Why waste money and creating more garbage buying something new if you can re-use what you already have.
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When and where can I get your book
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You are a very talented seamstress. This inspires me to learn how to sew. I will buy your book when it comes out for sure!
Thank you so much Shauna! The book is coming out in September, I’ll keep you posted.
Wow girl. .fantastic job on you up cycles..love everyone of them
Dale