View Everyday as a Blank Canvas You Can’t Wait to Paint a Picture On

Anyone who enjoys sewing and views each day as a blank canvas that she can’t wait to paint a picture on is OK in my book!

Please welcome LaKesha Rhodes.

And head over to her Etsy shop, OutTheBox Creations!

It’s always fun to get to know the energetic, creative people behind the shops so here is my recent interview with LaKesha:

Tell us about your Etsy shop:

One of my best friends has been buying from Etsy for a while and was
always telling me about how I should open a shop to sell the things I made.
It wasn’t until last year that I finally decided to. After browsing around
the different shops on the site, I was a bit stumped as to what I should
name mine. Many of the shops are centered around a particular art or craft,
and I didn’t want to pigeonhole myself because I knew I wasn’t going to be
able to focus on making just one type of craft. That’s how I decided on
OuttheBox Creations. My mind is always going a million miles a minute,
thinking of what I can make next before I’ve even finished my current
project. Even with current projects, I always look for a way to improve or
improvise them to make something new. There are a lot of baby items in my
shop (mainly because I can make them quicker–I’m also so eager to see the
finished project , but I am working on more non-baby items.

What has been the most fun about having an Etsy shop?

-The best thing about having my Etsy shop is having the freedom to make
whatever I’d like to sell. Also, I’ve had customers from all over the U.S,
so I think it’s pretty cool that my creations have made it to states like
Utah, California, and Vermont when I’m here in Georgia.

Any advice for someone just opening an Etsy shop?

-It’ll be a year in July since I’ve had my Etsy shop, so I would say I’m
still fairly “new”. However, my advice would be 1) to make sure you
photograph your items well and 2) be patient. Patience is key. I opened my
shop in July, but I don’t think I had my first sale until September. It was
only about a month and a half, but I was on Etsy every day checking stats
and wondering what I was doing wrong. I assumed once I posted, that the
sales would just come rolling in. Even now, there’ll be high moments when
I get a lot of sales in a short period of time and then there’ll be weeks
with no sales. So, patience is definitely key with having a shop.

How would your best friend describe you?

I think my best friend would describe me as a busy, resourceful insomniac.
I’m constantly on the move, both literally and figuratively, juggling
several jobs and several projects all the time. Because I can never get my
brain to slow down, and I find that I get my best work done at night, I’m
always up to about 2 or 3am on most nights of the week (and I thought
pulling all-nighters was a thing of undergraduate past! lol). I love to
multi-task (I often find myself fidgety if I’m not doing more than one
thing at a time) so I’ve channeled that energy to be as productive as I
can.

What is your favorite thing to do in your spare time?

-My favorite pastime until recently was reading and writing. I have a
bookshelf overflowing with books and my computer has about a dozen
half-finished novels on it. Now, on any given night, my sewing machine and
hot glue gun are on and my floor is riddled with fabric and buttons and
elastic and the like. Not that I don’t enjoy reading and writing
anymore–those were my first true passions–but I’ve grown a bit antsy and
can never sit still for too long to do them now, so crafting definitely
keeps me busy.

Who is your role model and why?

I’d have to say that my parents are my role models. When I was younger, my
mom bought me every craft set that I can think of. I had my own pottery
wheel, knitting set, bead-making kit, paint set–you name it. While I may
not have used them all as much I could of, I was made aware of the world of
arts and crafts and the incomparable joy of using your hands to make
something on your own. On many occasions, I watched my dad grab his toolbox
and attempt (sometimes unsuccessfully lol) to fix things around the house
that were broken, rather than calling someone. I always admired him for
that. I am who I am today–crafty and resourceful–because of them. I’m
never one to shy away from a leaky faucet or rattling refrigerator (I’m
proud to say I have my own toolbox now) before eventually letting a
professional see to it–that’s IF I haven’t figured it out myself first.
I’d like to think I’m quite well-rounded because of the two of them.

What is something about yourself that people would be surprised to hear?

-Anyone who doesn’t know me and just met me on the street would probably be
surprised to hear, based on my small size, that I LOVE to eat. Not just a
little bit, but a lot. I’m always cooking and trying new recipes

Where do you live?  What is your favorite thing to do around town?

-I currently reside in Atlanta, GA. I grew up further south near Savannah
for nearly 14 years when I was younger but, being a military brat, moved
around a bit after that. After stints in Louisiana, DC, Maryland, and North
Carolina, I found my way back to Georgia about two years ago. Spring and
summer time are the best in the city because there are always festivals
going on in the local parks. Any opportunity I have to experience food and
fun, I’m definitely down!

Anything else you’d like us to know about you?

-I believe that I am truly an artist, in every sense of the word. I realize
that I take every opportunity and turn it into an avenue to express myself.
Growing up, I loved writing. I felt it was the best way that I could
express how I was feeling or what I was thinking. Now I’ve found that I
don’t have to just settle on that facet to express myself. Every craft
project–be it something I sew, or paint, or make–is an form of
expression. I enjoy cooking so much (not only because I love to eat), but
every meal that I make is a chance for me to experiment and express myself.
I enjoy life because I view every day as a blank canvas that I just can’t
wait to put a picture on!

Thank you so much LaKesha for becoming a sponsor and making it possible for The Renegade Seamstress to continue to provide refashion tutorials.

So, what do you say everyone, let’s give LaKesha some love and visit her shop today!!

Upcycled Denim at Que Linda

Mustang Sally is one of the most perfect traveling tunes. Today it carries me around each corner of the old highway on the way to Que Linda. Several Chevy pickups pulling horse trailers head the opposite direction back into town. We wave even though we don’t recognize each other. Just one of the many things that make me happy to live in rural Eastern Oregon. The creek that runs along side the road is swelling from the recent rains and spring runoff. Everything is starting to turn green. It only takes about a half hour for me to reach this beautiful corner of the world.

 Welcome to Que Linda which means

“How Beautiful”.

How true that is when it comes to my friend’s amazing stucco get-away nestled into a hillside between the Eagle Cap Wilderness and the Elkhorn Mountains in Eastern Oregon. Complete with panoramic views, wood cook stoves, tile, tooled leather, custom made pine cupboards and table, outdoor chimeneas, and

loads of Linda’s upcycled old denim.

My good friends Tom and Linda have created this magical space. Both artists, Tom with wood and Linda with fabric. I brought you along with me today so you could see some of the unique ways Linda has upcycled old denim and give you a little glimpse into one of my favorite places with some of my favorite people. 

Everything here has a story or a past life.

The dining chair covers were made from old Wrangler jeans from our dear friend Jeff.

The couch and chair covers were made from quilt squares that Linda’s mother had made years ago.

Linda is now working on this rug made from strips of old denim.

Everywhere you turn here, there is something beautiful. No wonder they call it

Que Linda.

Isn’t this just the coolest thing ever! I would’ve never thought to frame a sheet of old stamps.

A handy place to hang your towels while in the hot tub.

And a perfect spot to take some photos of my latest denim refashion:

 

I have to admit, being a teacher in the 90′s, I had a few of these beauties in my closet. They were comfy and modest but as we know now, not so flattering. Fast forward about twenty years and there are literally thousands of these dresses are filling the thrift store racks just waiting for someone to love them again. And, as we can see from Linda’s handiwork,  there are literally thousands of things you can do with them.

For this refashion, I made a simple denim pencil skirt that I can wear with anything. I used Craft-o-vision’s Custom Skirt tutorial again.  So many thrift store clothes will work for this refashion. Just find any large skirt or dress with a fabric and pattern you like and off you go to make your own custom pencil skirt that will fit you perfectly! I’ve been making so many of these, I can almost do it with my eyes shut.

Thank you Tom and Linda for letting us visit you today.

Happy sewing!

Beth

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The Great British Sewing Bee

I got a bit distracted this afternoon.

Complete with all the charm and politeness of the English, The Great British Sewing Bee, captured my attention today. I suspect part of the appeal for me is the fact that the contestants are all “real” people who just love to sew. They are given several challenges over the course of two days and the judges give very specific feedback on their construction techniques. They even manage to sprinkle a bit of sewing history throughout each episode.

Their first challenge is to sew a simple A-line skirt in three hours. Next, they are given an hour to alter the neckline of a white seersucker blouse. For their final challenge, they must alter a pattern to fit and create a dress for their model.

I actually think this show might be a new favorite of mine. (Could you hear my English accent when I said that?)

You can watch it here:

Happy Sewing!

Beth

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Refashion a Man’s Button Down Shirt for Day Five of Dress For Change Week

Well, here it is, Day Five of Dress For Change Week. So far not one of my students noticed that I was wearing the same skirt all week. Hmmmm…… makes one think.

Today, I’m wearing another quick and easy refashioned man’s shirt with my black skirt.

I started with this shirt.

I cut off the sleeves very close to the stitching so I don’t have to hem and used them to cut out two flounce ruffles using my previous pattern.

After you cut them out, make one cut through each one to open it up. I then attached them to either side of the button placket like I did on this shirt, but instead of putting the  gathered edge along the placket, place the short edge (the inside edge) along the placket.

  

The flounce ruffle is a completely different look from a gathered ruffle. I love how soft and feminine the shirt is now.

Here’s a recap of my outfits for Dress for Change Week:

    

 

After Tondra Denise read about Sheyanne’s project, it struck a nerve with her and she immediately signed up with her eight year old daughter to participate.

Check out her blog, Ordinary Moments…Extraordinary Memories, to see what inspired her and what she wore each day each day.

Thank you Tondra for participating.

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She’s Wearing That Same Skirt Again!

I heard them whispering to each other on their way down the stairs as they both glanced back up at me. ”She’s wearing that same skirt again.” Giggling together, they ran the rest of the way. Later, I couldn’t help notice the way they would smirk and walk way around me acting as if they were smelling something horrible. I could’ve given up right then. I could’ve gotten my feelings hurt. But I knew I’d made a commitment to this project and I knew it was the right thing to do.

Lucky for me, I chose to wear the same skirt and lucky for me, I knew it was only my friends at work lovingly teasing me. But it did make me think. Hopefully, this week of Dress For Change is not only changing lives for underprivileged girls in Africa, but I hope it’s changing the way many of us think about our own situations.

It’s amazing how abundant our lives really are. I’m so fortunate to have enough food to eat, an education, a good job, a loving family, great friends, nice clothes to wear, a beautiful home, safe community, my health, a reliable car, a sewing machine….the list could go on and on.

I’m also fortunate to have such a great local thrift store, where used clothing is very affordable. Day Four’s entire outfit has been thrifted throughout the years and the scarf was just recently refashioned from an old pair of pajama pants.

Thank you to everyone who chose to participate in Dress For Change Week.

Here’s to a day full of gratefulness!

Beth

For more refashion ideas:

Dress For Change- Day Three

It’s here! It’s finally here!

So far it’s been a beautiful week. Sunny, warm, and calm. The windows in my classroom have been open and we can hear birds chirping and dogs barking. At night I can hear the frogs. I’m back to walking everyday and I feel great. There’s nothing like spring to cheer a girl up and make her feel alive again.

Today is Day Three of Dress For Change Week and I’m wearing a thrifted black and white shirt with my  Quick Cropped Sweater refashion from the other day. I’m looking forward to seeing what everyone else is wearing for this Little Black Dress Project.

Cheers!

Beth

For more refashion ideas and tutorials:

Make This World a Better Place, One Refashion at a Time/ Dress For Change- Day Two

Yesterday I received a beautiful comment.

I love your site! I am always checking it to see what idea you have come up with. I am trying to get as many ideas as I can to show my orphan kids in Africa. Some of them are learning to sew and I thought with as many used clothing they have to deal with, what a wonderful way to inspire them! I am hoping to go back probably in December again. Thank you so much for the many ideas you share. I will try to share some of them with the kids at Umoja Children’s Home in Bomet, Africa. Lynn

This comment meant so much to me because, you see, each time, right before I push that publish button, I close my eyes and envision that my post will have a positive impact on someone somewhere. To find out that a fun hobby of mine is actually benefiting someone half way around the world makes this all worthwhile.

And how appropriate as we go into Day Two of Dress For Change Week, where we have committed to help Sheyenne provide dresses for girls so they can receive an education, and in comes Lynn who will be using these ideas to help orphans in Africa. I’m constantly amazed at the wonderful things people do.

It’s nice to know that in some small way what I’m wearing today might help a little girl on the other side of the world. Today I chose to wear Saturday’s refashioned white shirt with my black skirt.

   

If you’d like to see how this was made, check out this tutorial:

Thanks to everyone who is participating in Dress For Change Week and

here’s to making our world a better place one refashion at a time.

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