Have you ever noticed those links over on the right-hand side of the blog? There’s some pretty cool stuff over there.

Today I got a delightful package in the mail, and I wanted to draw your attention to its creator – Rachel Davis of Holy Hillbilly Creations (listed under Modest Apparel). On the website, as well as in her Etsy shop, she has a wide range of old favorites and new creations…

Some time back, I received a Holy Hillbilly Creations Reusable Shopping Bag from a giveaway she did. It was immediately my favorite bag – great design, sturdy workmanship, useful size…

When I decided I needed some more, I started talking to Rachel about her fabrics. Some of the bags she sells are made from new fabric, but many are upcycled from a variety of clothing items. As we talked, a plan began to form in my head.

I sent her some old jeans (from prior to my skirts-only shift, although you can also take them from the men in your life, or get them at garage sales and thrift stores!)…

The legs of two pairs were converted into two of her fabulous Shopping Bags.

The tops were made into a pair of adorable aprons (trimmed with a discarded sheet with a pretty butterfly pattern).

Those jeans never had it so good!

The third pair I hadn’t had any definite plans for when I sent the box off. I really wanted a purse for Jewel, but to be usable for someone her size it needed to be a lot smaller than the hip dimension of a pair of adult jeans.

The Lord blessed our endeavors, and Rachel ran across an adorable toddler skirt about that time which we swapped for my jeans. Jewel’s new purse is a masterpiece!

Jewel is also carrying her purse in the photo at the top of the post. The outfit was a hand-me-down, legging-type pants and a top. With the pink print and the kitty appliqué, it was too cute to just pass on… But, obviously, pants are a no-go. Holy Hillbilly Creations to the rescue again, with a beautiful pants-to-skirt conversion.

Rachel has been through a lot since I first “met” her and posted a review of her skirts over at Life on the Road back in 2007. They lost their home to a tornado in 2009, and have had an uphill battle since. Give her a bit of slack on how much inventory is in stock at any given time… But you’ll never, ever have occasion to doubt her sewing skills or professionalism with her business.

There are some Shopping Bags (only $8!) and other fun items stocked at the Etsy store, and you can also contact Rachel with your special requests.

Got some old clothes lying around that have sentimental value? Or that you just hate to waste? Why not let her upcycle them into a new, useful item for you!

How about those of you wanting to make a switch to wearing skirts, but can’t afford to buy all new: maybe an inexpensive pants-to-skirt conversion or two can help!

Prices vary depending on the project, but are always very reasonable.

Yes, I have guilt about how I “should” be sewing these things myself… But the facts of the matter are that I am really doing all that I can manage right now, and furthermore that I am not (and I may never be, although I intend to try) what would be deemed a competent seamstress. To get these tasks taken care of, getting such high-quality work done at such a reasonable price, is good stewardship, plain and simple.

.

2 Responses to “Amazing Upcycles and More (Review)”