We’ve been lucky enough to cross creative paths with Melissa May Beaumont — and her impressive chainstitching talents — on several occasions. With a love for all things vintage, handcrafted, and original — we’d like to think we’re cut from the same cloth. Self-taught with her own Lockhart, TX-based business, Rancho Sueño, she shared the scoop on her favorite spots for treasure hunting vintage finds, and insight into her passion and the process that’s turned a hobby into something more.
Q:
Chainstitching is a true (and underrated) form of art. What trail led you to make your craft a career?
A:
"Chainstitching as my career has been the biggest surprise of my life. I had been in the same job for 14 years and was eager for change. I didn’t see any realistic prospects so I took up chainstitching purely with the intention of it being a hobby and a means for creative fulfillment. Through the magic of social media, I was surprised by the encouraging response I received from friends and strangers alike.
Within a year of starting to teach myself how to chainstitch, I gained enough interest in my work that I began to consider taking this on as my full-time job. It took me 6 months to get comfortable with this idea, but it's been 5 years — and I haven't looked back. The success may not last forever but I never thought I would be the kind of person that could be self-employed even for a short time. I am so grateful to have struck out in a time when people are longing for products that have a more thoughtful, human-made element behind them."
Q:
We love your Western aesthetic — where do you draw your inspiration from?
A:
"I adore whimsical advertising art from the 40s onward. I have an extensive collection of ephemera that I’ve been building for years. Things like vintage matchbooks, menus, souvenirs and magazines are my favorite sources of inspiration."
Q:
Your slogan is “Made with heart and hand.” It sounds like a labor of love, with both parts in equal measure. In a world filled with fast fashion, how long do you typically spend on a piece from start to finish?
A:
"From design to execution, pieces can take 4 hours to 40 hours! It just depends on how detailed the concept is. I am drawn to vintage chainstitching that goes for impact over intricacies, which helps for more manageable timeframes."
Q:
Many of the garments you source as your canvases are vintage. Without giving any secret spots away, do you have any tips for would-be vintage treasure hunters?
A:
"A large part of building my business came from participating in pop-up markets all around Texas that feature a lot of vintage vendors. These are folks who search relentlessly to curate a collection and specific vibe. I am happy to let the secret out of my favorite vendors: Potter’s Field Vintage and La Ropa Vintage."
Q:
Out of all the pieces you’ve made, is there one that stands out as a fave/particularly memorable?
A:
"Any piece that allows me to incorporate hand-lettering is going to be a favorite! Since there are no digital aspects to these antique machines, to me, you aren't getting the most out of the execution if you are using precise, digitally created fonts. I have a background in hand lettering so this has been the perfect marriage of skills!"
Q: Alright, we’re sold. What’s the best way to place an order?
Q: Yee haw! One final question for the road. Lockhart should be on more must-visit bucket lists. Got any hot spots — or spots to cool off that readers should check out?
A: My favorite hang-out in town is Old Pal Texas Tavern. They keep it cold and dark in there and you won't find a better jukebox!