Re-purposed wool sweater = new handbag

When I saw the lovely cabled and embroidered wool sweater at the Goodwill I knew I had to felt it and make it into something--plus it was 1/2 off! So of course I bought it, felted it--and wow! did it shrink....and then decided this sweater would make a very nice new purse. I used a thrifted pillow case to line the purse and made the shoulder strap out of the sweater's arms...really happy with this one because it is roomy and I added some pockets to the lining for my cell phone, pens and other small objects.

I needed some way to close the purse--so I added a crocheted edge with button loops and used some nice vintage mother-of-pearl buttons.

and now I have a "new" handbag for spring! so far I'm liking it...and it took me one afternoon to make! Once I felted the sweater, the sewing went pretty fast. I sewed the lining in by hand around the top edge.

Aunt Esther's Motto (one of them) : "A stitch in time, saves nine." I guess this is more about mending--which she was an expert at doing---but this recycled sweater purse made me think of her. She would have like this concept, as she was very thrifty. She was my Great Aunt (grandmother's sister) and I learned alot about life from her--so I'm calling this Aunt Esther's Handbag ;-)

Re-vamped Crazy Quilt Purse

My friend Debbie in Alaska made this purse for me eons ago---I used it so much I literally wore it out. So recently I added some trims to cover the worn fabric areas on the edges and a new strap...voila! purse is back in business. What do you think?

I have always loved crazy quilts---I love the crazy fabrics and all the embroidery. I get plenty of compliments on this purse when I use it...even if my two lovely daughters do think it looks too awfully "hippy dippy"---who cares? When it comes to fashion I just go with what I like...not what is the current trend. This purse has a zipper closure, hence it is very practical for a city. I made the strap out of a strip of a vintage quilt top.

Summer Craft-a-palooza: LINKS

I spend more time than I should surfing the crafty blogs and following links from crafty blog to crafty blog---the result is a nice list of crafty tutorials of interesting projects--items I would like to make "someday".....
(when does that someday actually arrive?)
Anyhow---here are some links to a few crafty projects I am intrigued by:

1) from the CraftyPod blog---HOW TO MAKE A BOOK WITH PLAYING CARD COVERS
so cute--a small blank book! to fit in your backpack or purse.




2) a yummy knit HOT WATER BOTTLE COZY --with a cable on it! from Yarn-A-Go-Go. This is just how I want to make that old rubber hot water bottle all comfy....




3) Great sewing pattern and instructions for that essential hippy "peasant skirt" from jcarolinecreatvie. Just like those ones I made in the '60's ! and still as comfortable in hot summer weather.



4) How about a purse made from playing cards? from the Craftbits website. A great way to use up those old worn out playing cards you have lying around.




5) How to make your own Embroidered Buttons from the Feeling Stitchy blog. These would be fun on that fabulous handknit sweater--or just to spice up a vintage thrifted blouse.



Have fun!

Ruby REpurposed Handbag

Another one! This one is also lined, and has some nice fellted crocheted lace on the closing flap. The back of this bag is a lovely felted multi-colored Fair Isle stripes--the front a scrumptious ruby color. Created out of recycled felted wool sweaters--and fully lined with cotton fabric. The inside has small pockets for keys, cell phone, and other small objects. The strap is made from the same striped sweater as the back of the bag. I also use some lightweight Pellon fusible, between the wool and the cotton fabrics, to give some proper stiffness to the bag.

detail of closing flap

lining, with pockets

the back of the bag

Sweaters "Repurposed" into handbag

I buy wool sweaters at thrift stores or garage sales--throw them in the washing machine and dryer---shrink them to the max--and then have nice, heavy wool felt to create handbags with. This bag is large--I wanted a bag I could carry all my usual purse detritus and a knitting project and a small sketchbook and maybe even a paperback book to read. Seems I'm spending quite a bit of time lately on the bus or BART, and since I like to knit or read while I travel, and needed a roomy bag that would carry everything. On this bag I also created a large closing flap on the front---and sewed on crocheted granny square (from another unfinished project.) I used the buttonholes from the sweater on the lower flap edge as a closure. The handle I made out of strips I cut from the sleeves of the sweater--then I braided the strips---this makes a nice sturdy handle.



And I lined the bag--isn't this fun lining material? I thought this fabric complimented the greenish tweedy wool nicely---and I also made some functional pockets inside for keys and cellphone---the two items I am always digging around in the bottom of my bag for. Took this bag out for a spin today and she got her first compliment!