Re-Purposed 'Skirt Totes'- Part 2

Turning the project...

                                                           ...right-side out...

                                           ...and tucking the lining into the bag...

                                ...prior to top-stitching around the mouth of the tote.

                             Choosing a coordinating color of leather for the straps...

                                      ...and fashioning them, using a rotary cutter.

                               Stitching the straps in half along most of their length...

                                              ...and then splaying out the ends...

                                                          ...for attachment.

                                           (This process is repeated on side two.)

                                                 The finished bag (back side)...

                                  ...displaying its whimsical double gauze lining...

                                              ...and the front side with key ring...

                                            ...(formerly, part of the skirt closure).

                                                 Next time: I start a blue one! :)

Re-Purposed 'Skirt Totes'- Part 1

After finding several skirts that I no longer wear...

...during an 'organizing binge' one day...

...I decided to create a few tote bags.

                               Removing the waistband with a pair of sharp shears.

                                             Cutting two pieces of lining fabric...

                                            ...just slightly larger than the skirt.

                   
                    Pinning the lining fabric layers together at the sides and bottom...

                                              ...and stitching them together...

                                  ...(leaving a small opening in the lining for turning).

                        Squaring off the bottoms of both the skirt and the lining insert.

                         Placing the lining inside the skirt (with right-sides together)...

                                                    ...and pinning it into place.

                               Machine stitching the inside of the tote to the outside.

                                           Trimming off the excess lining fabric.

                                         Next time: leather handles are added...

                                            ...and the project is completed.

Double Gauze and Linen Zippered Bag Tutorial- Part 2

Pinning the zipper section to the mouth of the bag...

                                            ...and machine stitching it into place.

                                                          The finished bag...

                                                 ...has a festive red zipper...

                                   ...and cloth tabs that help the bag to open widely...

                                             ...for easy access to its contents.         

                             

                                     The double gauze exterior is bright and soft...

                            ...and the natural linen lining provides structural support.

Double Gauze and Linen Zippered Bag Tutorial- Part 1

Stitching a cloth tab onto each end of the zipper...

                                       ...and attaching a fabric 'tube' to each side.

                           Making fabric 'envelopes' from double gauze and linen...

                       ...and squaring off their corners by sewing across the ends...

                                           ...and trimming off the excess fabric.

                      Tucking one envelope inside the other (with right sides together)...

                 ...and stitching around the top edge...leaving an opening for turning.

                                   Pushing the lining fabric to the inside of the bag...

                                         ...and top-stitching for a tidy appearance.

                                                  Next time: the finished bag.

Summer Tops From Vintage Fabric and Double Gauze!

Using nautical fabric...

...(from a friend's mother's estate)...

...and a red and white print from my own stash...

                                             ...plus a Grainline Studios pattern...

                                       ...I created this whimsical sleeveless top...

                                              ...with colorful bias tape binding.

                                I repeated the process with a double gauze fabric...

                                                 ...and printed Moda cotton...

                                      ...that I fashioned into continuous bias tape.

                                                  These cool and comfy tops...

                                   ...have been a staple of my warm-weather wear!