Re-Purposed 'Skirt Totes'- Part 4

By now...

                                         ...you probably already 'know the drill'. ;)

                                    The lining is fashioned and sewn to the bag...

                                                      ...then tucked inside...

                                                           ...and top-stitched...

                                     
                                                 ...and the straps are added.

                                             Because the tote was once a skirt...

                                ...the extant pockets (some with velcro closures)...

                                                         ...are pretty handy...

                                            ...for securely holding cash, tissues...

                                             ...or foam earplugs (on long flights).

                                           The three 'Skirt Totes' (back sides)...

                                                           ...and fronts!

Re-Purposed 'Skirt Totes'- Part 3

As with my earlier project...

 ...I trim off the skirt waistband...

                                                      ...and fashion a lining...

                                         ...from a cheerful piece of cotton fabric.

                                   Squaring off the bottoms of the bag and lining...

                                             ...and pinning the two together...

                                                  ...in preparation for sewing.

                                            Painters' tape is used for marking...

                                ...and the straps are clipped into place for stitching.

                                                     The finished tote (back)...

                                                              ...and front...

                                                     ...with its festive lining...

                                                       ...(here in close-up)!

                               Because this bag is to be used as an 'airplane tote'...

                                                     ...I add a zipper panel...

                                                       ...for extra security.

                                        Next time: the third and final (green) one!

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.