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We hope you are all keeping well and you are finding a little time to stroll outdoors and enjoy the sunshine, every day if you can. Recently I have been making useful bags for going out on a walk and carrying a flask with a drink and some snacks and also for holding all the usual handbag items that might be needed. The basic instructions of how to make a simple tote bag can be found here: |
 Handmade bag by A Howse |
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Alternatively last week I posted a tutorial about how to sew a relatively large tote using upcycled wool scarves. The blue spot tote is strong but it is not heavy to carry and it has space for some grocery shopping essentials. |
 Boho bag front |
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This week I am demonstrating how you can repurpose an old vintage skirt to make a unique 'bohemian' inspired day bag. The pleated 'A' Line wool skirt was made by Liberty probably in the 1980's and I bought it second hand about 15 years ago. A few years ago I shortened the length to create a short flared skirt. Then I added a deep edging of black-watch wool tartan about two years ago. This alteration made it warmer for the winter and enabled the garment to coordinate with more of my wardrobe.
After many wears the quality fabric is still in great condition so I decided to transform it into a 'designer' accessory instead. The first thing I did was to turn the skirt inside out and then cut two large petal shaped lining pieces the same length as my skirt. In this instance, I stitched two similar weight, offcut fabrics together to form my large rounded petal bag shape. So I have a fun bi-coloured lining! |
 Boho bag lining |
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I then lay the 'inside out' skirt flat on my workbench and added the lining pieces to the top and the bottom so that the skirt was in the 'middle of the sandwiched' fabric.
The next step was pinning and sewing the bottom edges of the skirt together with my sewing machine. I took care to stick to an imaginary line where I had pinned about 2cms inside of the petal shaped lining to leave a neat edge. I cut away the excess fabric from the 'corners' or flat edges of the skirt that were not needed now the petal bag shape was emerging. Turning the bag the right way round again, I pressed the inside lining pieces to make a straight top edge opening, for the botanically patterned carry-all. I then pressed the Liberty wool edges to match the lining fabric tops, so they all lined up neatly. |
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I chose a wide dark green zip from Hobbycraft to match the colours nicely. Hand-sewing the zip smartly in place at the top of the bag, I then used my sewing machine to firmly attach it in place. Using some off-cut navy wool from my previous project, I crafted the handbag shoulder handles. To visually 'lift' the design and add more interest, I stitched the dark blue log lengths to some red and white woven braided ribbon 6 cms wide. This has given the bag straps a striking decorative detail. To exaggerate the 'Boho' style of this bag I gathered both the bottom side corners of the bag using a thick dark thread. I securely stitched the gathers in place once the fabric was ruched just how I liked it. |
 Boho bag straps |
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To complete the original features of this naturally styled item, I added a deep pocket to the front of the bag, using left over wool pieces from this project so far. As this Liberty pattern is made of outlined dark florals and foliage, I chose to cut a leaf shape to add a central detail to the front of the pocket. I pressed the edges under all the way and hand sewed it in place like a little appliqué.
To balance the colours and pick out the details attractively, I added an easy straight stitch embroidery using a thick white cotton knitting ball I had to hand. |
 A Howse holds Boho bag to front |
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This practical product idea would also be suitable for a school or work satchel if you are (or are making for) a key worker or for a young person still attending school at the moment. I hope that this article helps you to think about using this time to repurpose some of your existing clothes and old fabrics into something new and wonderful. Staying at home can save lives at the moment and we wish you good luck with all your home crafting.
We would love to know if you make an upcycled day bag by sending us a quick photo email or posting on our Facebook page, see our contact info page here: http://www.createdisplay.com/?page_id=528 We hope you have many happy grocery shop outings and safe distance exercises! We wish you all good health and hope your Spring season is as happy as can be. |