Sometimes you just need to look at something old; in a new way,

like I did to make this tote. It's made from two pairs of secondhand jeans and a faded cotton tablecloth from the thrift store.
The body and straps of the bag were pieced from the legs of the jeans and a back pocket had to be cut from the jeans separately and then repositioned on my tote.
The only extra detail I allowed myself on this simple design was the peek of green ric rac under the pocket.
The muted colours of the floral print seemed perfect as the lining... and then I thought it would work to make this tote reversible and decidedly feminine.

I guess that means my sons won't offer to carry this tote home from the library once I've loaded it up with books. ;o)

Comments

  1. Hi, This is exactly the sort of inspiration I am looking for. I love the way you used the table cloth fabric there is still so much wear in things we throw out and can look so good in a different context. I recently rescued a rather heavy, old table cloth which everyone else thought was really daggy and hope to use it for my main shopping bag. I know that everyone will see how beautiful it is then. Thanks Cherrie

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  2. oh, katherine, it's just perfect! I love that floral so much! you do such a great job at repurposing.

    (I thought of you today when I picked up 2 vintage sheets-full flat and queen flat-for 2 dollars! no blue, though.)

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  3. Love the shape and style of this bag - its reversibility is such a great feature. Repurposed jeans are a great fabric choice - they are always so soft after multiple washes.

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  4. Nice tote! Re-cycling is always a good action...

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  5. Hi Kathrine,found your blog from Crazy Mom Quilts,I love your tote bag,great way to recycle and reuse fabrics and old clothes!
    Love from Kathy and the girls at meg's mum's muffins

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  6. A reversible bag, how fantastic, and so pretty. I could just do with this today, I am basking in the sunshine which makes a nice change from all the doom and gloom we have been having over her in the UK. x

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  7. I love this tote, and love the pocket with the ricrac!!!Such a great idea, and also recycling!

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  8. It is a lovely bag! So practical and so pretty! The floral fabric is really neat!

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  9. Hi, Katherine!!
    Your blog is a place online to visit very much, I love it: your bags, your ideas, etc.
    You are now in my blog list, ok? Thanks

    I,m sorry, my english is very bad.

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  10. I love this bag especially since it is reversible!

    I come across some old floral drapery in my upstairs closet while cleaning the other day. This gives me an idea of what I can do with it.

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