What a mess! Covered in lint and little threads with pins all over, this doesn't look like much. But, I love it already!
This bag to be was once a pair of old, but never worn, corduroy 'jeans'. Actually, I am just using the top part because the legs (and the zipper) already became a skirt. A while back I made a
bag, actually
two bags out of a pair of corduroy carpenter shorts. I loved all of the fun little pockets. For this one, made out of traditional five pocket jeans, I wanted to make use of the pockets, but I did not want it to look like I just put a seam at the bottom and added some straps. Instead, I carefully took off the waistband and split the center front. I then added a piece of fabric from the legs and made a tube. Then I rotated the tube until I found just the right configuration of pockets.
Upon removing the waistband, it became clear that the rivet for the front 'hand' pocket was too close to the edge for a proper fold-over and hem, so I added a little scrap along part of the top edge. I also wanted to use only one original front and one back pocket, but thought that the bag needed more pockets than that, so I created one out of what was left of one of the legs. In order to make it look like it belonged I wound a length of the original yellow thread around an old spool and machine - sewed the pocket on.
The next step is to finish making the shoulder straps out of the waistband. This will be done by hand with brown cotton embroidery thread. I think i will also replace the button with its company logo with one from our collection of vintage buttons.
In December, Lola and Emilin participated in Sew Green's first annual ReCraft Fair. Everything for sale had to be made from second hand materials. Our little eco-alternative recycled 'moleskine' type notebooks were very popular, as were the recycled plaid owls I made the night before the sale.
Etsy designer 13threads shows off a pair of our recycled sweater and crochet arm warmers along with her beautiful tweed wrap coat. 
Sewn entirely by hand. Recycled fabric. Vintage buttons. Crochet coin purse. I am working on more pouches and wallets like this one. I love the slightly uneven and irregular quality of hand sewn seams. These are also projects I can take with me and work on anywhere. I don't have to take up the dining room table with the big sewing machine.
A few weeks ago I decided to try my hand at doll making. Using beautiful local wool, I hand crocheted this little girl (she still needs a name). Her fully rooted hair is made from soft washable wool so that it will not get tangled and matted (I hope!). Her head, body and legs are stuffed with polyfil. I did not stuff her arms so that they would be more flexible. She has cute little mitten hands. 
In place of the brand logo-d metal button I put a stack of three vintage buttons.
What a mess! Covered in lint and little threads with pins all over, this doesn't look like much. But, I love it already!
