Monday, January 22, 2007

Recycled Lovlies!










I tried to make a handbag once out of some leftover dragonfly uphostery material and it just about killed me. I had never lined anything before and well let's just say it was way out of my sewing capabilities. Anyway when I saw these absolutely darling recycled sweater handbags by sassycrafter it almost but not quite made me want to give it another try. They are cute and I do have a lot of sweaters lying about but I think I'm better off sticking to hot molten glass. just don't have the sewing gene, k
Note: I just received an email from Kim Taylor designer of sassy craft bags and here's what she had to say: This sweater bag does NOT need lining! Yay!
You'll need a wool sweater. The best type is 100% wool -- merino works great. Angora is OK too (this fiber comes from goats, I think). Cashmere works well for floppy embellishments like flowers or for tiny handbags, but it never thickens up enough during the shrinking process for use in larger or more structured purses.

Take your sweater and run it twice through the washer using hot water and the heavy duty cycle. This will shrink the sweater and felt it, which allows you to cut it into any shape and not have it unravel. Then plot out the shape for your bag and sew it together. NOTE: If you plan to use wool for the handle, it helps to reinforce it with some topstitched trim -- otherwise the handle will stretch out during the first few months of carrying. I use my leftover scraps to create flower pins that can be worn on the purse or on your shirt. And you can find a couple of her sweater bags right now at her Etsy shop here. happy sewing, k

11 comments:

Maryam in Marrakesh said...

What a great thing to do with old sweaters! Esp like that pleated looking one. You are the etsy guru!

Anonymous said...

They are all so cool, the one at the bottom is kind of unique I like it.

ALL THE BEST said...

What a fantastic idea! Unfortunately, I don't have the sewing gene either.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful bags!

Another Shade of Grey said...

That is a great idea.

hiphostess said...

Hi Karen -
These bags are super cute!

Thanks so much for your comment on my site yesterday :) Good luck finishing up your kstyle jewelry site - can't wait to see it when it launches too!
(but try not to stress too much!)

Jenn :)

Pigtown*Design said...

I don't have the sewing gene, but could probably scrape together enough DNA to do the rectangular one.

Julie at Belle Vivir said...

Cute bags Karen, great idea.

Miss Beaux said...

Oh, I love those!!!

Kaye for Zing Pictures said...

I've had an inadvertently felted sweater in the bottom of my wardrobe for about 6 years. Every six months or so I take it out and think about turning it into a handbag. Now I really will get to it.
I'd love to see more recycling design on your site.

Kaye for Zing Pictures said...

I included a link to you and Recycled Lovelies in my blog today.
The Saturday Slideshow Taster has whetted my appetite. See you then!

http://zingzine.blogspot.com/2007/01/eco-concern-is-new-thrifty.html