Salvaged parts purse

[hkcreations.livejournal.com]

So, being the thrifty and fashionable lass that I am, I realized I needed a new summer, go with everything, beat it to hell, purse.

I started with an old rice bag that I have been saving to do something with for about threeish years. Uncovered while doing weekly cleaning of the old abode.
But the bag had this paper sticker partially stuck on it from back when it held rice.

Soaked the bag, ripped the seams, picked off the remainder of the lable, throw in dryer with towels to shrink it down a bit to make the weave slightly tighter.

Back the burlap with some interfacing, cutting down and finishing the edges with my serger, tack it down with some irridescent thread in squiggle designs. Machine sew on some small sequins onto the front face of bag just cuz I like sparkles.

Salvage zipper from bag to put in the top later.

Cut side material out of leftover silk, repeat process of tacking to stiffish interfacing with more irridescent thread.

Use salvaged messenger bag strap for purse strap, meling bottom edges to finish it nice, attaching it to the sides with upholstery thread (I find it works the best on my machine for heavy duty stuff)

Sew it all together, line in bright orange lining.

3-4 hours work, and voila!



Of course you can't really see the irridescent thread, which all but completely blends in with the burlap, giving it a subtle sparkle effect.
Top zipper closure (it's best for keeping out thieves)
I like low slung bags since I can just put them across my shoulders and forget about them, vs fussing with some small clutch style that's always getting in my way.