Bag and elephant from shirt and shorts - starting my clothes upcycling challenge 2015

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I've settled back in from our big holiday now and am back into sewing - in particular I've started my big clothes upcycling challenge for 2015.

I started out with this shirt and pair of shorts.

I had decided previously what I wanted to make - this Reversible bag, a free pattern and tutorial from Very Purple Person.

I wanted to use the pockets on the clothes in the bags.

So it meant being a little creative in my pattern placement and cutting.

The template is free and simple to print and stick together. The instructions are also clear and straightforward with pictures and drawings to help.  It's a nice simple bag, and I'm really pleased with how it turned out.

 Of course there was fabric left over, so I wanted to try and use it to make something else.

I've so many patterns and tutorials on my Pinterest boards, that I have decided to make use of these for this clothes upcycling challenge.

This time I chose an Elephant Softie, using this free pattern from Made by Enginerds.

Again the template is free and easy to print and use.

It's a very simple elephant to make, and the tutorial is nice and clear with good photos. I'm really pleased with this cutie - my girls have given him the definite seal of approval and want to make ones for themselves now!

The elephant and bag look cute together - maybe I can sell them as a set?

The last of the remnants of this shirt and pair of shorts I have deconstructed into parts I may be able to use - zips, buttons, labels and fabric scraps:

And the seams etc I'll keep to use for stuffing for something!

Overall, I'm very happy with the start of my Clothes Upcycling Challenge for 2015. 

 I hope you'll keep on coming back to see what I make each week from my selection of old clothes!

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