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Turtle Tote from Jeans



This is my latest clothes upcycle for the school carnival stall later this year.

I had a pair of jeans,

and a skirt that suggested the sea and turtle colours to me..

I wanted to make a bag that was a bit different. So I used my Waistband Tote tutorial and some fusible webbing to create a picture on one side of the bag of some seaweed and rocks.  I then made a small stuffed turtle and hand stitched it in amongst the underwater background scene.

The bag is lined with the skirt lining, and the jeans back pockets added  too.



I'm pleased with the overall result.
 I like to be able to use the jeans in a way that utilises their original structure - like the waistband and the back pockets here.


Hopefully this bag will be snapped up from the school stall!


As usual I have saved the scraps - fabric, zips, labels and seams; for more upcycles.

The idea is to let nothing go to waste! 

To see what else I've made so far from old clothes for the school carnival, go here.

And for lots more sewing projects - take a look at 
My Free Tutorials Page 
where there are over 100 free tutorials for all levels of sewing ability.



21 comments:

  1. Michelle L.June 9, 2015 at 8:49 AM

    Awesome! Love the seaweed-y foliage, and the fact there are jeans pockets inside!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JillJune 9, 2015 at 8:55 AM

      Thanks Mich. I think this is one of my favourite bags so far, not sure I want to sell it...

      Delete
    2. UnknownAugust 22, 2015 at 12:27 PM

      I think i totally missed the instructions to make this bag, the end measurements, the measurements of the jean panels, bottom and top part, and handles :(

      Delete
    3. JillAugust 22, 2015 at 2:24 PM

      The link is there in the post to the tutorial I used for this bag - it's my waistband tote bag tutorial which has all the measurements there:
      http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com.au/2015/02/waistband-tote-another-jeans-upcycle.html

      Delete
  2. Pam @Threading My WayJune 9, 2015 at 6:00 PM

    Awesome, Jill. I'd be keeping that bag if I were you!!! The scene with the little hexie turtle looks fabulous and a GREAT idea to add the jeans pocket inside the bag.

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownJune 11, 2015 at 12:15 AM

    So cute!! I had seen your post on several link parties before I had to finally come check it out. I love repurposing old jeans into something new.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JillJune 11, 2015 at 5:40 AM

      Thanks Sheena! Jeans are one of my favourite things to sew with! So versatile and sturdy!

      Delete
  4. Amy JohnsonJune 12, 2015 at 12:35 AM

    So cute and creative!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Cindy MakiJune 12, 2015 at 8:08 AM

    So very cute. I must make the turtle at the very least. My daughter loves turtles. Cute idea.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Vintage Whimsy StudioJune 14, 2015 at 9:52 PM

    CUTE! We've been repurposing jeans for lots of different projects so this on really got me thinking about giving it a try. Love it! thanks for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop, hope to catch up with you again next week at the hop. Nina @ Vintage Mama's Cottage

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousJune 14, 2015 at 10:45 PM

    Just saw this on Pam's site and had to get over here to tell you how much I love it. What a great idea all around. I don't do the recycling to your level, but with all your ideas, I might get there! The addition of the stuffed turtle was just genius.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Lou Lou GirlsJune 16, 2015 at 3:04 AM

    Wow! That looks incredible. I’m so impressed. Pinned and tweeted. We appreciate you stopping by to party with us. We hope to see you, tonight at 7 pm. Happy Monday! Lou Lou Girls

    ReplyDelete
  9. Handy Man, Crafty WomanJune 19, 2015 at 1:56 AM

    Congratulations! You've been featured on Wicked Awesome Wednesday! Thanks for sharing your tote bag tutorial. It came out so cute! Stop by the website to pick up your "I've Been Featured!" button.

    ReplyDelete

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