Messenger bag from cargo pants - another clothes upcycle

Continuing with my Clothes Upcycling Challenge for 2015 I made a messenger bag from a pair of cargo shorts and some other fabric from my stash (helping my stashbusing cause at the same time!)

I've wanted to try this tutorial from Noodlehead for a while so decided this was the perfect opportunity.

This is what I started with:

Since the pattern uses a pair of cargo pants not shorts, I had to alter it slightly so I had enough fabric. The strap I made entirely from the co-ordinating fabric rather than half and half, but I think it works ok. I also had to unpick a pocket and make the whole bag slightly smaller than the pattern to give me enough fabric.

The pattern itself was fairly easy to follow although perhaps a little less detailed than I'm used to. I tend to go for overkill and photo and describe even the smallest stage in my tutorials as that's how I work. Still - this is overall a straightforward bag to make and a great way to upcycle a pair of pants!

The strap was possibly a little bit long for my daughter. Generally my girls love to model things I've made for me, but not on this day! However, I did manage to cajole my youngest into a couple of shots!

Left over fabric from the shorts?  A few pockets, a zip, buttons, label and the waistband. I've added them to the bag from last week's upcycle to be used in some future project I haven't yet thought of!

I'm pretty happy with this week's upcycle.  Do come back next week to see what I make next!

For over 600 ideas for clothes upcycling, check out the ongoing linky here. Please do add your own ideas too!

If you are interested in upcycling, I also share lots of upcycling ideas, for clothes and lots of other things too, on my Facebook page.

Jill

Mini Circle Zip Pouches - Day 11 Use What You've Got

I pinned this tutorial by Dog Under My Desk to my

 "Things I want to make" board two years ago. 

Yesterday, I finally got around to trying it!

It's a great little tutorial - nice and clear with lots of photos.

It's also perfect for using up scraps!

I made one for each of my daughters, but I have to say I like the doggie one better. The fabric has perfect size doggies on to cut perfect pieces..

And although it's called an 'earbud' pouch;

It's also just the right size for a little coin purse!

Do you have lots of things 'pinned' that you haven't yet tried?

Why not pick something and try it out this week?

Go on - do it!

Jill

A heart mug rug

Better late than never, here's this week's mug rug.

Now I know last week after trying a mug rug with no binding, I said I was going to find one with so I could practice. 

Well - instead I found a cute heart mug rug tutorial and just couldn't resist trying another binding alternative - adding a ruffled edge!

The tutorial was easy to follow for someone with basic sewing knowledge. It doesn't lead you through every little step - but more gives you general directions with some nice photos!

I really liked the ruffled edge as an alternative to binding! And the patchwork helped me use up some of my small scraps!

Now I really will get back to a mug rug with binding practice next week!

Now - it's time to enjoy my cup of tea with a sneaky chocolate egg!