I really like the decoupage look.  What if instead of redoing it, you sand it down and then apply some watered down acrylic paint or water based stain and then wipe off.  It would give you a distressed shabby chic style and it would help hide the edges of the napkins.  I don't know what kind of style you are going for, but I think it would look cute. 

I made this GIANT tote from a tutorial I found online.  The website is http://craftywench.typepad.com/knittingwench/2007/07/very-easy-tote-.html I didn't put any pockets in it because it's essentially to put other bags in LOL.  My makeup bag, toiletry bag, straigtening iron, hair dryer etc when we travel.  It really is big and just to give you an idea, I stuffed it with 4 full sized bath towels and there is still a ton of room left.  I used up most of a 1 yard piece of 59" wide fabric for the outside and strap.  It's made with some decor fabric I got at Ikea and a cheap yellow quilting cotton with tiny polka dots for the lining.  I used a cheapy elastic headband and buttonm for the closure.  I just wanted something to keep the top from gaping open if the bag is packed super full.  This bag took about 2 hours to cut and sew.  (I made the chair cushions in the background, too LOL)




The next one is just a drawstring bag I made to use as a makeup bag.  I got the tutorial from http://yarnenvy.blogspot.com/2006/04/how-to-make-my-leetle-bag.html I love it because it stands up on its own and will fit all of my makeup, most bags in the store won't fit all of the stuff that I like to have with me.  I love makeup! The skull fabric is from Joann and the lining is from WalMart-it was only $1.50 per yard.  This bag took about 1 hour to cut and sew.



The inside


Both of these tutorials were super easy and made great bags.  I'd recommend them to anybody.

That is great!  I love it

Looks Great!  I really need to make one of these...soon

I've never done a swap before, but this one sounds like a lot of fun.  I love to cook and I have tons of great recipes.

Maybe sew in some one inch wide black lace trim type stuff.  I like to use that as straps on tank tops and such and it will help camouflage your bra straps .  I think the even maight make stretchy lace like that. 

Cute!  I really like this because it makes it easier to tote a reusable water bottle instead of buying disposable ones.  I constantly have to have water with me here in AZ

I have some super cute Yogi Bear woven cotton fabric that I want to make a dress out of but I only have 3/4 of a yard.  So I was hoping to make a bodice out of T-shirt jersey knit and then attaching a skirt made of the yogi bear stuff.  I'm short so the length is plenty for me.  My question is about the ease.  I want to make the dress empire waist with maybe a belt tie in the back and halter strap.  Do you think I would need to add a zipper in back or could I perhaps build in enough ease with the tie back so I could get it on over my head.  If anybody could point me towards a tut or even just a couple of pics of this style it would help tremendously.

Thanks lots!

I bookmarked this.  It's beautiful and I have the perfect place to put one If I can come up with the cash for all of the little glass pieces. 

I love your use of the fabrics on this.  It's super cute and creative