(Ugly trousers + shirt + chunky necklace) = posh bag

[FruityLoops]

Well I'm a little embarassed to post my [first ever] challenge entry having looked at everyone elses, not to mention how close to the deadline I'm posting it :S  But then that's cos I'm so chocka at the mo I actually took the day off work to do it finally

Right ho well I bought these horrid beige n black patterned trousers for £6.99 ($14.41ish) in a charity shop - they really charge a packet for stuff in charity shops over here, but I suppose at least it's going to a charity:


And I also already had knocking around an absolutely massive black needlecord ankle length shirt that my MiL had given me for cutting up/sewing use, aaand a red and white beady necklace which I got from a charity shop last year.  Here's a shot of them together:


And since I'm not incredibly imaginative and the only thing I can really do well (I think ) is bags then I made a bag and matching purse   Be prepared for quite a few photos as I was very happy with the way it turned out, and spent all day making it!  T he he.




Shot of the back which has a nice big pocket (albeit slightly wonky):


I obviously made the outer using the ugly trousers and ugly shirt, and the handles I made by using the beads from the chunky necklace and some thick wire.  Inside the bag I have a pocket from the trouser fabric on either side, and 2 little loops to attach stuff to.  Here's a shot of the loverly red satin lining (which wasn't recon'd I'm afraid):


And here's a shot of the bag with the matching purse:




Well that's about it i think, hope you like it   And merry xmas!!

[RockstarMom]

I really like what you made. Great Job!

[Lilyvanilli]

You shouldn't be embarrassed at all! I really like it! Those handles are great.

[raycheezy]

That is beautiful, and wonderfully recycled. I love the silver fabric. I just wish your pictures of the trousers and shirt were larger. Still, your bag is gorgeous.

[Redforkhippie]

You absolutely shouldn't be embarrassed. You sewed a bag. With a satin lining, no less. I think sewing slippery fabric is way harder than anything I've ever posted on here.

I think that's what I love most about this particular challenge: The rules are so minimal that anybody can do just about anything, so you get to see people express their creativity in whatever medium suits them (and their thrift-store finds!) best. It's kind of a microcosm of Craftster-ness.

[LOaccidentallyVE]

That is beautiful! 

[Miss American Pie]

Wow, I love the necklace as the handles. Great idea! Good job!

[craftewoman]

If I saw it in a store, I 'd buy it. It's lovely!

[overjoyed]

I would definetely take this bag on a night on the town...

[LauPre]

ooh, what a pretty bag!  I really like the fabrics together.

[FruityLoops]

That is beautiful, and wonderfully recycled. I love the silver fabric. I just wish your pictures of the trousers and shirt were larger. Still, your bag is gorgeous.

I put the pics of the trousers etc as clickable thumbnails so you should be able to see them bigger if you give them a click   I preferred to fill my topic with the finished product instead of the hideous trousers

And thanx aaaall for the comments, can't wait to use it out myself!  My BF was a bit unsure how it would all come together but apart from the slightly wonky pocket I do think it looks quite professional, yey.

EDIT:  I've changed the 2 linked thumbnails to full-size pics now anyways

[Glojo]

Lovely! Did you rethread the red beads onto wire so the handles would keep their shape?

[auroraskye]

Very pretty. I love how you used the necklace for the handles.

[lucelu]

I really like your bag.  Comparing the soure materials, what seems so blah was really the highlight and personality of the purse.  Just goes to show that presentation is everything.  The silver material as accent on the bag is lovely but as pants, meh bleh.    I really like your purse making skilz.

[FruityLoops]

Lovely! Did you rethread the red beads onto wire so the handles would keep their shape?

I did indeed, picked up the thickest wire I could get away with (that would thread through the beads essentially) so that it wouldn't stretch out of shape when I've got things in the bag   Would defo do it again as I think the handles really make it!

I really like your bag.  Comparing the soure materials, what seems so blah was really the highlight and personality of the purse.  Just goes to show that presentation is everything.  The silver material as accent on the bag is lovely but as pants, meh bleh.    I really like your purse making skilz.

Thank you sooo much   What shocked me the most is when I saw the label, those trousers are from Next (in the UK) which is usually a pretty nice and young store, ack!

[Glojo]

Would defo do it again as I think the handles really make it!

Yeah, they definately do   I have too many purses but...would one more hurt....gotta try this handle idea out

Oh, and do you know the gauge of wire you used by chance? I'd love to get a better idea as to what gauge will hold up for this and how the gauge you used works out so I can pick bead hole diameters wisely.

[OnePinkHippo]

I like it! I like the red necklace, it gives it a special touch.

[heathersy]

Lovely bag. I cannot imagine the girl who could make those trousers work; nor can I imagine the one who could resist your cute little clutch.

[iluvthe80s]

I can't believe that you're embarrassed with this!  It's beautiful!  I love the red necklace for the handle.  What a wonderful idea and it really gives a great purse that extra pop. 

[moon_calf]

Looks great, and has given me lots of inspiration for using up some old clothes and giant beads!

[FruityLoops]

Would defo do it again as I think the handles really make it!

Yeah, they definately do   I have too many purses but...would one more hurt....gotta try this handle idea out

Oh, and do you know the gauge of wire you used by chance? I'd love to get a better idea as to what gauge will hold up for this and how the gauge you used works out so I can pick bead hole diameters wisely.

Sooooorry I shoved the wrapper in the bin after using the wire so short of having a dig around in the wheelie bin I can't tell you :S  I think I shall probably try and find some more sturdy wire perhaps in a diy store to redo them though as I used the bag today and they stretched a bit!

Lovely bag. I cannot imagine the girl who could make those trousers work; nor can I imagine the one who could resist your cute little clutch.

Oh I knoooow they are naaasty, I tried to get my friend to model them for a photo but she wasn't up for it, ha ha!

I can't believe that you're embarrassed with this!  It's beautiful!  I love the red necklace for the handle.  What a wonderful idea and it really gives a great purse that extra pop. 

It's mostly as I have no faith in my work (which is why I haven't sold any bags yet, too scared!) and cos some of the work others have done for this challenge are just sooooo awesome as I knew there would be!!  I'm glad I took part though, it gave me a chance to try out something different and to feel more part of the Craftster community of course

[psyche]

Very nice construction! I think there's definitely no need to be embarassed (I especially like the necklace handle!)

[wttgill]

  really cool... love them.. im sure i have some material like that ....might have to do something with it now hehehehe

[Flikk]

That is an utterly gorgeous use of a sublime fabric, certainly one of my favourite entries.

I'm also so jealous of your find, as even though hideous as the trousers, I do love that fabric.

[diy-do-or-die]

ooh it's so pretty! and those pants really were hideous.

[pusspuss]

That's really nice! Great job.

[klboo33]

Love the purse!

[marita888]

AMAZING!!! 

[dausha]

What a beautiful bag.  Where did you get the pattern this.  I would love to make one myself.  Nice work.

Dausha

[FruityLoops]

What a beautiful bag.  Where did you get the pattern this.  I would love to make one myself.  Nice work.

Thanks Dausha   My inspiration came from a book called "Making Vintage Bags" by Emma Brennen, ISBN 978-1-86108-502-3. 

It was quite fiddly in places, especially since I used extra heavy interfacing to make it nice and sturdy, and I mucked it up in a few places but hopefully I've learnt from my mistakes and might even make another in the New Year

[BettyBravo]

very nice!!!! I never would have guessed that it came from those pants!!!!

[madfishmonger]

Very pretty, you've given me some inspiration, thanks

[FruityLoops]

Very pretty, you've given me some inspiration, thanks

Well you're very welcome   I've now road tested it a few times and it's both a good size (I always pack everything in my bag when I go out!) and the handles are a lot stronger than I thought they would be!!

[Helter Skelter]

too cute!