Thursday, May 27, 2010

Where old things become new...

Here's a riddle for you: What do you get when you cross McCall's pattern M5599, a long Wednesday morning and two fairly hideous thrift store jackets?
If you answered the cutest bag on the planet then you're right!



A couple weeks ago when we were waiting in Border's for our movie to start (dangerous thing waiting for the movie) I was looking through the craft magazines that I love but can't afford and saw the cutest purses and bags made out of men's suits and thought, "Hey I can do that!" I love men's jackets for the same reason the artist does: The fabric is great, the lining can be amazing and the labels are pure art.
So, as soon as possible, I went to the thrift store and found four or five blazers that were ugly as blazers but looked like good possibilities for bags. Then I found a bag pattern I loved and cut it out of stiff pelon. Then I used the pelon cutout to piece the blazer fabric on until I was satisfied with the result and before I knew it, a cute and unique purse appeared.

So, what was once weird cuffs and lapels,
became cute pockets and decorations.


What was once a front pocket became two outside pockets.



What was once the front buttons,
became the inside closure.


What was once a chest pocket and sleeve,
became an inside pocket and water bottle holder.


So all of you unwanted, unloved, ill-fitting,
outdated jackets, come over to my house.
It's where ugly becomes beautiful, outdated becomes sheik,
unloved becomes coveted and where old things become new.

5 comments:

Sarah said...

I want! I Want! I want! lol.

You've got such awesome talent, Karen. It's an adorable purse and such a good idea to use the suits.

Deidra Smith said...

Cute! I just wish I had such talent. My sewing ability ends at straight lines. I can handle curaints, patchwork quilts, and pj bottoms without buttons (only ties or elastic), but that is where it ends. I agree it is awesome and so many great spots for things (a must for a good purse:)

Michelene said...

You are so creative. I don't follow patterns very well, but you did an amazing job.

Kristen Moss said...

coolest thing ever!

Tammy said...

Kind of REALLY want one... that is so cute!