~Welcome visitors from Down to Earth! If you'd like to see more of the pantry/sewing room, go here!
Just a quick post before we head out for fiddle camp…
I wanted to show you a true hack. You're going to wonder what's wrong with me, but it's just this: I love the leather on this bag, and for that matter everything about it.
And it served me well for several years until the linen started to wear away.
I would buy a new one, but it seems like after a year of really cute bags, the fashion descended into a nightmare of buckles, chains, belts, zippers, and all manner of mettalica that does not appeal.
I shoved it into my stash box thinking I would reclaim the leather or at least the cool braided straps.
But no inspiration struck.
Then when my friend Nancy gave me some linen for another purpose, I did have a brainstorm!
Using Natasha's gift of beautiful silk ribbon (and asking the Chief to use his OCD skills to kindly polish it up for me), I just tried different things until I came up with this.
It's really stitch-witchery-ed and glue-gunned together. I plan on using it a bit until I see where it needs more, and truth to tell, I already, in these pictures, see where it needs more, so don't judge me!
Think of it as something you would covet at a small boutique and we'll be good 😉
If I were doing it again, now that I know what I wanted to do, I'd take different steps (maybe make the ruffle double-sided to avoid raw edges, but at first I thought I'd use the raw edges to effect), but I think this will give the couple of months of new life I need until fashions change back my way!
Margaret Perry says
i have been looking for a bag exactly like your original one for the last three months. Why would anyone want heavy bags with chains and pleather in the summertime? Ah! I'ts been such a bad year for bags. But, anway, your hack is bautiful, Mrs. Lawler. Bravo!
50s Housewife says
I like it! Very creative and ruffles are in this year. 🙂
Bethany says
Very very cute. And yes, I hate those bags with all the metal. I almost feel like I'd be trying to carry a pair of immodest jeans as a handbag, with all of the cinched and buckled and metal whatnot.
GinnySheller says
i love it!
sibyl says
As always, so inspirational. I would have agonized but in the end I'd have thrown it out. And look — as good as, if not better than, new!
_Leila says
Hi Sibyl!
I can't tell you how close I came to throwing it out…;)
Lors says
Hi Lelia Just came over from Rhondas blog for a look. Absolutely love your sewing room and blog. I can just feel the warmth and love of your family. I will be back to do some more reading Lors (Australia)
Amy says
I have a passion for cute purses. I used to have the same passion for shoes. I going to a second hand store here called Plato's Closet. They also send a $5 coupon through their email listings. So I have 4 purses I paid a $1 for.
Barbara says
I really like it, looks very soft and comfortable in carrying, hugs my friend.
Cate says
Hi there,
I've also popped over from Rhonda's blog, and as a homeschooling mum in New Zealand – love what you have written here. Will definitely be back to read lots more. Thanks for sharing your craft room!
Sara says
Congratulations on a wonderful blog. Truly inspiring. Thank you 🙂
montanaprairiemom says
I saw your work area on down to earth. You have such a beautiful blog. Being a Westerner, I find things from the Eastern USA to be lovely and unique (at least to me!) Blessings from the Big Sky Country……..Denise
Jenny says
“and asking the Chief to use his OCD skills to kindly polish it up for me” *snort* He did a wonderful job with that leather! It looks great! Good save, Leila!
_Leila says
No kidding, he worked and worked, polishing away, and then said, “What are you after here?”
Me: “I would have stopped after 2 1/2 minutes, so anything you do for me will be much appreciated!”
Jill says
Super cute idea!
natashamlawler says
Nice to see that ribbon put to such excellent use. And I love, love, love ruffles, and I agree that they are so in this year–I keep seeing them everywhere!