Sunday, September 26, 2010

Weekly Project: Blue Jean Purse

Well, our great apron swap is well underway.  We will do a little reminder this week, and then pick the names.  I have been meaning to post this current project for several days, but it has been pretty busy around here, so I am finally getting to it.

Do your remember the blue jean purses we used to make when we were in highs school?  I remember making them back in the late 70's.  Old jeans are fun to use to make a lot of different things.  Quite a few years ago, I made a couple blue jean quilts for Nathan and Luke which I think they still have to this day.  I have seen a few of them that other ladies have done over the years, and I always liked them.

I had fun playing around with some ideas for this project, and may post a few more in the next few weeks. This purse aggravated me somewhat, because the idea I had in my head didn't come together too smoothly in my attempts to put it together.  I'm lucky I got any pictures out of the project, because I almost threw the towel in on it, but it turned out ok, so I posted the final pictures.  Perhaps it will inspire some ideas for you  or your teenage girls.

Have Fun,
Pam



Find an old pair of jeans and cut the legs off
Open up the sides both inside and outside.  Create a patch that will helps bring the legs together in front and in back, (sorry that I forgot to photograph that part).  This way you will have filled in the gap that the pant legs created. With skirt material (shown below) cut out and sew in 2 inch strips and sew them into the open sides of the purse, creating a little variation of color and design. With extra jean material, add any kind of pockets that you would like.  I made one big front pocket, with a little one on top of that for a cell phone. Be sure that you do any pocket sewing before sewing your purse together at the bottom, because it is much easier to sew them on before it is sewn together.
Finally, turn purse inside out and sew up the bottom, and turn right side out.
For the straps, I used a couple of belts that I got at the dollar store, and sewed on the front as seen, and the other one  on the back.

I found a cute old skirt, and cut it the same length as the purse.
I used the extra material to sew pieces of it into the sides, and create pocket flaps.
Then with right sides together, I sewed bottom of skirt together, and placed skirt wrong side out into the purse, sewing it in as a liner for the purse.


 Using the skirt material, make flaps for the pockets, one or two rosettes for embellishments (fold over a strip of material, and roll it into a rose, and sew the bottom to hold it).


Embellish with beads and buttons.  I used an old pin and glued it on. I used my skirt material and sewed a little belt to go through the belt loops.




7 comments:

  1. Pam, this is so gorgeous. I know I've said it before, but your talent just amazes me. The is waaaaay beyond anything I'll ever make, but I am determined to start some sewing this winter. Every time I see a post from your latest sewing project, it inspires me! Keep 'em coming.

    Simply stunning......the bag!
    Love, Anne x

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  2. Mom this is ADORABLE! You really need to get an Etsy shop! You are so so creative! I love the beautiful lining and the middle buckle!

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  3. Very Cute..But I think your TOES in the one picture are just as cute... : ) I think my favorite part on the purse is the Cute little pocket on the outside..Perfect for a Cell Phone..
    Great Idea as well..
    Looking forward to seeing who I get to make an apron for..
    Have a Blessed day Pam

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  4. WOW, this turned out so so cute!!!!
    I was thinking it would be a perfect bag for my book, and a bag of m&m's! :-D
    It looks so professional! I just LOVE it!!! Good job Miss Pam!!!

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  5. Danielle, your back. I've missed you so much. I hope you are all well. There has been a blank spot with out you. Been Praying for your Mom every day.
    I was thinking it would make a great book bag, and like you say, those M&M's
    Love you

    Anne, thanks for the sweet comments... I can't wait to see what you end up sewing.... I bet it will be superb!

    Elizabeth, it was fun to catch up with you this morning, I'm getting ready to show Dad your new baby pictures :) so cute!

    Angelina, it cracks me up that you saw my toes in that picture, because I saw them and wondered if anyone would notice. :) Ha ha. I would love to see what you come up with on the sewing machine these days... your projects are beautiful, you need to share more of them with us.

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  6. How do you get the crotch area to lay flat?
    The pic shows you have covered it up with a pocket

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    Replies
    1. I didn't have a problem with it laying flat, The jeans were worn and soft, and like you said I put a pocket over it.but be sure to cut the heavy seams out in the middle, and then you can sew it together again. I hope it goes well for you.

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