Six More = Ten

Another six shopping bags using the "Pillowcase Tote Tutorial" by Regina Lord of the Creative Kismet blog.

That brings my handmade bag stash to ten now, which gives me enough to have several waiting in the trunk of my car for impromptu grocery trips even if some of my bags are in the wash. Because dirty grocery bags are -- ewwww.

Now that I've made quite a few I have a tip to offer. Find KING sized pillowcases for this purpose. They give you enough length that the handles can be cut crosswise leaving you with a bag that is still of a nice width.

Another Upcycle Sewing Project

I've been enjoying doing some "upcycle" sewing projects lately. Repurposing textiles that have been donated to thrift stores keeps them from the landfills and that in turn protects our planet from the abuse of the excess textile manufacturing that goes into today's "fast fashion", mass produced clothing not designed to last more than one season. 

I found a lovely, brand new, blue/black, high quality, polished 100% cotton sheet at a local thrift store. I sewed it up into a Les Etoiles tunic (pattern by BMannbyBridget) and a pair of pull on pants (pattern Jalie 3243). I quite like the pair worn together. They look kind of elegant in an easy fitting, comfortable sort of way.

I had originally intended to wear it with this short handwoven tabard  I made long ago, but the colourful tabard was not really made to fit over a tunic that is loose and flowing. It pulls the tunic in and makes it bunch up. I do love the splash of colour it gives the otherwise monotone outfit though.

Upcycled Hat

A hat I like!

And it fits!

Other than the eyelets which I had to buy new, it's completely "upcycled" from old denim jeans.

I purposely left the edges exposed so that they would fray with repeated washing.

Did I mention that it FITS? I have a large head and can't buy ready made ladies hats. I made this one using the multi-sized "garden hat" pattern in the book, "Happy Hats and Cool Caps", which I picked up at "The Bookman", a used book store in town.

I'm very pleased with the end result. It is SO comfortable and provides protection from the glare of the sun on my long dog walks.

There may be others in the future. I'd like at least one more so I have something to wear when this one is in the wash.