When it comes to getting rid of old clothes, jeans have always been a stumbling block for me. I think, I might still lose enough weight to fit into these, or I might get fat again and then I’ll be sorry I chucked them out, or Now these would make a really great bag, I must never ever throw them away! With the help of this tutorial from Knotty Threadz, it finally happened.
I decided not to make the straps out of denim but “cannibalised” an old bag (a great idea from The Snail of Happiness) so mine has nice leather straps.
The front and back pockets are still in place for cell phone and keys, and it’s got a cotton animal-print lining. I left the labels in place as well, I don’t know why, I just like them. Without the scarf threaded through the belt-holders, and from the back, it looks like a bum, doesn’t it? The original bum that wore these jeans wasn’t a big one at all, by the way, but it was a man bum so maybe that’s why the bag looks so wide.
I found a little needlepoint cat that got stitched many years ago, it’s now part of a cushion that will be on sale at the Made in the Cape market from Thursday this week.
And lastly, progress on the cross-stitch Guatemalan dogs is good. I’ve really enjoyed stitching these but I’m onto a new design already so they’ll have to get finished soon.
What is everybody else working on?
Nice piece of work 
You are so clever, talented and creative Jill. What stunning ideas you have! Lovely stuff.
Aw thank you, Gwen. Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow :) xxx
That’s a great bag! Love the animal print lining and ‘belt’. And keeping those pockets for keys and phone was inspired.
And plenty more pairs of jeans around here for upcycling…:)
What a great idea for a bag. It looks especially stylish with the scarf. And the cushion and the cross-stitch are lovely. You make such wonderful things!
That’s brilliant! You could change the look of the bag just by switching belts/scarves/ties, how fun.
Oh Jill. I do love a recycling project and yours is to die for. The handles and scarf really make the bag extra special. Love and Hugs, Tamara
Thanks, Tamara, it was fun – but not my own idea! They’re all over pinterest, but at least I know how to do it now. This will be my book bag when I go to the library :)
That’s a very smart looking bag and the cushion looks great. Good luck at the market.
I’m with you, always had a hard time letting jeans go. I used several pair of the last husbands in quilts and really wanted to make a bag. Didn’t happen but you’ve gone and done a fine job of it. I love the use of old jeans in things. Even have some potholders made of them that were made by someone else. Love the kitten needlework pillow. Good luck with the market.
Jill, I love that bag! I save my old jeans, too, and most of my clothes. I don’t buy much, so it’s not as bad as it sounds. i kept all my hand-stitched long dresses from a few aeons ago because I intend to wear them again; at home if nowhere else!
I would never have thought of making a belt for the bag, though, or of recycling leather handles. That’s so cool!
And I love the cushion cover just as much. What a great way to use a smaller piece of cross-stitch! I have a few kits in my storage and was thinking I might as well donate them, but you’ve given me new ideas!! Thanks so much.
Hugs from Canada. ~ Linne
Great X stitch