After a good cleaning, the leather from this 16 yr old leash is still in pretty good shape. Hard to believe that the metal clasp gave out before the leather. Never one to let something usable go to waste, a Simple Leather-Handled Shoulder Bag from Amy Butler's In Stitches was born.
Amy's pattern couldn't be simpler and only requires an hour or two. The trickiest part was deciding where to cut the fabric to best show off the floral print. Since it is quilter's cotton, I fused a lightweight interfacing on both panels before sewing.
The handles on my bag are 28". Turns out it's the perfect length for a shoulder AND hand-carry bag. I love that the straps are weathered and repurposed. The blister on my hand came from sewing through the leather manually with my machine. A difficult task, but well worth the results.
Oh, the antique chair? It was made by my great-grandfather for his large farming family sometime in the early 20th century. Cherished, indeed.
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18 comments:
It looks great! Love the smart reusing of the leather!
Now that's using your head!
Uh, I love that fabric too. Great way to use what others would probably throw away. I love the look of aged leather.
This is gorgeous! You've cut the fabric perfectly to highlight the print and the leather strap is just right. And how special is to have that chair. It has obviously stood the test of time.
oh, i love the bag, and what a wonderful print! i need some of that! :) the handle looks perfect too.
the antique chair must really be a treasure.
LOVE the bag. It's gorgeous! Well done. ooxx`jodi
Love the bag, love the chair. I've made that pattern before and really enjoyed it.
wow. the leash, the bag, the chair.
all SO great!
great use for the leash! perfect compliment to the bag! quick question...i forgot to put your state on your project improv block...would you email me and let me know...i want to put names and states on the quilt labels...thanks.
Wow, that is beautiful. Your needles must have been pretty good to get through the leather! Do your dogs get all crazy when you carry the bag now? (like...it's walk time!?)
Honestly, I think I love the chair equally. And your photography!
I think your bag is beautiful. The leather straps are such a nice touch and you chose beautiful fabric and placement. And I gotta say I love, love, love the green chair--what a treasure!
Thank you for the sweet comment and for stopping by today! And by the way this bag is pretty much the cutest thing ever, as is the chair its sitting on! I want it!
Love the bag, LOVE the fabric, love your blog! Happy one year to you!
This looks fabulous! You did a great job showcasing the florals. What a great idea for a treasured piece of fabric. You get to carry it with you everywhere you go!
That is funny, I realized I was admiring the chair just as much as the adorable bag before I read your final paragraph. What a treasure!
love the bag! I must admit to getting a few yards of the fabric to make little girl dresses but I worry I'll be too scared to cut the fabric as its just so pretty!
great job!
Corrie:)
Wow, that fabric looks better on this bag than it does in the tiny square sample photos on the fabric sites. The bag is a great selection of the portion of fabric you used, and the scale suits the bag. Looks so useful too!
You have a lovely blog and GREAT taste in fabric!
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