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Recycled Book Review: Refashioned Bags

January 14, 2010 by Stefanie Girard

Refashioned Bags: Upcycle Anything into High-Style Handbags

By
Faith Blakeney and Justina Blakeney

We all carry bags so why shouldn’t they be as unique and creative as we are. The way to make them that way is to make them ourselves. Refashioned Bags probably has the widest variety of styles and shapes of bags I have ever seen in one book. The materials for these bags as just as diverse. The recycled materials used range from cake mix boxes to records and shower curtains. It includes nice step by step instructions with sharp illustrations to make your creative process go smoothly. No matter what your style, classy or crazy there are projects and inspiration in this book for you!

To see an inside peek and what I made inspired by this book pop on over to this post. And if you are in Anaheim, CA for either the CHA trade show or the retail Craft Super Show Jan 21-27,  I have posted my schedule as well!
From the Publisher, Potter Craft:

“Reduce, Reuse, Refashion! Handbags are the ultimate accessory. Fortunately, you don’t need a cookie-cutter designer bag to make a fashion statement. In today’s greener, more fiscally responsible world, it makes a lot more sense–and is a lot more fun—to make your own. Whether your closet is already an amalgam of hand-made clothing and remastered mash-ups or you’re diving into DIY for the very first time, bags are one of the easiest accessories to make over and require little more than a needle, thread, and everyday items you can find in the closet, garage, attic, or flea market. That’s why the authors of 99 Ways to Cut, Sew, Trim & Tie Your T-Shirt into Something Special show you how to make boutique-ready bags on the cheap. The Blakeney sisters twist and weave, turn inside-out, and reappropriate just about anything and everything to fashion radical accessories with mad style and a message.

In Refashioned Bags, you’ll learn how to create carryalls, clutches, laptop bags, totes, and more. And all of them will get a unique look, whether from the use of an old wool sweater, an ex-boyfriend’s neckties, extra shower curtains, dad’s hand-me-down suit jacket, a quilt, an umbrella, or even a bath mat. Some of the inventive and one-of-a-kind bags you’ll learn to make include:

• Boho Hobo Bag
• Sweater Computer Cozy
• Dapper Diaper Bag
• Dolce Doily Purse
• Le Zip Sac
• Tux Redux Bag And more!

Helpful diagrams accompany the step-by-step instructions, along with bonus crafting ideas, fun facts, and tips and tricks from top bag designers in the DIY field who work with, at times, unusual materials. By following just a few easy steps that require little more than cutting, folding, gluing, and basic stitching, you’ll be able to add refashioned bag designer to your repertoire. ”

[tags]Refashioned Bags[/tags]

Looking for more re-fashion patterns? Check these out on Etsy.

Related Posts:

  • The nuts and bolts of printing with nuts and bolts
  • Creative Ways to Teach Kids About Recycling
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Have you read?

Discover Your Unique Style with Second Chances by Macy Eleni

If you’re someone who gets a little thrill from discovering a hidden gem in a secondhand store or loves the idea of curating a closet full of personality and stories, Second Chances by Macy Eleni is an absolute gem of a read. This book isn’t just about shopping—it’s about reclaiming your personal style in a way that’s sustainable, creative, and unapologetically YOU.

Macy brings all the charm and know-how of a seasoned thrifting queen, sharing her journey and passion for sustainable fashion in a really relatable, encouraging way. From practical thrifting tips to ideas for tailoring and revamping your finds, it’s packed with advice for anyone looking to ditch fast fashion and embrace a more mindful, expressive way of dressing.

What I personally loved is how Macy makes space for all styles, all sizes, and all personalities. It’s not about looking like everyone else—it’s about discovering what makes YOU feel amazing, and doing it with flair. For someone like me who’s drawn to quirky, eclectic home décor and wardrobe choices, this book was like a breath of fresh thrifted air.

Whether you’re brand new to thrifting or a seasoned op-shopper, Second Chances will have you looking at your closet—and your shopping habits—in a whole new way.

Shellie

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