A few years ago I won a bundle of Island Batik 2.5 inch strips in a giveaway and tried multiple designs with them. The colors in the bundle were beautiful, but I had a hard time coming up with a plan I was happy with for using them. They ultimately became a wall-hanging about 28 inches square.
This was in March of 2019. Fast forward almost two years and this wall-hanging was just in a pile of other similar things in a back bedroom. I've hung something else in its place and didn't think I'd ever hang it up again. So, what could I do with it?
I decided to cut it apart!
Turn right sides together, sew up the raw edges, and box the bottom to make it flat, and I have a bucket shape.
Although I must not have taken a picture of them, I did add some pockets on the inside, and also re-used a magnetic clasp from an older tote to close this one at the top.
Add some straps in a coordinating brown, and I have a new tote bag! I use quilted totes like these instead of purses. They're roomy and functional, and then I don't have to buy one when I want something new! 😉
My tote bag is about 13 inches wide at the top and 11 inches deep.
And I like these colors way more as a tote bag than I did in the wall-hanging, lol!
Sharing my scrappy patchwork tote at
Quilting is more fun than Housework for Oh Scrap!
And at mmmquilts for the February DrEAMi link-up.
https://littlepenguinquilts.blogspot.com/2019/03/finally-finished.html
What a great re-purpose project! Fun that you can now enjoy those fabrics in a new way!
ReplyDeleteFantastic idea! Love your new tote bag.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea! I have a top in the way back of the closet that I don't like now but would make some fun tote bags! Thanks for today's inspiration!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely a great repurposing project. Your new bag is very pretty and functionable.
ReplyDeletegood idea! I never would have thought of that - but then I use smaller purses and have so many tote bags in the closet - I would need another idea - at first I thought you were going to say you made place mats :)
ReplyDeleteI saw placemats too! You really had your thinking cap on, great re-use of this project:)
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh - that is fantabulous!!! what a great way to save this piece!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great repurpose! I try to save the buckles, snaps, and closures from purses I throw out to use on quilted totes.
ReplyDeleteWow - that’s a brilliant re-use of those lovely quilted fabrics! (I see that all the commenters are in total agreement). You go!
ReplyDeleteHmm... I need to start thinking about doing that for a purse.
ReplyDeleteI found cutting a finished project the hardest part! I like the original, but how nice to be able to USE it.
You're so clever! I love the tote - it looks pretty and is my favorite tote shape. Nice Job Diann!
ReplyDeleteGreat re-use. Was it hard to cut into a finished quilt?
ReplyDeleteI love how you repurposed your unwanted wall hanging. Brilliant idea. Thanks for sharing with Oh Scrap!
ReplyDeleteWhat a way to repurpose! I love your new bag.
ReplyDeleteMichelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
What a clever thing to do! I don't know that I'd ever think about it.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant upcycling, Diann!!
ReplyDeleteNow how clever is that? You will enjoy it so much more now!
ReplyDeleteOh, I’m a big fan I’d reusing and recycling! Did your your heart do a little flip flop when you made the first slice! Mine would have! But it’s really cool’ I like using totes too!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea. Repurposed wall hanging made a beautiful tote. No guilt when it's time to swap the tote out for the next pretty one down the line!
ReplyDeleteThis was the best idea!! I love soft quilted purses. How wonderful that you get to keep enjoying this original project instead of putting it away in a drawer or closet.
ReplyDeleteHi Diann! This is a brilliant idea! I have some wall hangings that have found new homes (Sue's sister clutched a few to her chest with love - obviously, they belong with her). But even better than storing them away is to just repurpose them. Love it! ~smile~ Roseanne
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely genius Diann! I love it. I totally agree that it looks much better as a tote than on the wall. Thank you for linking up with DrEAMi!
ReplyDeleteSuper! What a way to go for a wall hanging! Your bag looks chic and is useful, which couldn't really be said for the wall hanging! and all it needed was some lateral thinking!
ReplyDelete