Little Penguin Quilts Through the Year

Little Penguin Quilts Through the Year

Saturday, February 6, 2021

Re-using and Repurposing

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 
And at mmmquilts for the February DrEAMi link-up.



















https://littlepenguinquilts.blogspot.com/2019/03/finally-finished.html

23 comments:

Wendy F said...

What a great re-purpose project! Fun that you can now enjoy those fabrics in a new way!

Ivani said...

Fantastic idea! Love your new tote bag.

Michele McLaughlin said...

This 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!

Kate said...

Definitely a great repurposing project. Your new bag is very pretty and functionable.

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

good 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 :)

Vicki in MN said...

I saw placemats too! You really had your thinking cap on, great re-use of this project:)

Alycia~Quiltygirl said...

Oh my gosh - that is fantabulous!!! what a great way to save this piece!!!

chrisknits said...

What a great repurpose! I try to save the buckles, snaps, and closures from purses I throw out to use on quilted totes.

Cathy said...

Wow - that’s a brilliant re-use of those lovely quilted fabrics! (I see that all the commenters are in total agreement). You go!

PaintedThread said...

Hmm... I need to start thinking about doing that for a purse.

I found cutting a finished project the hardest part! I like the original, but how nice to be able to USE it.

Linda said...

You're so clever! I love the tote - it looks pretty and is my favorite tote shape. Nice Job Diann!

Libby in TN said...

Great re-use. Was it hard to cut into a finished quilt?

Cynthia Brunz Designs said...

I love how you repurposed your unwanted wall hanging. Brilliant idea. Thanks for sharing with Oh Scrap!

Anonymous said...

What a way to repurpose! I love your new bag.

Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com

Florida Farm Girl said...

What a clever thing to do! I don't know that I'd ever think about it.

The Joyful Quilter said...

Brilliant upcycling, Diann!!

Little Penpen said...

Now how clever is that? You will enjoy it so much more now!

grammajudyb said...

Oh, 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!

Susie H said...

Great 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!

Juliana said...

This 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.

Home Sewn By Us said...

Hi 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

Sandra Walker said...

Absolutely 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!

Marly said...

Super! 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!