Bags from towels

Remember, the current theme is to make a bag using (preferably vintage and recycled) linens.
So that would include towels.
Although I hope you get more creative than this, it's a stepping stone.

From Make it with Towels, Cannon Mills brochure.
No date listed.


(sorry for posting this a second time, but it's applicable again)


(click on image to enlarge. Flickr doesn't size horizontals well)
From "The How To Book: Do it Yourself with Stevens Utica Sheets & Towels", by J.P. Stevens & Co, 1978

How to tie a scarf into a bag

There was also a tutorial in Blueprint Magazine.
Thanks to Fort and Field and multicrafty for their blog posts.

Designer Knock-Off Purse Cake

Ha! Love purses?
Make a purse-shaped cake!

Inspiration from a vintage napkin

More inspiring ideas from Mlle Hyena.
This bag is constructed from a vintage cloth napkin.
She embellished it with a puffy applique, and a crocheted mushroom.
Now THIS is what I'm talking about!
Vintage linens are a great source for fun fabrics.
Note this bag is currently available for purchase on etsy.


She says the bright colors were "inspired by the colors people of the Andes in Peru use in their blankets and clothing. The handles are made of that woven handle material bought in a craft store. I embroidered it and lined it.."


Maybe you'll find an old quilt top or vintage tablecloth that has some holes or stains, so you can salvage the good parts and give the cloth new life.
Or maybe you have some novelty hankies in your drawer collecting dust.
Make something with them so they'll be seen!

You can embellish with embroidery or beading or add something fun.
Be creative!

Scrap to Something Special

Inspiration for rescuing a lone quilt block, from the incomparable Laura of Rick Rack Ruby.

Hipster Bag!

The idea of a hipster bag just rocks to me.
Like these images I posted about before.
or the hipster holster from this post.

I mean, come on, don't you just LOVE this creation by Hyena?
Hyena's etsy shop. Her blog.

front:

back:


This is a far cry from the old bum bag/fanny pack of the 80's.

Ideas for making one from old jeans.

Inspiration from Chick on a Mission.


This interesting scarf bag is made by Etsy designer Rajulparis.
The description says, "Combination of a Scarf + wallet equals a Echarpe hip bag.
Here in Paris woman sometime use Scarf as belts. Écharpe in French mean Scarf.
Combining the 2 giving a Roomy, fashionable and functional hip - waist bag for Woman on the go.
Stylish, chic, feminine detailing. Signature pleats, african fabric and polyester-nylon.
Pack along for the trip , and stash everything you need for a day.
Or a night out in the town with every thing you need right on your hip!"

So when you consider making a bag this time, consider alternative shapes and construction than you would normally go to.
Tweak a shape, add a pleat, make a different kind of strap...
or set it on your hip.

What are you going to make from vintage linens?

Geez, about time I posted some ideas for the vintage linens challenge, eh?

Any pattern can be made with vintage fabrics, but again...try to challenge yourself!
Try something new and crazy.

How about using a vintage hanky?
Tutorial for making a purse from a vintage handkerchief.
Here's another.

Or take bits and pieces of vintage linens and think in terms of shapes and color. Like the Tote tutorial by Alicia Freile.

ideas for using old tablecloths

This challenge affords the perfect opportunity to make a crazy quilt bag.
Think about using scraps of old doilies, bits of vintage fabrics, etc.

You can purchase a pattern for making this purse.


Tips for cleaning vintage linens.