Readymade inspiration

I'm going to fit in one more post about scarf totes before I post the gallery.
Inspiration from Anthropologie (thanks Jen):
(the whole site is drool worthy).

Really, ideas for projects are everywhere--from a design in nature, to something readymade in a catalog.
Let ideas meld together until you're inspired to create something new!

The Warm Climes Weekender is canvas, but totally inspires me to want to recreate it using a scarf.
The Well-Accessorized Tote is a scarf print, so it's a perfect jumping off point for an idea.
Or the Bandana Bucket Bag
Or The Scarf Scene Tote

More with Bandanas

Catsontybee makes adorable purses from bandanas.
Like this drawstring bag
She makes these in every color and combination, and sells them in her etsy shop, tybeecat.
She is also developing a website, called Bandana Bags.

She made this cute shoulder purse for a little girl.

Small tote made from a Harley Davidson bandana, by SewingMom1.

SV300099
Originally uploaded by Tiffany88

This tote bag is a patchwork of black cotton and canteen cancer awareness bandanas, made by Tiffany88.

Collage idea

This rather avant-garde purse by The Poppy Tree, is made with vintage scarves and patches.
I find this sort of work the most inspirational.
It makes me all fluttery inside-- the same thing happens when I look in Japanese craft books.
This kind of collage works well in memory projects also, collecting things like Girl Scout badges and old jewelry next to grandma's scarf.

More ideas with scarves

Complete Fragments made this adorable purse from a vintage scarf
It is lined in red satin.

This purse by Mirian Rezende may not be made with scarves, but it certainly could be copied that way.She has several other designs on her blog from scarf-like fabrics (such as taffeta and silk), that may inspire you.

More ideas with scarves

Vintage scarf tote by SHMILY Design (the family blog)

The Margo Bag, by ladyfort/sallyent"Sassy bag made from 70s silk scarf with amazing graphic spots & stripes pattern. Named after the spectacular Margo Leadbetter of course, from The Good Life - say n'more..."
Matching pouch

You can purchase clutches made from vintage silk scarves, from Smitten Kitten

Book inspiration

Andrea, of Indigo Blue Designs, has posted a tutorial on how to make this bag.
The idea is from the book Brilliant Bags: 20 beautiful bags to stitch & love, by Deena Beverley.

I do have a few tips:
Remember that you can sew one scarf to another scarf (to another scarf...) or sew strips or pieces, to make a bigger (and often more interesting) fabric.

You can sew your scarf (or scarves) atop another fabric, or join your scarf to another fabric, to make a larger fabric.

You can back your scarf with interfacing, and thereby mimic a woven fabric (that's what I did for the t-shirt challenge too).
This way you can actually use a sewing pattern if you like (that's probably what I'm going to do for this challenge).

And don't stop there!
Remember, you can take it one step further and embellish.
The book Sew Vintage: New Creations from Found Fabrics, by Jennie Archer Atwood, has some examples of pillows made with scarves (but the idea easily translates to purses).
She used a beaded scarf and silk dupioni to make this pillow.
If you can't find a scarf already beaded, then add your own details!
Think embroidery also, and applique.

Bandanas!

One of three designs of bandana purses, sold by Out West Fashions.

Bandana backpack, pattern for sale at Birch Street Clothing.

Backpack by Janine King Designs (etsy)

Fleece

Mickey tote using dollar store fleece scarf, by Dollar Store Crafts

Or you can take that fleece scarf and cover a plastic take-out-style box, and make that your purse.

More Scarf Purse inspiration

Hagar International is an organization that provides vocational programs for women and children who have experienced extreme abuse.
Women in Cambodia are taught to weave the traditional
Khmer Kroma scarf, with which this bag is constructed.

"Trash Bags" take vintage products (scarves, skirts, blouses, etc) and make one-of-a-kind purses(ooh, applique...now there's an idea...)

I can envision piecing bits of vintage scarves (or it would work with neckties too, but that's another challenge...), to mimic the patchwork bags by Coach

Fringed scarf purse tutorial , from the DIY Network

Think texture and content

When I think of scarves, my imagination goes to vintage silk fabrics.
But don't forget additional alternatives, like this tote made by TamDoll, from a recycled wool Pendleton scarf
(her etsy shop)


The scarf is actually the back of the tote.
The front is cotton with leather trim

Detail
"The handle of this tote was cut from the waistband of a felted sweater and embroidered to coordinate with the bag. The handle will stretch when used so I made sure the stitching will stretch with it. This was fun to make."

Scarf Inspiration

Our 9th challenge: to make a purse utilizing at least one scarf.

I always manage to find inspiration on Flickr.
Here, a small bag made from a vintage scarf, by Complete Fragments.
She even added small gold-toned feet to the base.

vintage scarf bag
Originally uploaded by 33Clovers

Gorgeous bag by 33Clovers
(her Etsy shop)

Photo Gallery, and a new challenge

Well, I've been holding off on finalizing the photo challenge bag because I really wanted to finish mine.
But I just haven't had the time, and I really don't want to lose my readers here, so let's move on, shall we?
Only four people submitted bags for this challenge, which is really a shame, because there could have been some grand gift opportunities.

The entry from Aimee is particularly interesting.
I hope you go to her blog and read about it.


Anyway, see the gallery.

The next challenge will be to construct a bag using one or more scarves.
Let's try to get back on track and aim to have these completed by March 1, 2009.

All Buttoned Up has a tutorial for this 10-minute bag that may get your juices flowing, though I hope you take it one step farther (embellish it or something)


I posted a video previously about how to tie a scarf and make it into a bag, but that's not what I'm asking for now.
The video was fun, but this challenge needs to be more creative than a few knots.

Simplicity has a current pattern (#4263) that uses a scarf for its fabric.(views A and B)

Souvenir scarf made into a bag tutorial.

You could always use a scarf as embellishment.
Inspiration here at Pernes Bags.

I like to use scarves as apron ties, but they make fun purse handles too.

Some vintage patterns (like this one I posted previously) use scarves for fabric.


Just stretch out of your comfort zone...that's all I ask.