Can you believe I found mushroom fabric? I don't think more 70's inspired fabric exists! LOL
I made mine a messenger bag style because I need it to close. My husband has a pet peeve about me carrying a purse with an open top. So when I saw the idea of making this style HERE I fell in LOVE! I spent a LOT more time making this one than the one we made for my daughter. Which is kinda funny because if you look at it mine looks a lot more rough and unfinished. But, since I put my handbags through the wringer I knew it needed to be STURDY!
The jeans I chose were in a bag I have collected from other people for upcycling projects just like this one. I chose this pair mostly because it was a good size for a purse for me. The other advantage is that this pair is SUPER worn and possible date back to the 70's! LOL The first thing I had to do was patch all the holes. I cut my mushroom fabric and put it under each hole and then zigzagged around it. This really gave it a funky 70's vibe!
The Fabric
I wanted it to look very hand done, because that is how these looked in the 70's. Next I lined it with the mushroom fabric. I highly recommend a denim needle for the machine if you make one of these! I, of course, didn't have one and I broke a couple needles trying to sew through belt loops and seams putting in the lining. Then I used a piece of the leg to make the flap. I wanted to preserve the frayed bottom of the pant leg on the front. So I sewed the other three sides and then left extra fabric to fold up inside and let the fraying hang down. I also added rickrack to the front of the flap. I LOVE IT!
Here you can see the inside frayed part of the flap.
For the strap I left all the seams on the outside and then cut the edges with pinking shears. I also tied it in a knot before sewing it on just to add a bit more funk! I am hoping the edges will unravel over time.
The strap.
Pretty far-out and groovy, huh? ;^)
I feel a bit like I have been time traveling!
Happy Homeschooling,
Jamin
