Men's Tweed Jacket to Messenger Bag

I had "before" pictures of the jacket but they got stolen with my iPad at LAX. Thanks American Airlines for NOT taking responsibility for one of your EMPLOYEES stealing my iPad. And NO! "find my iPhone" did not help me. I had a WiFi only iPad and it never showed up, ever.

I watched Whitney Sews youtube channel (http://whitneysews.com/) and found this video. I probably watched it 15 times and then decided that a thick tweed jacket could be substituted for the normal weight fabric in the video. Ignorance is bliss. LOL. Anyhoo, I wanted to give her credit for inspiring me and making sewing look a hell of a lot easier than it actually is.

My first convert! Jeans + crochet = oversize tote bag

Before, I ever knew what "upcycling" meant or even heard of it, I was desiring to turn old things into something new. I always had a "savior" complex for people, now it just extended into textiles! I taught myself to knit and crochet just to get the rush of turning a barn of yarn into something with life and a purpose. Then I merged my longing to save old discarded things into my desire to create something from very little. I mean who can create something from nothing except God! ;-)

Upcycled Jean Purse

This is the 3rd purse I have made from old jeans. They say the 3rd time is the charm and I agree. I've gotten much better with my workmanship and choosing lining and men's neck ties.

On the bottom and inside I used old curtains, so three parents birthed this baby jean purse. 

Old Jeans to Purse

I watched a video on the youTube channel expertvillage and learned how to make a purse from an old pair of jeans. I used an old scarf for the lining and bought the zipper. (boo on buying something new) I added my own twist by quilting two men's ties into straps. This was my first zipper, too!

Men's Tie to Gadget Case

My first upcycle / recycle project was with a tie. I love men's ties. Sometimes I wish I were a man. I would wear them everyday. LOL.

This was my first one. Was dying to do a button hole on my new Janome sewing machine. :-)