Friday, November 15, 2013

Hula Skirt to Bag Refashion

I was touched when a coworker of mine brought in one of her old hulu skirts for me to refashion.



She said that she just couldn't throw it away.  I can see why - the fabric is so beautiful and vibrant.  I could tell right away that it meant a lot to her, and I decided to make her a keepsake bag.


Using a self drafted pattern, I cut out the bag and a lining (from my fabric stash). To give it some structure, I ironed on fusible interfacing to the bag fabric.




I then added darts to the bottom of the bag and lining pieces.



Every bag needs a good pocket, so I used some of the lining fabric to create a rectangle.  I ironed the edges down once and then folded them over again to get rid of any raw edges.  Before stitching the rectangle onto the lining, I stitched the top fold down.  Once that was done, I stitched the pocket on around three sides, leaving the top open.

 



To make the straps, I cut two long rectangles and ironed on fusible interfacing.  I folded the outside edges into the middle and then folded the strip over so that the raw edges would be on the inside.  I then stitched it down on the edges.  The straps were installed on the wrong sides of the bag before the lining was added. 



I stitched a box around the edges of the strap on the outside of the bag.


For the bag and the lining, I ironed the raw edges over to create a clean hem.  I pinned the button strap between the bag and the lining, and stitched around the edges, careful not to stitch the straps.



This project was super easy, and I think my coworker really likes her new bag!



8 comments:

  1. That fabric IS lovely! I'm sure your coworker was thrilled you could give her skirt new life and functionality.

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    1. She was, Carissa. I think she'll get more use out of it now. These hula skirts always have such beautiful fabric.

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  2. Great job, Trish! This turned out so nice- I like the oversized button! :) How sweet that you were able to do this for your friend.

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    1. Thanks, Desarae! I like the button, too. I went back and forth about whether to use it or not, but it worked out nicely. It's so much fun to make refashions for other people.

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  3. This is a lovely gift and an easily understood tutorial also. Why didn't you stitch over the straps? Wouldn't that make them more secure? Elaine
    PS - sorry to post this as anonymous - I need to get a google account

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    1. Hi Elaine. I appreciate your comment. I now realize that the wording in my post was a bit confusing. I did stitch over the straps. I boxed them in on the bag, and then when I stitched the bag and lining together, I stitched over them, as they were placed in between. I was careful not to stitch over the top part of the straps. The straps are long and could get stuck under the needle. Thank you for pointing this out!

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  4. I love it! That is a great idea.

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    1. Thank you, Sister! If you find some old skirts or dresses you like, send them my way. I can make you a bag : ).

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Thank you for sharing your thoughts!