Friday 20 September 2013

... and a Denim Wine Bottle Bag

One of my favourite things is to go to my friend Eleanor's house, armed with a bottle of wine (or two) for a cheap alternative to a night out. And Eleanor LOVES her wine! So for her birthday I decided to make her a present for when she is carting her bottles around to whoever is hosting the next wine night - a travel friendly bag, upcycled from a pair of jeans!
We love to upcycle clothes. Even better when you don't have to take them apart too much! (see also Denim Storage Basket). The secret here is to use the right size jeans - these were Mally's age 3 ones that he has grown out of. The leg is a perfect size for a wine bottle and therefore the amount of sewing is minimal!!
I measured the length of the bottle and then added extra for turning over the "hems" before cutting.
These jeans have a little tab on the side where you can button up the turn ups - I decided to take advantage of this feature and used it to hide my botched up stitching of the base circle (a scrap piece of the same jeans).
Attaching the circle is tricky but placing over a bottle helps - or you could borrow a child's arm!!
I hand stitched the circle onto the base about 5cm up from the bottom. I then turned up the hems and buttoned into place.

I turned the tops part over to match the bottom and sewed a couple of invisible stitches into it (but not all the way around - I wanted it to look loosely turned over)
 For the strap, I used half of the waist band! I attached this to the outside of the top, and sewed over the existing top stitching.
Then just for fun, I adapted one of the back pockets and turned it into an embellishment. (I forgot to use a hoop and my free motion embroidery went a bit mental... They're meant to be leaves... On reflection, I'm not sure that this was the right move but I felt committed to it! Update- Just realised I forgot to drop my feed thingys. Rookie mistake!)
All finished, but incredibly hard to photo without having someone to model. Unfortunately, Mally just didn't get my directions!
The best part is, I only used half a pair of jeans - I therefore have enough leftover to make one for myself too! Perfect for transporting my bottle, and then it can be folded up and put into my handbag!!

2nd October 2013: Update - this post was featured here at Madcap Frenzy
Madcap Frenzy

29 comments:

  1. OMG!! I'm just blown away with this. It's so darn cute - the jeans gift bag. Pinned! Thanks for linking every week. You are the BEST! Linda

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    1. Thanks Linda! We love linking up with you xx

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  2. Just wanted to say that I have recently found your blog and am loving it. Nathan's for the posts. Lisa

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  3. I meant thanks for the posts!

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  4. Omgah! This is uber cute! I wish I could sew AND cut up old jeans fearlessly because then I would totally make this.

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    1. Thanks Del! You could manage this, its all hand sewing (except for the embellishment which is not essential - or could be done by hand!) xx

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  5. Cute idea! Don't forget to link up to The DIY'ers. http://homecomingmn.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-diyers-30.html

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  6. A fabulous little bag, and so good to fold up neatly to put into your bag.

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    1. Thanks Lucy - and to use again and again! xx

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  7. what a great idea, would never of thought of this

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  8. This is a great idea! I have some friends that would love one of these. Great job! :) I like the free motion stitching. I did some leaves on a blue jean bag I just made. It's fun, but can be tricky until you get the hang of it. I don't use a hoop. I'd love for you to stop by sometime!
    Gina @ Gina's Craft Corner

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    1. Thanks Gina! Your bag is beautiful, especially with the laminated leaves also!. xx

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  9. I LOVE what you have done. You should come show off your creativity starting at 8PM CST at Craft Frenzy Friday! http://obsessiveandcreative.blogspot.com/2013/09/craft-frenzy-friday-6.html It won't be a party without you!

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  10. This is really sweet, and what a great way to repurpose. I love denim projects!

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  11. Now I know I was right for saving all those denim pant legs! great idea!

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  12. This is a great way to recycle those jeans that don't fit anyone anymore. TFS!! Stopping by from Sugar Bee Crafts linky party. Here is what I shared this week: http://craftybrooklynarmywife.blogspot.com/2013/09/aragon-test-pattern-and-happy-fall.html

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  13. Thanks for sharing this with the Totally Tuesday Link Party! It was featured! Come check it out and get your Featured button. ;)
    http://madcapfrenzy.blogspot.com/2013/10/september-totally-tuesday-wrap-up.html

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    1. Thanks Morgaine! We have added a button to the post xxx

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