It's been a while but here's a new project

Wow, I didn't realize it had been so long since I've posted here!  I've been busy but that's no excuse.

I have completed several projects but here's the one I'm most proud of right now.  I have sewn leather for the very first time!

I got this nice suede skirt on Listia, a website where you can get rid of your stuff for points and then redeem your points for free stuff that other people are giving away.  I really had hoped to wear this skirt as is.

 

Sadly, this caramel number was just too tight.  So, I stuffed it in my closet to think about what I wanted to make out of it or lose enough weight so it would fit.  

Fast forward a few weeks to a weekend beach getaway.  I was shopping some high end outlets for a new purse but just could not bring myself to pay $109 for a designer purse, that's with 60% off.  Then, I remembered my lonely little suede skirt sitting on a shelf in my closet.

So, I get the seam ripper and went to work.  I separated the bottom half of the skirt from the top.

Next, well, there are several steps but basically I sewed the bottom of the skirt together, hemmed it all up nicely, cut a strip from the top half to make the strap for my purse, and used some of the belt loops to add decorative Xs on the sides of the bag.

I did not line my purse but it was my first time using leather to make a purse.  I've made plenty of fabric bags before but this was a bit challenging.  But I liked it!  I can't wait to go browsing thrift stores and yard sales for some leather skirts, jackets, etc.  I will be sure to buy heavy duty needles next time since I broke 3 needles making this.  I also made a cute little tassel for the slouchy flap.  I still have some tweaking to do and I'm looking for just the right vintage button to go on the front for the tassel closure but I really like my new leather bag.

Until the next craft, count your blessings!