Repurposing Blue Jeans to Handbags

Not too long ago we had a visit from the little grands but as luck would have it, we had rain, lots of it for days. While one of the girls helped Grandpa build his race car in the garage, the other wanted to hang with Grandma. Keeping her entertained was challenging so we took a trip to the local thrift shop. I thought shopping for books and toys would help and that's where I spied a pair of blue jeans marked down to a quarter. I immediately thought of things to make from the jeans and bought them. 

We decided to make little handbags for the girls from the legs of the jeans.

We cut the legs off the jeans about 10 inches from the bottom. Using just the legs we turned the legs inside out, cut off the hems, and stitched across the narrow end and squared it off so it would have a flat bottom. We folded down the purse to the size we liked and added a rag rose and buttons for embellishments. 
For the handle we used the hems that we cut off earlier.

Rag rose and buttons on an embroidered bag.

Rag Rose and buttons.

Perfect size bags for little girls. 

Considering we used buttons on hand, scrap fabric for the roses, a whole twenty-five cents for the jeans we kept ourselves entertained for very little money and a little bit of time. The best part is we had 2 little happy girls with their stylish bags. 

Post by Eileen Patterson of GoofingOff Sewing. 

Goofing Off Owls

There’s a reason why I am called GoofingOff…..I am forever goofing off. Even when I am working at something my mind wanders into other territories….goofs off, so to speak. The other day I was sewing and came across a couple of buttons that fit into each other. Looked sort of like eyes. By the time I was done clipping and trimming, I came up with this little guy.

The owl has the 2 button eyes, pink wings/vest, and a John Deere tractor tie. After all, one must dress for the occasion and this occasion called for a tie, not a clip-on, either. He is a light shade of green because he is an unusual owl….a goofing off owl.

Post by GoofingOff….er, I mean Eileen Patterson.

New Listings To Goof Off With: Fabrics and Buttons

I know it is the hidden seamstress in me but my heart just goes pitter-patter  (or a couple of thumps that are a little out of line…the doctor says it is I’m OK, though) every time I see incredible fabric and buttons. Lace does it for me, too but not so much ribbon. Oh, back to fabric and buttons. I came into a fantastic stash of fabric and vintage buttons that, as much as I would love to keep them, I am listing on Etsy and Artfire so everyone can have a chance to enjoy them, too. Some of the fabrics are upholstery (handbags, totes, and/or pillows?), some are just too cute (pumpkins for fall), while others are good weight for quilting (or anything else that comes to mind…and needle). As for the button, holy smokes!, there are some gorgeous buttons, some big (gi-normous!), and some cute (bows and kitties). Here’s a few pics.

                     Campbell’s Soup Panel

                    Sunflowers Fat Quarters

                              Pumpkins All cotton (hasn’t been listed yet, keep an eye on this one)

                                  Light Blue border fabric with flowers (not yet)

   Vintage Schner Block Googly Eyes buttons

                Vintage JHB Bow Buttons

Cute little hearts (not listed yet)

Don’t they just make you swoon? Creative juices going yet?

Love ya! Have fun and do a little GoofingOff. It’s good for you.

Post by Eileen

Shops: MissEileen (vintage)  GoofingOff Etsy and Artfire (sewing supplies)  MetalWoodsnWater (unique, unusual, sometimes weird)

Miss Eileen’s Etsy Picks 5.27.11 Getting Ready for Father’s Day

Father’s Day is a few weeks away. What a good day to show the men in our lives how much we appreciate them. In my case, the hubby is a creative soul re-doing an old motorcycle, showing me the paint job with awesome orange undertones and metal flecks (I can’t paint with a spray can…. I so appreciate a person who paints well) yet still has time to cook supper when I work and do his own laundry.  I thought it would be a good idea to look at things for the men in our lives on Etsy and allow for shipping time.  As always, poll is on the top left corner. You pick who wins the interview next so don’t forget to vote.

NYC Subway Token Vintage 1953 NY Transit Cufflinks (SB) by Subway Cufflinks 

OK, I am a little biased due to the fact of my birth but these are still very cool. They also satisfy the vintage part of me.

Me and My Daddy... Your Child's Artwork on a Fine Silver Keychain...Made to Order by Metalmorphis 

A great way to keep that special artwork forever.

Old English Signet Ring by Christienano

A single initial done strong and masculine.

Recycled Bicycle Chain Cufflinks by Bicycle Recycled

Wear your passion!

Bass Bath Soap Set of Two by MosoSoap

Wonderful idea for the fisherman (who eats, drinks, and breathes fishing).

Nautical Gentleman’s Cowl with Hand Painted Buttons by Gypseatree

Classy look, don’t you think, with a hand made touch.

Recycled 3pk Bottle Cap Fishing Lure by Luregasmic

Awesome way to recycle, and catch dinner. Be ready to hear about the one that got away.

Leather Cord Eyeglass Necklace Chain Holder by Eye Wear Glamour

Keep those sunglasses from falling in the water (or off the back of his neck).  Hubby approved.

OK, there’s the eight. What do you think? Did I do good? There are so many awesome things on Etsy it’s hard to pick only eight but here’s mine. Don’t forget to vote.

When you get the chance, take a look our shops, GoofingOff Etsy and Goofing Off Artfire for authentic vintage sewing patterns and sewing supplies, Miss Eileen for vintage house wares and vintage fashions, and MetalWoodsnWater etsy or MetalWoodsnWater Artfire for cool men’s gifts and bones (yes, bones).

Estate Sale Finds

Well, after all this time I finally got Dan to stop at estate sales. He still doesn't look for the signs but he will stop so I can check out the deals. Well, I found some incredible deals at a weekend sale. Vintage Vogue patterns (always love vintage patterns), beautiful old buttons, and gloves, lots of them. What wonderful finds! Here's a few: The Father Christmas doll pattern is incredible. Never cut, excellent condition.