I will proudly say I am a sewing nut (aka. freak, fanatic...you get the idea.) As of late, I've been going through a sort of withdrawal. I horribly miss my dear friends,serger and sewing machine. If you've been following me on social media, you've seen I have found my fix for the time being. I've been creating a few birthday gifts like this Ikat bag below, and some wet bags from PUL for my kids. Needless to say you can imagine my fabric stash is plentiful. ahem.
BACKSTORY
I'm not sure if you know this, but when I first opened a shop before ever starting my blog, I made and sold bags and dolls. However, the funny thing is that I have an infatuation for purses and bags, but really don't carry a purse until summertime when I don't have pockets. Crazy, but I like less is more. Also, my feed sack purse seen HERE is still holding strong. However, I mentioned in this post that I was going to use my leather stash to sew a new one but ended up using it up on my chair. ah well. For today, I wanted to make use of a couple of linen skirts shown above. Linen is by far one of my favorite textiles, so I don't dare give away perfectly good linen. Any sane person should hoard it - tsk. These skirts are in great shape, but did not fit me right.SKIRTS
First, this one was too big and it has pockets that land right at the hips accenting an area that I'd rather not accentuate. Oh, and meet Vivian, my thrifted dress-form that is larger than me, but I still love her. She's helping save me from modeling these for you.
Based on my past fun and my itch to stitch, I'm going to regularly start posting my Reduce, Reuse, Refashion projects for you.
Here is the second linen skirt. It's a wrap skirt that had a flap that just would not lay flat...it drove me nuts!!
As you can guess skirts take much yardage, so I always skim through them at the thrift store for upcycling purposes too. Likewise, you can use denim, linen, wool, cotton, you get the idea. Oh, and don't forget the linens section too! I can't tell you how often I've found linen yard goods.
DIY TIME
Now, it's time to cut and get started creating my DIY insulated lunch bag. I always kind eek out when I'm cutting at first. Do you ever do that? I think it's because I don't want to mess up and waste it. Perfectly logical as any confessed fabric hoarder will tell you.
For the record, purchasing sewing patterns is something I never do. I enjoy creating my own. It's a wonder I still have patterns I created eons ago and am still using them to for myself and my family and even my shop. So when it came time to get this idea out of my head, I just kind of used my past knowledge to design it and have a go. Most often my first run is good, but always needs tweaking somehow. That's half the fun!
LAYERS
What you see below is a layer of the linen skirt, a PUL layer, and an Insul-Bright layer. What's PUL you say? Well, I have cloth-diapered my babies and made diapers as well as covers. PUL stands for Polyurethane Laminate. When they developed PUL I was in 7th heaven! It's waterproof and absolutely perfect for diaper covers and I even use it in the feminine hygiene products I make for me and my daughters. It never leaks! (lets all pause for a moment to celebrate...really!!) I also make wet bags for swim suits, snack bags...limitless options.
The Insul-Brite is a fantastic creation, as well, that allows you to make an insulated bag or carrier out of anything. I've made my casserole carrier and it outperforms any store-bought one I've ever had.
SERGING
Okay, back to the sewing fun. Next, I use my serger to piece it all together. I must say if you've never used a serger you're missing out. I feel like Tim the Tool Man every time I use this thing. Such power! mwahahaha... It cuts (if you want) binds strong edges with a 3-thread or 4-thread overlock stitch. I can also do lettuce edging to knits, whip out the flannel hankies we use...so many uses for it.
Next, I add my other details like my label, handles, reinforced bottom, and a top portion I had envisioned to cinch up and look cute. Notice my layers are jutting out and uneven. I remedied the sizing once I got the jist of it. Additionally, these clips make my job soooo much easier too.
TERMS OF USE: This design is my trademarked property & it cannot be shared or distributed for monetary gain in any way, it may not be modified in any way, and you may not claim the work as your own.
THE REVEAL
Once I finished, I was able to get four insulated lunch bags out of the floral skirt. Aren't they fun?
For fun, I had to mix up the fabric choices. Meanwhile, I was able to make 3 bags from the linen wrap skirt. And, of course, I had fabric fun mixing it up with them too.
MORE BAGS
Obviously, I had some fun. I even mixed up the interior fabric so when you open it, you get a fun surprise.
Can you tell I had fun with these? I was elated to be sewing again. Honestly, I feel that way about all the crafts I do: cooking, baking, crochet, woodworking, painting, etc. They all fill my cup in different ways. I'm so thankful for hands and vision to be able to create.
What is more, since the bags have the reinforced bottom, they sit nicely. Although, I forgot to add reinforcement to my first one. {{head smack}} For more versatility, the top can pop up when needed for taller items to fit too.
Now, before you think I've gone crazy, I even used some of my denim linen and twill to make these sets. I had to see how it worked with ticking fabric on the top instead of cotton. Do you like the look?
FUN
I couldn't resist making one in the festive red bandanna fabric I had left over from making my daughter's dress. So fun!
Here's the twill one I made using the black ticking stripe. Not only do I love the neutrals, but also the denim and floral ones are fun too.
So, I have to ask...of all the designs, which style do you prefer?
Last, I am excited to announce these bags are now a regular addition to my online shop. The stock will be changing as I have fun mixing it up. However, if you have one you see that you like and it's not available, just let me know.
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GIVEAWAY TIME
Finally, because I want to share my joy with you, I'm giving away my red gingham insulated lunch bag to one of you. Easy entry - simply fill out the widget below for as many entries as you like (daily even for more entries). Open to U.S. residents only 18 years of age and older. Winner will be notified via email and will have 24 hours to respond. Likewise, be sure to check your spam! In addition, pin and share my refashion fun of these upcycled linen skirts into a DIY insulated lunch bag. I hope to inspire you and others.
Up next, I am joining up with Habitat for Humanity and humanitarians like Jonathan and Drew Scott from the HGTV show, Property Brothers to support a wonderful cause. With that, join our fun HERE.
Before you go, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Time to see what my Trash to Treasure friends have for you!
Last, check out these Trash to Treasure DIY inspirational projects:
While you're at it, here are more projects like my DIY insulated lunch bag:
