Turn your old jeans into a laptop bag

Jeans are a staple in my closet.  It's pretty much what I wear every day.  This summer I replaced my white jeans with a newer pair,  and I decided to salvage the old denim.  I went back and forth on project ideas, including a picnic blanket.  Ultimately I decided on a laptop bag, and here's how I did it.



First, I chose a complementary material for the bag's lining.  I just happened to have a nightie made from vintage linens that I was going to deconstruct.  I proceeded to cut out two 13"x 16" blocks of fabric.  (The bag is designed to fit a Macbook or any other laptop equivalent in size.)  I then created two 13" x 16" blocks of denim by piecing together scraps.

To protect the computer, I added two layers of batting.  With the right side up, I pinned one of the denim blocks to the double batting.  Repeat with the other denim block.

Wait to trim the batting until after you have stitched the layers together.  Using a non-permanent marking pen, draw a design on the denim.  (I digitally enhanced the blue marks in the photo so that you can see the chevron design better.) This design will hold the three layers together.



Stitch over your marked lines, but leave 1/2 inch allowance at the top (you will be folding the top edge under).

Before sewing the lining fabric together, I added a little pocket feature. You can see it best in the first set of photos above.



To sew the lining of the bag, pin the two lining fabrics right sides together.  Sew all sides together except the top.  Notice that I used finished edges for the top.



To create a wider base on the bag, sew a 3" line perpendicular to the bottom seam.  The new seam should be about 1.5" from the corner.



Now, for the most challenging part of the project.  You're essentially going to repeat the above steps with the two denim/batting blocks.  Your machine will be put through the ultimate sewing test as it sews together two layers of denim and four layers of batting at once! Remember to leave the top edge open and to sew the additional seams in the corners.

If you made it through this part, congratulations! You're almost there.

Turn the denim and batting so that it is right side out.  Fold, press, and pin the top edge down about 3/4 inch.  Carefully cut the excess batting so that it is 1/8 inch shorter than the denim edge.

It's ideal to have the straps cut from one long piece of fabric, but I had to piece mine together with denim scraps.  The width should start out at 3.5 inches to 4 inches and the length depends on your preference (no more than 24 inches for each strap).   Just iron each outer edge to the center of the fabric, and then fold the fabric in half.  Press and sew along both edges.  Attach the strap ends about 3 inches from the side of the bag.  (Another idea I had for a strap is the waist of the jeans!)



Once all the strap ends are pinned, sew along the top, about 1/2 inch from the edge.  Secure the ends of the straps by sewing an "x".  (See the very first photo.)



Take the lining and place inside the bag.  Make sure that the side seams are aligned.  (I took in my lining seams a tad at this step.)

Pin and sew about 1/8 inch from the top edge.  Your new (well, recycled) laptop bag is now complete!

My recent drawings and sewing project

At the end of each week, I feature on my blog my latest work, which usually ends up in my Etsy shop.  This week, I don't have a particular piece to showcase, even though I have a pile of drawings on my desk.  For one reason or another, these drawings haven't gotten the stamp of approval yet.  Some seem unfinished to me (like the above piece on the left), and others I'm not totally convinced I would want to add to my Etsy shop (like the one on the right).



Here's a closer look at the pile of recent drawings on my desk:

A couple of these pieces I might edit and mount on birch panels.  You can see that I already cut out one image.  Now I just need to wait for a wave of inspiration!



Yesterday, I was inspired to sew something.  I wanted to salvage a pair of old white jeans and a cute nightie that was made from vintage sheets.  But, instead of mending the items or altering them into other wearable fashions, I decided to use the materials to make a laptop bag!  Here's how it turned out:

On Monday, I'll post more pictures and instructions.  Monday is also the last day of the swap-a-thon.  There's still a chance to win a swap, so make sure you post your comment by Sunday.  Again, I'm open to swapping my art for anything handmade or found.

Modern rugs felted with tradition in mind

I first discovered Peace Industry's felt rug collection three years ago when shopping for rugs for my store.  It was love at first sight.  The rugs are designed by owner Melina Raissnia, who studied painting.  Each rug is exquisite in design and craftsmanship.  I was fortunate enough to visit Melina's shop in San Francisco a couple of years ago and admire her collection up-close.

Each rug is handmade in a fair-trade workshop in Iran owned by Melina and her husband, Dodd Raissnia.  Using the oldest rug tradition from Iran, layers of wool are pressed together, creating a very dense and durable rug.  And only biodegradable vegetable dyes are used in the process, so Peace Industry's rugs are chemical-free. 

[image sources: Peace Industry]



Sadly, with the latest sanctions against Iran, Peace Industry may have to close their doors.  By the end of September, Peace Industry will no longer be able to import rugs from Iran.  Their shipment in middle of September may very well be their last.  For the latest news and to learn how you can show your support, go to Peace Industry's blog here.

Swap-a-thon!

Swap-a-thon Winners!

Thursday, August 12: Charissa

Friday, August 13: Katie

Saturday, August 14: flyhoof

Sunday, August 15: Annmarie

Monday, August 16: Richelle



Thanks to all for participating in the first swap-a-thon! 



To celebrate new art prints that I've added to my shop, I thought I'd run a giveaway- well, more like a swapaway.   The idea behind the swap-a-thon is to swap my art for something you made or have.  To enter the swap-a-thon, all you have to do is leave a comment below listing the item(s) you would exchange for one of my art prints.  (Please keep the value of your item under $15.)  On Thursday at noon (PST), I'll randomly choose a winner who will in turn choose the next swap (i.e winner).  By the end of the swap-a-thon, there would be a total of five swaps.



Still confused?  Let me give you an example.  Say Suzie leaves me a comment saying that she'll exchange some handmade wrapping paper for my art print Eureka.  On Thursday, random.org chooses her listing as the winner of the first swap.  I'll announce Suzie as a winner on the blog as well as notify her via email.  Suzie emails me back her mailing address and her choice for my next swap.  The next winner's name will then be posted on the blog and emailed.  And this cycle will continue until there are five determined swaps.



Below are the art prints you can choose from.  For more information on each print, go here.

Some things to keep in mind:



1.  You can only leave one comment and be chosen once.  Comments will be accepted until the last name is announced.



2.  Make sure I can get a hold of you! It's best if your name is linked to an email address.  If you don't feel comfortable adding your email address in the comment box, then make sure you check back every day starting Thursday to see if your name was picked.





3  If you are a winner, but don't get back to me within 24 hours with your choice for my next swap, I will go ahead and randomly choose the next winner.





4.  Winning swaps will be listed each day for five days starting this Thursday, August 12th at 12 pm (PST).

  

5.  I am willing to mail art to any location if you are willing to pay for postage to Portland, Oregon.



6.  I would like to do a follow-up post on what I receive in the swap-a-thon, so by entering your name, you are giving me permission to feature your item(s) on my blog.



7.  The swap is for my art prints only.  The suggested swap item must be equal or less in value than the art print.



8.  Comments may be moderated due to length or content.



Okay, enough talkin' - let's start swappin'!



UPDATE: It looks like comments with links are not posting.  For now, please just use the title or general description of your product in the comment.  Thanks!

New work, "Eclipse"

 

I am always inspired by the natural landscape of the Oregon coast.  While away at the coast this week, I found time to work on a few drawings. I've had some requests lately for more prints, so Eclipse is my latest design. 

  

This weekend, I also made prints of these originals.

Eureka, Floating, Seasons

With all this art action, I'm thinking it's time to do another giveaway event.  I have something new (and hopefully fun) planned.  Be sure to check back tomorrow for details!

Inspired by sashiko

My favorite pair of jeans had been stashed away for nearly a year due to an indecent tear on the backside.  Several weeks ago, I finally felt inspired to mend the tear when I came across an image on sashiko stitching.  Sashiko is a Japanese technique of mending clothing using the running stitch.  It is usually identified by cream colored stitching on indigo colored fabrics.  Sri Threads has an amazing collection of sashiko pieces here.

I absolutely love all the geometric patterns!



You can tell sashiko has been on my mind lately, as seen in my most recent art piece, sunset.  I'm also thinking that I'll use sashiko stiching in the border of my latest quilt project. But, maybe a pillow is more realistic? I do love the example below. 

[image sources: This and That From Japan, Tiny Happy, and Fancy Tiger]



I am currently reading The Ultimate Sashiko Sourcebook as a how-to guide, and The Purl Bee, as usual, has a wonderful tutorial. 

New work, "sunset"

I've been trying to fit in a few hours here and there at my art desk.  It's been challenging to find uninterrupted time with the kiddos out of school.  I managed to finish this piece yesterday.  I tend to use a lot of blues and greens in my art, so the pink and purple is a nice change of scenery. 



I'm also trying to work on some note card designs, and I like how this little drawing turned out. Hopefully I'll have something to reveal by the end of this month.