Using fabric remnants - handmade purses

I’m always looking for new ways to bring fabric to life. If you’ve ever read my Crafty Blogs you will know that I have a mild obsession with fabric. When I say mild, I really mean something that I constantly have to suppress and try and avoid fabric shops at all costs for fear of succumbing to its ever-present draw...

So, recently, I’ve been trying to find ways of creatively using up some of the fabric that I have accumulated, rather than getting rid of it. I have got rid of some (gulp), but there was always a reason for me to have bought the fabric so I wanted to try and use it, to create special items for my Etsy shop.

The first of these was to look for and create a variation on my fabric makeup bags which are zipped, to use a different type of fabric. My makeup bags are super fun, but I use cotton based fabric for these homemade bad boys. For these makeup pouches or pencil cases or general bits and bobs keeper things, I use more linen based fabric.

The design of these is more simple, too; they aren’t bags that can sit upright like my standard zipped makeup bags, but instead lie flat so are perfect for slipping in a handbag or suitcase. I have used a linen lining as well, so that they are properly robust. And, of course, they feature my little crafty den labels inside! I love these being tucked away inside.

The fabrics that I have used a mainly in a beige and blue theme; I used up some blue swallow fabric from a custom lampshade and cushion project that I did previously. I also used some peony and sage fabric - beige with white stars - which I bought AGES ago but never had a chance to use it. Finally, I used up some blue floral patterned beige linen fabric which was also from a custom made lampshade commission.

Whenever I make these little bags, what really brings them to life are the zips. They add such a pop of colour or contrast, and the bright blue zips here make me super super happy.

Watch this space for some other news of how I am recycling fabric remnants soon!