Source: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf714547.tip.html

Denim Pocket Purse

By Shauna Smith Duty

Ever wonder what you can do with blue jeans that have seen better days? Favorite blue jeans may not be suitable for reuse because of all the wear and tear. But they've been a faithful friend, not complaining when you dripped chili on them at that picnic, and keeping quiet after Christmas dinner when you gave their waistband a workout. Don't ditch them, recycle them! A hole in the knee or bleach spot on the leg will only add personality to a denim pocket purse made from recycled blue jeans.

What you'll need:

  • One leg of blue jeans
  • Sewing machine and thread
  • 3' of material suitable for straps: trim, fabric, ribbon, leather, etc.
  • Embellishments: trim, lace, patches, embroidered fabric, beads, or charms

Fold one leg of blue jeans in on itself. The inside will form the purse lining. Pull the hemmed end of the jeans over the top edge of the outer layer and fold it over. This creates a lip that makes a nice finished edge for the opening of the purse. Pin the lip in place, then turn the tube inside out.

Double stitch the bottom ends of the tube to create a reinforced pocket. This is the body of the purse. Turn it right side out and sew the top opening of the purse all the way around, then remove the pins.

Cut two 18" lengths or one 30" length from the strap material. Attach the strap(s) to the purse with reinforced stitches. The photo shows a very basic style, and at this point in the project, yours should look similar. Give your purse 'purse-onality' by adding trim, patches, lace, embroidery, charms, or beads. You may also sew on the cut out pocket from the original blue jeans, or the zipper, or label, for embellishment. Whatever you use, you can be certain that your denim pocket purse will be an original.

© 2005 ThriftyFun

About The Author:
Shauna Smith Duty is a freelance writer with a penache for writing family and parenting articles. She composes articles for both print and web publications, reviews children's books and movies, writes short plays, and provides editing services. Visit her online at http://www.shaunasmithduty.com

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