Alyssa Milano's Pants

Save the Turtles

to be auctioned off for the National Wildlife Federation

I finally finished the first of the bags I am making from Alyssa Milano’s pants for my Gulf Project. I would have finished last month but my in-laws were here and things just got so busy. Here it is and I totally dig it even though it was a pain in the ass to finish it off.

Most bags I make are pretty simple. I thought this one was going to be simple too, but I was wrong. Sometimes upcycling demands a bit of creativity, patience and brut force. Pants were designed to be pants, not bags. The way things are cut is to accommodate a body with curves and angles. It can be hard to find or create the straight lines I want for the bags.

The fabric is awesome! I love the texture, it’s soft and almost oily to work with (very fitting).  I didn’t actually run into any problems until the end. I had decided to use the cuff/hem of the pant legs as the hem for the opening of the bag. Usually this makes the bag even easier to make. Not this time.

I wanted the hem to be straight up and down. There was a bit more flare in the pants than I’d realized. There was more fabric on one side of the fold than the other. I don’t have a big machine to stretch this and make it work. On my little machine it bunched. This meant I had to stitch it in by hand. Not my favorite thing to do!

The bag looks fantastic. I wanted to have a subtle design that related to the Gulf crisis so I decided to do a turtle with a deep green patterned fabric. I really like the fabric, together with the oily black color of the pants I 100% got the effect I was going for. On it’s own it looks like a nice bag with a toned down graphic. When you think about the Gulf you see more. It is now a murky image of a turtle swimming through oil.

I have one more pair of Alyssa’s pants. When I have finished the bag I am planning with those I will organize the auction to sell both bags to raise funds for the National Wildlife Federation. 

 

I Love This Bag!!!

Ginger's Beautiful Bag

Honestly I really like almost every bag I make, but this bag beats them all. I love it! If I hadn’t made it specifically for Ginger I would be keeping it for sure. I had no idea it was going to turn out so great!

This is the first bag I have made in about a month and a half, well that isn’t entirely true. I did just finish the first of the bags made from Alyssa Milano’s pants, we don’t want to talk about that though. (Pain in the ass! The bag, not Alyssa.).

About the Bag-

The flower is reverse appliqué and a lot of decorative stitching. The bag is slightly larger than the other bags I have made. Ginger liked my Camo Bag so I wanted to give her something about the same size, big enough to put your sweater inside. There is a pocket on the back of the bag and another inside. The lining of the bag is Navy blue, and the lining of the flap is the same fabric as the flower.

I know Ginger is going to love this bag but it is so hard to part with! 

Blessing in Disguise

I have been without Internet at my house for over a week now. I am totally addicted and going through withdrawal. I have an iPhone so I have been getting a little fix everyday, but it just isn’t the same.

I feel like I have no idea what is going on in my world right now. What did we do before we had facebook twitter and our blogs consuming every minute of everyday?

So right now I am sitting in a closet typing this post and a bunch of others in word. Later I’ll go to a café in town to actually post them. 

Yes, I am sitting, on the floor, in our upstairs closet- it’s cold. We hang our wet clothes in here when they come out of the washing machine and turn on a space heater. This is the warmest place in our very cold house. Sorry no pictures, but I am sitting right next to the vacuum cleaner if that helps with your visual, and a kayak paddle.

As frustrated as I have been with the lack of Internet, I have to admit I have managed to get a lot more done. I finished the bag I was working on for the Gulf, the one I made out of Alyssa Milano’s pants. I finished a custom bag for my friend Ginger, I am half way through another custom bag for Anna in Australia. I made five mini wallets and one full size wallet with a zip. And, I created the Eco Dollies. I also spent a lot more time cooking, went for a walk with a friend and got my hair cut so I can be beautiful for the Turn the Corner Gala. Oh, and I got a part-time job for this winter. Gosh, my grandparents were up too and I went to dinner with them, made some earrings and the Knotted Lyme Awareness Bracelets.

Seriously, I might be better off without the Internet, I don’t remember the last time I got that much done in one week!

Fancy Going Out Purse

Fancy Going Out Purse

$70 includes shipping

I loved the Fancy Going Out clutch so much I had to make more! This purse is totally adorable! I would love more fabric like this, so if you've got a dress or a skirt that you aren't wearing... Send it my way!!!

Purse Details-

The purse is roughly 5.5 x 9 inches. Plenty of space for everything you would need to go out or to an event. I used a magnetic snap closure on this one. The fabrics are 100% upcycled. The outer is a dress I loved the look of but never wore, the lining is a eco-friendly hemp dress donated by a friend. The detachable strap is part of the original white dress. I don't remember what I had in mind for the little white flowers when I bought them, but they look cute here.

The actual colors are very white on the outer and more green and muted on the inside than the picture portrays. I am also significantly paler than the photos would lead you to believe.

To make a purchase contact me at:
ashvantol@gmail.com or send me a tweet @upcycledbyash

Payments are via PayPal, Credit Card or Personal Check 

additional charge for international shipping

inside

details

Fancy Going Out

 Fancy Going Out Clutch

$50 includes shipping

Super cute little clutch! Yes it looks like a wallet but it isn't. When you pop the snap you will find just one pocket perfect for a night out with the bare essentials. Or a wedding, my husband is convinced this is going to be purchased for a wedding. 

Inside

I love that the fabric on this clutch is 100% upcycled!!! The white outer is from a dress I wore once. I bought it at a little boutique in Aspen, CO sure that I would wear it that summer. In three years, I wore it once. Well twice if you count the time I put it on to take photos for this blog! 

The lining material is from a Patagonia hemp dress that was sent to me by a friend when I started upcycling. She was the first person to send me something, thanks Kristen!

Don't forget that you can see the images larger by clicking on them.

Monday night I was browsing the internet, looking for nothing in particular when I saw a little clutch like this one. That's cute, I thought, I bet I could make something like that.  

Why do I always do this to myself late at night? I knew that I wasn't going to be going to bed until I either figured it out or gave up. Luckily I got it right on the second try. Yes, I was pretty proud of myself. 

To make a purchase contact me at:
ashvantol@gmail.com or send me a tweet @upcycledbyash

Payments are via PayPal, Credit Card or Personal Check 

additional charge for international shipping

The one and only time I wore this dress!

Cherry Blossom Tote

 Cherry Blossom Tote $65

SOLD

I am really looking forward to getting my photographer back, taking these photos on my own is hard work. Today I enlisted my mom's help and realized how much Sander and I have learned since we started taking these photos.

I was very excited about making this bag. I took photos of the whole process with the intention of making a tutorial. Unfortunately the photos are horrible. I'm not just saying that, they really are bad. The problem isn't so much the actual photos as my fabric choices. I went about the process in the wrong order.

I decided to make this bag and then that I would make a tutorial of it. I realize now that I needed to choose my fabrics specifically to make a tutorial. This bag has two dark fabrics and mostly dark thread. That doesn't make for very descriptive photography. It isn't very helpful if you can't see what I am talking about because the fabrics and threads all blend together!

I will pick some more appropriate fabrics and do the tutorial later this month. 

About the Bag-

The Cherry Blossom Tote has black canvas at the top and bottom with a bold cherry blossom panel in the middle. The strap is also black canvas with red stitching for visual appeal. A pink zipper closes the bag. The interior lining is the same cherry blossom material with one pocket. 

The measurements of the bag are 14 inches across at the top, 11 inches across at the base, 11 inches deep and 4 inches wide.

This item is part of my Gulf Project to raise funds for the clean up and rescue efforts in the Gulf of Mexico. 50% of the proceeds of this item will go @NWF or @nature_org, buyer's choice. 

To make a purchase contact me at:
ashvantol@gmail.com or send me a tweet @upcycledbyash

Payments are via PayPal, Credit Card or Personal Check

Hope Tote & Donation from Amy Paffrath

 Hope Tote $150 

Lyme Project

Anyone who has Lyme disease knows that at times it all just seems so hopeless. We feel ignored, overlooked and dismissed because our illness in not always recognized as a legitimate health condition. It can be hard to stay positive and hopeful.

There are people out their listening and fighting for us though. Amy Paffrath is one of those people. Amy donated her time and lent her voice to Lyme disease awareness this past May. She also recently donated the pair of jeans I used to make this bag to my Lyme project here on Upcycled by Ash.

Amy is an actress and a host on E! News Now. Here is a link to her site- http://amypaffrath.com/ be sure to stop by and send her a thank you message or a tweet to- @amypaffrath 

About the Bag-

The outer of the bag is upcylcled from the jeans Amy sent to me. The HOPE is reverse appliqued into the flap and decoratively embroidered on with a combination of zigzag and straight stitching. The lining and interior pocket are from freecycle donations. The pocket on the back of the bag is one of the pockets from the jeans. I added a snap to help keep the pocket closed.

The bag is roughly eleven inches across, nine inches deep and three inches wide.

This Hope Tote is part of my Lyme disease awareness project.  50% of the proceeds will be divided between Lymenaide and the Turn the Corner Foundation.

Inside

Back Pocket

To make a purchase visit my Etsy Store at:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Upcycledbyash

Payments are via PayPal, Credit Card

Amy Paffrath's Lyme Disease PSA for Paint May Lyme Green

 

Paisley Clutch

  Paisley Clutch 

SOLD

Lyme Project

Cute medium sized paisley clutch. Measures roughly nine inches across, seven inches deep and one and a half inches wide. Lots of freemotion detail on the paisley print. Bag lining is the same paisley minus the freemotion. Interior includes one pocket. Wrist strap is long enough to double loop over the average wrist. Bag closes with with a turquoise zip.

This clutch is part of my Lyme disease awareness project.  50% of the proceeds will be divided between Lymenaide and the Turn the Corner Foundation.

To make a purchase contact me at:
ashvantol@gmail.com or send me a tweet @upcycledbyash

Payments are via PayPal, Credit Card or Personal Check

Pin-Up Girls Tote

 Pin-Up Girls

$55 includes shipping

I love the way this bag turned out! I wasn't sure what to do with the Pin-Up Girls fabric when I first got it but now I am inspired. They are so bold and beautiful! 

Bag Details

Big enough to carry magazines and all your personal goodies. The tote is roughly 9 inches deep 14 inches long and has a 2 inch wide bottom. The two straps are 19 inches around, long enough to sling over your elbow or hitch up over your shoulder. There is a full zip across the top of the bag allowing for easy access.

I have plenty of these fabrics thanks to my fantastic freecycle friend Ginger! If you like the bag but you want it in a different size let me know and I'd be happy to whip it up for you.

To make a purchase contact me at: ashvantol@gmail.com or send me a tweet @upcycledbyash

 

Click on the Photos to Enlarge

Asian Silky Clutch

 Asian Silky Clutch

Donated to a Fundraiser for Eric Rutulante
click on the photo to see it larger

Sometimes when you are sewing not everything goes to plan. I found this super cute pattern and I really didn't think it would be too difficult to put together.

The first challenge was making the pattern. More MATH! I thought I was done with math after I figured out how to find the circumference of a circle!

After that it was my fabric choice that got me in trouble. This silky material called brocade is beautiful but delicate. I couldn't use my sewing machine to put the final two pieces of the bag together. I had to do it by hand. Not difficult, but very time consuming.

To be quite honest, as cute as this bag is, it was a pain in the a** to put together. I really like the way it turned out though, so I'm going to try a major overhaul on the pattern. 

Bag Details
The bag is a dark green Asian themed brocade lined with yellow cotton fabric. The handles are wood painted black and the bag closes with a magnetic snap. It is approximately 10 inches across and 6.5 inches tall (not counting the handles).

To make a purchase contact me at: ashvantol@gmail.com or send me a tweet @upcycledbyash

The Inside

I love this fabric!

PS- photographing the shiny material was another major challenge!

Ginger Yoga Tote

Ginger Yoga Tote

$25 includes shipping 

prototype

I was so excited about all the new freecycle fabrics I got from my friend Ginger yesterday that I decided it was time to have a go at making a yoga tote. I've never made one before. It's the circular bottom, I was a  bit unsure about how to do it.

I think my High School math teacher might be proud of me. Math and I don't get along all that well. I almost gave up when I searched, how to find the circumference of a circle, and it told me to multiply the diameter of the circle by π to find it! I had to learn what pi was to put this thing together! π - pi, help!!!

Actually it turned out to be really easy. Finding pi isn't some complicated mathematical equation like I feared it would be, pi is 3.14. 

My Graphic Design

I'm pretty proud of how the bag turned out. I already have an awesome yoga tote though. I didn't make my tote but I was the graphic designer for the graphic on it. It was my first ever published piece of art! I did use that bag as a bit of a guide for making the Ginger Yoga Tote. 

I'm planning to work on the details of this design and then post a tutorial so you can make one too. If you don't sew, don't worry, I will be making more and posting them for sale here on Upcycled by Ash! 

Bag Details:

The Ginger Yoga Tote is roomy enough for a ticker yoga mat. Mine measures 15 inches in diameter and it slips in easily. The bag is lined with a purple material and closes with a ribbon tie. Beads tied on to the ribbon keep it from slipping into the bag.

The single front pocket is large enough for your keys and yoga card or cash for class. I found $7 in mine when I pulled it out for inspiration! I love finding money!!!

I'm hoping that making the tote is the first step in getting motivated to find a yoga class near me. I love yoga, but I haven't done any for months. I have a lot of excuses for why I haven't gone, but none of them are very convincing. 

Yoga Tote Made From Freecycled Materials

Lazy Dasiy

Lazy Daisy Mini Messenger Tote 

SOLD

Lazy Daisy is made out of the other leg of my Northface A5 cords. Note to self, stretch cord is a pain in the you know what to upcycle! Looks cure though doesn't it. 

Lazy Daisy was a bit more work than her counterpart the Mini Hoot, funny since I was sure it was going to be the other way around! Daisy's got a lot more stitching on her backside, I added a zip pocket from the pants. 

Bag Details-

The bag is roughly 8 inches deep, 7 inches across and 2 inches wide. The bag, flap and back pocket are made from light beige corduroy pants. The strap is made from "strap" material and decorated with the same green on green print that lines the bag. The strap is intentionally frayed on the edges. The daisies are made from scrap fabric and are heavily appliqued onto the flap.

The interior is a cute green on green print. No pockets on the inside.

Price includes shipping and handling. To purchase an item, send an email to me at ashvantol@gmail.com or a tweet @upcycledbyash  

Up-Close

Back Pocket

Mini Hoot Messenger Tote

Mini Hoot Messenger Tote

SOLD

How cute did this mini tote turn out! I love it, but I can bare to part with it. Owls are such great animals for simple graphic design. I think there will be more of them in my future, a wallet perhaps...

I was excited to use a few of the techniques I learned at my quilting class for some of the final touches on this little bag. I finally learned what all those extra feet that came with my sewing machine are for and what they can do, so cool!

Bag Details-

Click on Photo to Enlarge

The main bag was made from a pair of my favorite NorthFace A5 cords. They were slightly too short so I rarely wore them. I think they make a better bag than they did closet decoration. 

The rest of the fabric, the owl and the lining, was made from bits and pieces of fabric my grandma gave me, leftovers from her quilting days. There are two interior pockets both made from pieces of the corduroy pants. 

I lightly frayed the bag strap for effect and stitched it onto some sturdy pre-made material that is used to make belts and straps. I used a lot of zigzag stitching for added visual appeal on this bag. The stitching is a multi-colored tread of browns, yellows and golds.

This tote is smaller than the others I have made, thus the title "mini". The bag is 8.5 inches deep, 7 inches across and roughly 2 inches wide. 

Price includes shipping and handling. To purchase an item, send an email to me at ashvantol@gmail.com or a tweet @upcycledbyash  

Red, White and Blue Tote

Red, White and Blue Tote

SOLD

After the massacre of the pants, in this case overalls, I am left with the pieces to puzzle back together. This is the fun part!

Nani, @VictoriousVixen, has been trying to get me to some freemotion for a while now. So, I put on my big girl pants and showed that new sewing machine that's been intimidating me who's boss! You know what... that new machine rocks! It is so much better than the one I had. 

In case you don't know the "new" machine is actually my grandmother's 10 year-old machine. She bought top of the line. Lucky me!!!

The Red White and Blue Tote is the latest of my messenger totes to raise money for the clean up and rescue efforts in the Gulf of Mexico. 50% of the proceeds went to @NWF.

I love the big back pocket on this bag, the benefit of upcycling overalls! I also put two pockets inside instead of just one like the other bags have. The main stitching is navy blue and almost invisible. The lining is a red, white and blue flower pattern leftover form some little girls dresses I made last year. 
 
to purchase an item, send an email to me at ashvantol@gmail.com or a tweet @upcycledbyash   

Camo Bag

Camo Bag

Decided to Keep This One!

This is a prototype bag, meaning I decided to try something new. I think it turned out pretty well. There are a few changes I will make if I come across another pair of pants that have good cargo pockets like this. 

That is how it works. The first time I make a bag, I just go for it. When it's done, I take some notes for next time. These prototype bags I stick in the "sale" section. 

The "Camo Bag" has two outside pockets, one on either side. The stitching and lining are black. There is no inside pocket. It is larger than my other totes. 13" across as opposed to 9". The outside pockets are large enough to hold a good size water bottle.

to purchase an item, send an email to me at ashvantol@gmail.com or a tweet @upcycledbyash  

For the Birds

For the Birds

SOLD

This bag was a bit more work than the previous ones. It was worth it though. I love the way it turned out!

I've been asked where I get my images. What? What do you mean where do I get them? I make them. For this particular bag I had seen a photograph in a quilting magazine of a small, very intricate and detailed quilt. I loved it and decided I wanted to do something similar, but much simpler.

Using the image of the small quilt as inspiration, I pulled out my pencil and paper and drew the outline of my bird. Then I transferred that to the brown fabrics and cut it out (I had attached iron on fusing to the back). I cut out the yellow piece, the feet, the beak, the clouds and the tree freehand. I then pieced it all together on the unfinished flap of the bag and used a small, tight zigzag stitch on the sewing machine to embellish and permanently adhere it to the flap. Oh yeah and I used some beads for his eye. 

This bag use to be my friend Jenn's ugly pants (her words not mine). The tree came from a pair of my old pants that I have already made a bag with, Beige Bag. The clouds are the lining of a dress. I'm wearing the dress in the Red Flower Bag photos, pre-upcycle. When he was taking the photos my husband also took the time to tell me how much he didn't like the dress. I've only worn it twice in 3 years so I'm obviously not to fond of it either. The rest of the material, the part that makes up the bird and the lining, is all scrap that I have had laying around for at least a year. I think that the brown is leftover from the hotdog costume I made my dog for a contest.

to purchase an item, send an email to me at ashvantol@gmail.com or a tweet @upcycledbyash  

The Snappy Dragon

Snappy Dragon 

Awarded in a Giveaway

As I was working on this bag I suddenly thought of my twitter friend @TheSnappyDragon how could I not name it after her!  According to her "The Snappy Dragon lives in a cave somewhere off the coast of a pretty island. Frequents old baroque castles as haunts as well, and counts the Loch Ness Monster as a trusted confidante."

He turned out pretty good if I do say so myself.

This morning I dragged my butt out of bed early. It wasn't that hard since for some awful reason I had been awake since 5:30am! I couldn't fall back asleep, the dog was hogging the bed and my husband's elbow was jabbing me in the back.  Oh well at least we got the photos of the bag taken before he took off to go kayaking for the day. I'm sure there will be a nap in my near future.