DCL
Before you toss those old fabrics (including clothes), try making this purse.
I've always been a fan of big bags. The bigger my bag is--the more I can carry in it. The more I can carry in my bag, the fewer times I have to check luggage at the airport, go home to get my gym clothes before my workout, take a plastic bag from the cashier at the store—and the list goes on. I've recently begun to make some bags from old fabric (primarily t-shirts) that are great for these kinds of purposes. Because they're made from soft fabrics, they can be bunched up and transported easily when not filled and yet expand much more than many other bags when they are filled. They're an eco-dream and they only take a few minutes to make.
How to make a purse from old fabric:
Pick a Shirt to Use
Locate your fabrics. The body of the bag will need to be a t-shirt.
Cut Wide Circle
Where the neck of your t-shirt is, cut a wide circle. This will be the mouth of your bag.
Tie a Knot
Where the bottom of the t-shirt is, tie into a knot.
Cut Strands of Fabric Cut strands of different fabrics as wide as you'd like the strap to be. Tie the base strand for the strap through an arm hole. Make the strap as long as you want by knotting in new strands through the strap until you are happy with the length. When you are happy with the length, knot the end strand through the second arm hole. Enjoy! This project is not only a great way to reuse fabric and reduce consumption of new purses, but it's also a great way to green up your flight by carrying less and your shopping by refusing plastic bags.
