Credit Threadbanger.com
Threadbanger has tons of re-uses for t-shirts as part of its T-Shirt Madness series, but our favorite this week is the tee purse, a simple way to upcycle your summer favorites instead of just dropping them at Goodwill.
Late August is the perfect time to start thinking about which summer shirts won't last through next year--and to figure out what to do with the ones that don't fit, aren't in good condition, or have lost their spot in your clothing rotation for some other reason. This purse requires three t-shirts--two contrasting colors for the outside stripes and a third for the inside--but since you won't use the entire piece of fabric, it's okay if they have stains or rips in spots. The pattern--made from a paper bag--is easy enough even for beginners; the tutorial makes it easy to add inner pockets for your cell phone, lip gloss, or wallet; and the braided handle and red and orange colors are just the right look for fall. Headed back to school? Carry the essentials without a heavy backpack, or change the size and handle length according to your taste.
If you don't have any old t-shirts on hand, try other extra fabric--sheets, pillowcases, denim, flannel shirts--or scout out your local thrift store for the tops someone else has outgrown. The project leaves plenty of room for your own personal touches, too: mix colors and patterns, choose fabric with various textures, or embellish with beading or embroidery.
