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DCL
Vera Bradley may have hit a niche when the company launched its patterned, quilted bags in 1982, but if you're even slightly handy with a sewing machine you can make your own zippered makeup bag for a fraction of the cost. Even better: since a cosmetics case doesn't have to be big, you can easily find enough fabric by reusing an old t-shirt, skirt, or sweater (if you like a cable-knit look).
We found this 15-part video series (don't worry, it's not as hard as it sounds; each clip is only a few minutes long) over on Expert Village, where clothing designer Candi Cane-Canncel walks you through each step, from cutting the pieces to adding an appliqu? and installing a zipper (though if a zipper is beyond your sewing skills, a button or snap would work, too). Bonus: this easy, inexpensive project makes a perfect holiday gift for coworkers, babysitters, and other hard-to-buy-for friends.
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