Once a Pair of Jeans--Now a Handbag

If you are expecting a big old worn out derriere from a pair of jeans, you won't find it here.

I am not really into those worn butt jean bags. They are for younger ladies. I like my denim bag a tad more refined.

There are so many shades of denim that I find it difficult to match up jean jackets, pants and handbags. I made this bag with multiple shades of denim and it still is not really a match to any of these jackets! If you turn it over, though, the blue border is not such a vivid hue and it will work.

I plan to make a bunch more with different jeans.

I have a big rubbermaid tote full of jeans leftover from my denim quilt project. I even have nice neat bags full of cut out squares, triangles and jean pockets.
I've tossed this jacket in there a few years ago and was very happy to find it when I began this new project.


I paper pieced 7-inch center blocks using the jacket sleeve for an accent color and texture.
I added borders (from a bag of strips I already had cut) until it was the size I wanted. I like my handbags on the smaller side. This one finished at 12 inches high x 10 inches wide. The belted top is my favorite part of the bag. It's a recycled leather handle from a handbag. Sometimes I buy handbags at garage sales just so I can cut them up and reuse parts in my own designs.


I had planned to use a pocket zipper from the jacket for the top of this one, but it didn't quite work out, so I used magnetic snaps instead.

I did not quite get the decorative stitching correct on the point of the leather triangle. I may end up putting something over that spot. I tried a fabric flower that matched the lining, but that didn't work for me.

This week I am going to work on the denim blocks with the pink tulip. That bag will be very spring-like.