Altered Couture "Apron-All"

This is my second item in the Winter Altered Couture magazine. The Apron-All was made from a pair of thrifted child's overalls and a vintage apron. I removed the pocket from the apron and added to the bib of the overall. When I purchased the apron, I thought it was a child's apron but I've since learned that many vintage aprons are smaller than those of today. I did make the waistband smaller to fit the waistband of the overall. I also used a red sharpie to add detail to the buttons. This item will be available in my Etsy store when it is returned from Stampington's.

Grids and Grommets Goes Western

Yesterday I decided to do a little project with recycled denim jeans. This Grids and Grommets bag is the result. I had made the larger tote from this pattern a few weeks ago. The smaller version is designed to use jelly rolls (2 1/2" strips of precut fabric available at quilt shops). I decided to use strips cut from denim jeans. My two pair of jeans were almost identical in color and it is difficult to see the strips. I think it would look better if the denim strips were light and dark but I still like this one. Once I had cut the strips, I decided to use the pockets from one of the jeans. The pattern does not have a exterior pocket. I added the back pocket from the jeans as a front pocket. Then I decided to cut the other pocket down to make a cell phone pocket on the outside of the interior pocket.

I found this lovely fabric at the thrift store. It had been an interior decorator's sample fabric. It is called "Arizona Bandana". Quite appropriate don't you think.

I love the tote and can see that it will quickly become one of my favorites. It is the perfect size to carry.