Recycled jumper-bag

I made this bag using an old shrunken jumper I had kept for ages.  It went in with the wrong wash and turned out almost felted.  As Betz White explains in her beautiful book Sewing Green a garment has to contain at least 80% wool, or a combination of wool and other animal fibres to felt. This jumper was mostly synthetic and it had a low percentage of wool so it didn't really felt, but it's close, anyway. Not bad considering it was originally an accident!

I cut it straight along the underarm seams, turned it inside out and sewed in a cotton lining the same way I did for the Big Jumps Gym Bag. The fabric for the lining is called Très Jolie - perfect name which fits really well! It's designed by Janet G. Gossard for Fabrics by Spectrix. 

For the shoulder strap I used an old belt which had been lying around unused, from my older son's trousers.

I'm very pleased with how cosy this bag turned out and the lining has a - now - worn touch to it which feels lovely when I have to put my hand in it to get something out.

For the string I used red leather - I really like red leather, and it matches my purse (which is in my bag so you can't see it!) - and three cloisonné beads.

NOTE: The HELP HAITI! Fabric Auction - on previous post - will be open till the 31st January. If you haven't donated to any Help organisation yet, you might want to take part in this auction and not only will you be helping the victims in Haiti but also having the opportunity to receive a beautiful  fabric pack.