128 Days to Go: Kelli’s NDAD Creation

Jun 15, 2012 | 22 Comments

I’ve been in serious spring cleaning mode, so when I saw Kelli’s project, I totally understood where she was coming from!  I have loads of tote bags, but only a few are really big enough to carry everything I want to carry.  I always have my computer with me, some water, snacks, and sometimes a spare pair of flip flops to change into when heels or flats begin giving me blisters, so having a solid bag to carry all these goodies is key!!

I have enjoyed reading your blog and I was inspired to pull a project off the back burner and finally get it done!  And when I say the back burner I mean it has been in the bottom of a basket in my craft room for several years (I hate to admit it but it has been at least 5 years- yikes!) but I just couldn’t part with it.  My favorite tote bag came as a freebie from a friend who works at Neiman’s and I used the bag so much it literally had holes in it…

New Dress A Day - DIY - Vintage Dress - Before Bag

Kelli - Before

Will she get these holes tweaked?!

 I went to a local fabric outlet and scored this great golf themed fabric for only 99 cents per yard!  I measured my old bag and cut a “slip cover” (for lack of a better term) and with a little help from my crafty kitty Audrey Hepburn, sewed the cover onto the tote. 

New Dress A Day - DIY - Vintage Dress - Tote Bag Creation

Hi Kitty!!

Now I have a bag that I am not embarrassed to take to work or to hit the links on the weekends.  I used some remnant bias tape to go around the straps so the entire project cost me less than $2 and finally revived my fave tote bag.  I have been carrying it everywhere.

New Dress A Day - DIY - Vintage Dress - Tote Bag

Kelli - After

Thanks for the inspiration to tackle this project!  -Kelli

PS, I love that golf fabric, but I”m obsessed with Kelli’s crafty assistant…

New Dress A Day - DIY - Vintage Dress - Krafty Kitty

Cutest Picture Ever, Audrey Hepburn!

Thank you for sharing Kel!!

In all · Reader Creations · Uncategorized
  • Sophia

    The bag is cool but definitely secondary to the cutie kitty xx

  • Darsedee28

    I have a cat who “helps” when I’m at the computer. hahahahaha

  • Btejkl

    I’m embarrassed to admit my first thought was duct tape…… The fabric turned out much better lol. My kitty, Mulder, helps me sew too!!!

  • ms. mary

    i TOTES love this project… and the cat :) pun intended

  • Natchez

    Love the fabric and that you went with dark straps. Cute! 

  • Kissem37

    Great way to save that tote, and yay for kitty helpers!

  • DinaB

    What a great sewing machine! Oh the things you and Audrey Hepburn can create together are just about endless!
     Beautiful cat + Awesome Tote Redo = 1 Fantastic Post
    Thanks Marisa for bringing us all together to share.

  • Elaine

    I have a fabric tote made by a friend which I like, but the straps are lightweight fabric–just not easy to grab or carry.   Any suggestions as to how they can be replaced or reinforced?

    • Boatgirl

      Try using a heavy webbing in a color that coordinates with the fabric of your bag/straps. It is like a thick and sturdy ribbon and can be found in most fabric stores. There a couple of standard widths. I’d suggest buying one that is a bit narrower than the straps and centering it so it looks like a contrasting trim. Use a heavy duty needle to sew it to avoid breakage.  

  • Sarah_H

    This bag could live forever! I’m sure there are other cute fabrics out there to make another slipcover when this one bites the dust, and another, and another….Great idea!

  • Smtremel

    A sewing project is not complete unless it has been blessed by a kitty.

  • http://twitter.com/jodywallace Jody Wallace

    I don’t even want to confess how long some of my projects have been in my craft attic, I MEAN, basket…

  • diana

    ok how do i figure out how to do this…i love this bag redo

    • Kelli

      I measured the sides and bottom of the tote, added an inch on the sides for a seam allowance and a couple of inches to the height to fold over the top. I also cut out notches for the straps then sewed bias tape around the areas for the straps to keep the fabric from fraying. After sewing the sides and bottom together I put the tote inside my new cover then sewed around the top of the bag to hold the cover in place. Now I just wish I had done it sooner. Good luck!

      • diana

        thanks now to get old totes..gotta dig or beg..lol

  • KimboTron5000

    Love the bag, love the kitty cat!!!

  • http://www.facebook.com/hidesama Ren Akuma

    I keep meaning to finish off my latest craft project and send you a few pics of it xD but then I keep procraaaaaaaaastinating

  • lauraly

    Great idea!

  • Keenzi

    What a GREAT idea! I am sitting here eyeing my beloved-but-seriously-battered tote/diaper bag and going, “Hmmmmm”. : )

  • Calpearl2

    it’s a nice bag but very misleading…. I was expecting you to FIX the bag… it really is easy!

  • Sistermidget

    Use velcro or magnets to “attach” the over-cover and then make lots of over-covers and switch them to go with the clothing you’re wearing.

    • Tollyfaye

      I do that with the 31 skirt purse, sew lots of covers!