how to make a purse

Remake: Chevron Sequin Prom Dress Pt. II

I was in love with this sequined dress... New Dress A Day - 80s Sequin Prom Dress

...that I turned into this...

New Dress A Day - 80s sequined dress

...but there were SO many sequins left over! I just couldn't let them go to waste.

I grabbed one of the sleeves...

New Dress A Day - 80s prom dress

...and got to work!

So, because of the shape of the sleeve - large and poufy - I had an idea right off the bat. This was going to become a purse! I grabbed some thread...

New Dress A Day - 80s prom dress

...and began to stitch closed the bottom portion of the sleeve, which was the elastic end that fell at the elbow. I hand stitched away...

New Dress A Day - 80s prom dress

...until the bottom of the purse was completely closed.

Next it was time to craft a strap! Using some thin gold ribbon from May Arts, I measured five strands of 24" each...

New Dress A Day - 80s prom dress

...and stitched them together on each side of the sleeve. The portion of the sleeve that hit the shoulder of the dress was now becoming the flap of the purse, so the straps were getting attached right on each side of the flap.

New Dress A Day - 80s prom dress

With the new strap stitched in place, a quick tassel made with extra ribbon, and a bit of velcro added to keep the flap closed, my purse was complete!

New Dress A Day - 80s prom dress

How chic does this look??

New Dress A Day - 80s prom dress

Um, this purse used to be the sleeve of a dress.

New Dress A Day - 80s prom dress

I love that it's a little extra bling and shine to accompany this Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent cocktail dress. It totally makes this look pop!

New Dress A Day - 80s prom dress

I'm going to start wearing this everywhere!!

New Dress A Day - 80s prom dress

No, but seriously. Everywhere.

From old sleeve to the chicest new accessory added to my collection.

New Dress A Day - 80s prom dress

I'm one happy gal!!