Recycled Denim Tote

Hi, everyone!  I'm still trying to get caught up, showing you what I've been working on!

I had a great idea to make a couple bags out of recycled denim.  As I started, I quickly remembered how challenging it can be to work with denim -- it can get wonky AND man, there is a lot of bulk to deal with!  I thought I could tough it out, but I was stressing.  If I'm doing something for myself or for someone I know will appreciate my efforts, I'm all in.  But ... that just wasn't the case.  I decided to shift gears - and go on to Plan B.

Plan B is to just make it however I wanted to and to keep it to use myself.  I was so much more relaxed!  I used a gorgeous Jason Yenter fabric for the lining and pockets.  Take a look:

I did a button and loop closure.  The loop is elastic (from discarded jacket or something ... I can't remember) with a little cord lock on it.  I can cinch it tight when there isn't much in the bag, then let it out if I'm toting around a lot of "stuff"!

The handles are cotton webbing - they used to be an old belt.  I also attached a D-ring using the same webbing/belt, and put a small carabiner clip on it.  It can either hang outside of the tote or inside.  It is SO HANDY for my key fob!  I always get to wherever I'm driving to, then have to dig around in my bag for my fob so I can lock my vehicle.  "I know I have it with me or the vehicle wouldn't have started ..."  So convenient!!

For whatever reason, Maggie is fascinated with this tote.

Let's take a look inside:

There is a huge divided pocket on one side, and on the other, a zippered pocket, with a pocket behind that.  The zip was saved from a discarded windbreaker.  I've used other zips from that jacket in other projects -- like the Persimmon Dumpling Pouch I made for my mom.  Here's a closer look at the zip pocket:

And the reverse side of the bag:

Yes, that's Maggie's ear.  ❤

I did just some simple quilting on the outside - more like topstitching to make those bulky seams lay a bit flatter.

The tote opens so nice and wide, so you can find everything:

And of course, because I didn't ask her to, when I set the bag on the floor to get one more shot ...

Thank you, Maggie.  (Honestly, what a doll!)

That's it for now.  A great recycling effort for the belt, the D-ring (also part of the belt), the denim, the elastic and cord lock, and the zip!  And I have to say, this is one of my favorite bags!  It holds a TON and I can still find everything!

Thanks for reading!

KZK