Ok, so maybe, just MAYBE, listening to Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton and The Rolling Stones in the studio influenced this week’s project just a little bit. I have to admit, I totally think I’m so cool now loading up my laptop and flaunting this bag with all the fringe flowing back and forth behind me as I walk. 🙂
About a year ago, this huge leather coat found it’s way into my stash after a bag sale at my local thrift shop.
But the leather was a bit stiff for a coat, the buttons were hard to button, and it simply needed a new life.
I know what you’re thinking. But there really is no reason to be afraid of sewing leather on your regular machine! Just make sure you are using a leather needle (110/18) and your machine will do just fine. I promise.
Click here for the rest of the tutorial.
To thank you, once again, for taking the time to comment and pin this week’s Leather Fringe Bag Tutorial over at eHow, I’d like to give away another copy of my newest book, The Refashion Handbook to one of you. I’ll announce the winner next Saturday.
Have fun channeling your inner hippie!
Peace,
Beth
The Renegade Seamstress 
Very nice tutorial; easy to understand. I would suggest an extra pass with the sewing machine over the straps, as they always seem to be the weakest point on a handbag. I love the finished product and may have to force myself to also cut up an old leather jacket 🙂
Please enter me in the drawing 🙂
Nice to hear from you Mother Deer! Thanks for the helpful suggestion about the straps and yes, it would be hard to cut up a lather jacket that you loved, but I found this one in a bag sale. It was ill fitting and probably only cost about fifty cents. That made cutting it up much easier! You are definitely entered in the drawing. 🙂 Have a great week!
Love the purse. I am curious about how much the jacket cost you to buy. I saw a short leather jacket at a thrift store and they wanted $20 for it. I felt like it was too much to pay for recycling, but maybe not?
I would love to win!
Thank Ann! I have to admit that I’m so lucky to have my local thrift store. They have bag sales once a month. You buy a bag for $2.00 and can fill it with anything you’d like. That’s where I got this coat, so it probably only cost about 50 cents. I agree, at some thrift shops leather can be quite expensive. You might ask the owners of the thrift shop to keep their eyes out for a damaged leather coat that they might part with for much less $$$$. Just a thought. 🙂 Good luck, I hope you find just the right coat for this project!
Amazed at what you were able to change the coat to! And here I have given away a leather coat in the past!
Would love to be entered in the drawing for the book!
Thanks so much! Consider yourself entered! 🙂
Looks great, I have a leather and suede coat in my stash that I’ve been waiting to use on a project. Thanks for the groovy idea LOL
You are TOTALLY welcome!!!
Hi Beth..I’m not sure if this is the right place to leave a comment but I just want to say I’ve been following you for a long time…I really enjoy your posts and all the clever ways you are refashioning. This leather bag is so cool. Congrats on your new book and all of your tutorials..keep up the good work. Sharon kloter Tolland Ct.
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Thanks so much Sharon! I do remember you. You were one of my early subscribers! Thanks for leaving a note, it’s nice to hear from you!
Just pinned over at eHow, but did not see a place to comment there–so assuming we comment here to enter for the book giveaway?
Works for me!!! Thanks!
This is awesome! I have an obsession with fringe. I am keeping my eye out for a second-hand leather coat. Great tutorial. Thanks. I left a comment on EHow and pinning this. Can’t wait to get your book! You are amazing!
Awwwwww…..thanks so much Trudy! I think your book should be getting there tomorrow. Have a great week!
Sorry I could not focus on the bag, I have that same carved creature that you have standing beside the bag. I bought it at a church meeting.
Such a coincidence! What are the chances? I LOVE him! I think he is so cool!!! When I was buying wine glasses at The Restore for the book launch party, they threw him in for free. Even better!!!! 🙂
I want to win your book! One of my favorite things in the world is making something into something else that I love much better! You sound like a total kindred spirit. Just found your blog through Pat Sloan – read her every day and now can’t wait to check out your blog as well.
Welcome to The Renegade Seamstress, Wendy! It does sound like we are kindred spirits!
Happy sewing!!!
Once again another great tutorial! How do you find time to do all this when you are working full time as a teacher? Very busy talented lady!
Thanks, Valerie! I am busy but it feels like play to me! 🙂
I’m not yet brave enough to put sissors to leather, but your idea is sure inspiring! I love all of the sassy fringe of your bag!
Thank you, Sunny!
Please enter me in your book give a way. I love your designs!
Thank you, Linda! Consider yourself entered. 🙂
I love it! Very chic for this time of year…
Thanks! The cool weather inspired me for sure. 🙂
Nice bag! I think I’ll try sewing leather. Thanks!
Thank you Francine! Have fun with this project!
My mother never backed away from sewing any type of fabric, and I’ve followed her lead. Great project.
You and your mom sound like my kind of women!!! 🙂
wow! great transformation!
Thank so much, Kathy!
Love the refashion.
Thank you, Jenniffer!
Thank s for the great idea and tutorial! I often forget I could turn a garment into something else entirely rather than just adjusting the fit. 😉
You are so welcome, Dawn! So many possibilities, so little time. 🙂
Maybe the most phenomenal up cycle I have seen! I can see the flower power rocking the studio!
Sent from my iPad
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Thanks Marty! We’ll get you up to the studio one of these days.
This is awesome. I may now have a “problem” with refashioning although I am better at buying the stuff than actual execution, which of course is why I want your book. Please include me in the drawing. Would love for you to sign it, if I win. Keep up the good work. Thank you.
Thanks so much, I’ll definitely sign the book if you win!!!!
Love it! Now to find a leather jacket to cut up! Xx
Thanks! Have fun!!!
So cool!!
Thanks!
Great idea…now to find a leather coat. 🙂
Have fun Pam!
I love this! I need to go and find a leather coat to take apart. Thanks for a great tutorial.
You are so welcome, Cindy! Have fun!
i loved your tutorial on ehow! Because of you I will forever look at thrift store clothing differently. 😉 Like I said this bag rocks… and you make it look so easy.
I’ve got to give this a try.
Thanks Pat! Have fun with this!!!!
LOVE the fringe! How perfect for fall. I just did a leather tote tutorial on my new blog. I’d love for you to check it out http://www.thediydream.wordpress.com
Hi Lindsey! I checked out your bag and I LOVED it! Well done!
I love this purse, I see me making one in the near future. Fantastic tutorial. I was at Goodwill tonight and was looking at a leather jacket for $10.98; I didn’ t purchase it because I thought it felt too stiff. I got home and checked my emails and to my surprise I recieved your email about a stiff leather coat turned purse, darn I should have purchased the one I saw. Oh, well it may still be there this weekend.
You have a wonderful blog, I am hoping to win a copy of your book.
Thank you so much, Debbie! I hope that coat is still there when you go back so you can fringe it up this weekend! Have fun!!!
Beth, I’m loving your blog and tutorials. I listened to your interview and I could just hear you smile. Best of luck with this expanding passion. When I told Josh and Eric what you were up to both raised and eyebrow and said “cool!” I ordered your book. It looks like there’s steep competition for the giveaways. 🙂
Hi Bonnie!!! It was so nice to talk to you a few weeks ago! I hope we can get together again sometime soon. I miss you guys!!!
Your blog is inspiring me to sew by refashioning other items. I have had the “itch” to get back into sewing again but find that the cost of fabric is so high these days. Reusing other items is inspiring! I will have to read your blog like a book for ideas and inspiration. I have some bags of clothing ready to take to a charity but most likely will go through them before doing so. Who knows what I’ll find in there to refashion?
Hi Debbie! The cost of fabric and patterns is exactly what inspired me to start refashioning. There are so many great pieces waiting around in the thrift shops that just need a little lovin’!!! Hope you have as much fun with all of this as I do!
I love this bag! I have 3 leather couch cushions that have been waiting for a project just for them!
What a good idea to use couch cushions for this project! Have fun!
I love the bag! Unfortunately I don’t have any leather needles right now…
Hi Arianna! Just look for 110/18 needles, they work great on leather and you can find them at any fabric and craft store. Have fun!!!
Wow – I have an old jacket in the closet that I think will get repurposed very soon! That is just a great bag!!!!
Thank you so much! Have fun with this project!
While taking my walk this afternoon, I listened to your interview with Pat Sloan. As soon as I got home, I had to check out your site. I love your ideas! I even told my daughter about it. I’d love to win your book, so please enter my name . I might even share it with my daughter. 😉
Thank you so much!!! It’s fun to know you were listening. 🙂
I love your blog so I’m sure I would love your book! Please enter me in the giveaway. Thanks
Thank you, Jan!
I’d love to see your book! I’m kinda clueless when it comes to refashioning things. http://www.pinterest.com/pin/82612974390540774/
Thanks for pinning, Natasha!
If it’s not too late, I’d love to be entered in your giveaway. The book looks fantastic. I’ve been trying to get into the whole “upcycle” thing, and have bought several pieces of clothing from the thrift store, but as of yet, have not actually done anything with them.
I hope you’ll get a chance to try it sometime.
Beautiful
thanks so much. just made this bag. great tutorial.
I’m so glad you had fun making this!
Awesome bag, and even better that it was from an old jacket!
Thanks, Gretchen! I use this everyday to carry my laptop back and forth to work.