DIY SEWING AND PHOTOGRAPHY

I Got a Sewing Machine for Mother’s Day

Upcycling material from around my home to create tote bags

Here is a little background on my sewing experience. I took a Home Economics class back in Jr. High school. Do schools still teach Home Ec? One of the subjects taught was sewing. Although I loved it, I didn’t sew much after that.

I did, however, grow up seeing my mother sew. My mom was an outstanding seamstress. She started sewing when she was ten years of age. My grandmother sewed, and my mom learned from her. My mom sewed professionally until she was in her mid-70s.

My mom stopped sewing due to bad eyesight, among other health issues. She is now 92-years of age; however, she has given me sewing advice for creating these bags. Other than that, I don’t have much experience sewing. I do find it to be a fun and relaxing craft.

My first tote bag came from this 40x30 canvas print.

I had this picture printed on a 40x30 inch canvas. Although I was happy with the print quality, I was not satisfied with how I cropped it for print (no fault of the printers). Since I’ve never really liked it, I hung it in my garage to hide it. I didn’t want to throw it away either because I felt guilty wasting money. So, with my new sewing machine, I decided to upcycle this canvas to create a tote bag. Here is my end product!

Tote bag created from a canvas print.

My second tote bag made of polyethylene and gingham print material.

I made this second tote out of polyethylene; it’s leftover canopy material my husband bought for our outdoor patio.

When I was doing a lot of food photography, I purchased many different materials for tabletops, napkins, backdrops, etc. I used this gingham pattern material I had leftover from a photo shoot for the lining of this tote.

My third tote bag and water bottle carrier.

My third tote and water bottle bag carrier were made from a houndstooth pattern and a cotton material I had leftover from another photo shoot. I made these two bags per my daughter’s request. She loves them!

As I mentioned before, I don’t like to waste anything, so let me share what is left from the remaining canvas. I framed it with a lovely black 8x10 inch frame.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this article as much as I have in sewing my tote bags. I will keep practicing my sewing in the hope that one day I will be half as good as my mother.