Denim jacket to satchel refashion

I absolutely adore refashioning items with a history (or should that be story?) into something wonderful and new.

So when I was asked to refashion an original Levi's denim jacket which had been embroidered by the owner's wife-to-be half a century ago, I jumped at the chance.  Sure, it was a little tentative - what if it went wrong?  You certainly can't get another one of these! 

And that is the beauty of sewing for me - to produce unique items which capture a moment in time for somebody else. 

We agreed that it would be made into a satchel.

The front of the jacket was embroidered with a rainbow and had a branch on the lapel.

While the back had a ram emblazoned on it.

I looked for some fabric to line the soon-to-be satchel.  Nothing seemed 'right' to me.  Then I remembered that I had a denim shirt from the same lady that I could use - and it would tone really well.

Before even thinking about cutting into the jacket, I had to plan where each part was going to go.  I figured that the ram from the back panel was to go on the back and along the top of the satchel.

The front of the satchel was created from part of the sleeve - I thought it looked good with the seam running down it.

Try as I might, there was not enough 'satchel' to incorporate the rainbow.  So I placed it in the front pocket.  Well, the best things in life are hidden until you realise they are there, aren't they?

And of course that meant that the pot of gold was in there too using applique.

I had a bit of luck with the side of the front pocket - it appeared that the waistband of the jacket was the precise width that I needed.  So that was incorporated too; press studs and all - I do so love retaining as much of the original item as possible.

The Ralph Lauren shirt was used for the interior, the interior pocket and the strap and side-release buckle tabs.

The strap itself together with the satchel gusset was made from a pair of jeans.

And the branch was appliqued onto the top of the satchel.

One embroidered denim jacket satchel!

One fabric memory :)

Next...

Skirt + Sheet = Satchel (obviously!)

I discovered a skirt with the most amazing Hawaiian print on it.  As you do.  It's just one of those gut instinct things - see it/love it/know that it will come in handy.

I already had a blue/teal coloured sheet that I wanted to use and thought it would go perfectly with the skirt.

I found a satchel pattern.  Jolly handy that.

And bingo - I created a satchel!

 

I'm really rather chuffed with the way it turned out. 

There was enough skirt fabric to make the front pocket, the front and back/flap out of.  I think I even have enough left over to make something else!  For the rest of the satchel, I used the sheet.

The outside of the bag is quite structured thanks to a new-to-me extra super duper solid interfacing.  I didn't know that existed - it's surprising what you discover!

All of the metalwork was brand new - I might see if I can find some preloved clips/rings etc for the next version. 

I always like to follow the pattern to the letter when I first sew something to see what happens.  Next time I might tinker with it slightly.  I love having a play with the pattern!

It's expandable in every which way.  Perfect for school maybe?

And I've just found the picture of the original skirt so thought I would add that to the post too to keep it all in one place :)

 

 

Already onto the next project!