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This weeks runaway refashion is all about buttons… that’s one item I am not short of! I inherited my Gran’s button box, and my mother-in-laws. There is something special about using buttons passed on down through the generations. Some of the buttons have stories attached to them, sadly lost now as he generation passes away.
The refashion seems a great way of using lots of odd buttons to add a twist to one of my favourite tutorials.
This makes a super cute small bag. I started with some wool fabric I had been passed on in a gorgeous burgundy colour.
To make your own cut out the bag pieces as per the downloadable Tweed Tote Bag instructions. Add fusible fleece to the main bag piece. Mark out 1″ squares with tailors chalk and a quilters ruler. As you can see from the image I started from the top of the bag each side marking out 8 squares towards the base of the bag (central column on image below).
Stitch these grid lines in a complimentary colour, I chose a strong orange.
Have fun selecting a variety of buttons.
Hand stitch the buttons into place, leaving the top and side line of squares. This enables you to stitch the side seams in place. It has the added bonus of providing a frame around your gorgeous buttons.
Tack into place Annies Soft and Stable to the main bag piece, this adds strength and stability to the bag (mine is quite heavy with the weight of the buttons)
Sew up the bag as the tutorial. I did moderate slightly, placing the lining inside the bag with the top seam allowance turned in (as the outer is shown above) and top stitching the two together.
This bag is available from my Etsy shop – its that time of year where I need to start building up stock ready for Christmas sales.
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Such a fun bag. Button tins take me straight back to being a child. I inherited buttons from grandmothers too. In fact I think I even have a few matching ones to yours and buckles too. I love adding them to the things I make.
There is something almost magical about buttons handed down through the generations:)
Gorgeous bag Vicky! Great way to use up those buttons, makes for a unique design.
Jill recently posted…A Round Tuit 324
I prefer the buttons to the flower on the original bag design. Thanks for commenting Jill:)
You have some awesome buttons in your collection, Vicky. The buttons look great against the texture of the wool.
Pam @Threading My Way recently posted…Threading Your Way ~ Features
Thanks Pam. The beauty of the bag is being able to use the odd buttons:)
I love your bag with assorted buttons.
Both the bag and the choice buttons is perfect. Thanks for the inspiration.
You are welcome Sana:) I can visualise making many more..!
Lovely idea. Like you I have inherited buttons and still remove from clothing that is getting binned.
Thanks Caroline – have to confess that I have so many buttons that I don’t save them from clothes!
What a simple, but super idea. Sometimes I take my button box into school, and just let the children play at sorting them. I am also a compulsive button remover from old clothes.
Ginny recently posted…“Heigh Ho says Anthony Rowley …”
What a wonderful use for buttons!
Having admired this over on Instagram it’s good to see how you put it all together.
I love this as a way to use buttons, pinning, thanks.
Julie recently posted…Wedding Gift Wrap Nespresso Boxes
What a great way to use a button collection! Love it!
This bag is AMAZING…love it!
Hi there
Just stopped by to let you know that I featured this on my Round Tuit post this week!
A Round Tuit 325
Thanks again for linking up to A Round Tuit Hope you have a great week!
Jill @ Creating my way to Success
Jill recently posted…A Round Tuit 325
Hi, Vicky! That is soooo charming! And the tutorial surprised me: I would not have guessed you sewed the buttons on first. But that’s likely because I’m not a sewist, quilter or even a -make-it-from-scratch-er. I really love it!
Michelle L recently posted…No-Sew Recycled Denim Pendants – With A Hidden Metal Underwire!
This is such a fun idea! My kids would go nuts for it, too.
That is adorable. I too have bunches of buttons passed down from my grandma. I’m definitely pinning this for later. Thank you!
Oh my, this bag is darling! Just a great idea to display some beautiful buttons!! Thanks for sharing at our DIY Crush Craft Party on Thursdays! Hope to see your newest projects this week!
What a great idea. It looks very nice. Thanks for sharing how to make one.
This is so cute, and what a clever way to use up those fun vintage buttons! Thanks for giving us the instructions on how to make one. This is going on my list of fun things to make!
Love it but the download pattern doesn’t work.
Hi Clare, it seems to be working for me, how odd! I will send you the pattern by email. Vicky
I really want to make this bag but I don’t have Office so I can’t download….any other way to get it? Thanks for some great inspiration!
Hi Pam,I will copy and paste the instructions into an e-mail for you, Vicky