Gina Michele
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diy reconstruction: sweater into bag (inspired by ysl)

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[top pics: Vanessa Jackman]
I was immediately taken with this YSL knit bag after spotting it on French stylist, Ondine Azoulay. I decided to create a similar one by using an old sweater.
This DIY requires a sewing machine and a small amount of hand sewing. I would recommend this project for intermediate level sewers.
Supplies
  • Old sweater
  • 2 different balls of yarn in complimenting colors
  • ¼ yard of cotton fabric
  • Fusible (iron-on) interfacing
  • Magazine
The first thing you'll need to do is make 6 tassels out of yarn.  If you don't know how to make a tassel, check out this easy to follow tutorial.
    [Place a magazine near the hem of the sweater. Mark off 3 inches above it]
    [Cut out the squares and iron the fusible interfacing to the back or "wrong" side of the fabric]
    [Pin the tassels on to the fabric and then sew them down]
    [Sew the two sides together at the sides and bottom]
    [To make the flap, cut out an 11 ½ by 6 ½ inch piece of fabric. Hem the edges and sew on to the bag, wrong sides together]
    [To make the strap for the bag- cut 24 strands of yarn 60 inches long. Divide the strands into 3 sections and braid. At this point, also make the braided trim for the body of the bag. Cut 24 strands of yarn 50 inches long. Divide and braid]
    [Sew the strap onto the bag at either side]
    [With the cotton fabric, cut 2 squares out. Use the magazine and add 3 inches like with the sweater. Place the right sides together and sew the sides and bottom closed]
    [Place the right sides of the fabric together and sew the lining to the bag around the top. Make sure you leave an opening so you can turn the bag right side out. Stitch the opening closed by hand when you're finished]
    [Stitch the 2nd braid you made earlier around the bag by hand]
    [Tie the remaining tassels on to the flap of the bag]
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    Comments

    5. Chelsea Lane

      this is so amazing girl! spectacular DIY--definitely a great tutorial. turned out lovely!

      xoxo

    6. Ramona

      woooooowwww!!! Your diy bag is more gorgeous than YSL.Seriously!Love it!
      ♥
      xoxo Ra

    7. Candace

      Yessss, I've been wondering how to repurpose knits 🙂 Great tutorial, thanks!

    8. Jeni @ New Pioneer

      This is a terrific idea and it looks wonderful!

    9. SparksandFireworks

      Im so happy you have done this for us!! I am going to try and make it! Yours honestly looks so much nicer than the YSL!!!

      You are such a clever woman!!

      xoxo Jess
      SparksandFireworks.blogspot.com

    10. Gaby de Modacapital

      Hi!! 🙂
      I really like your blog,
      I follow you 😀 !
      ... maybe if you have time, you could visit my blog too, and if you like it, follow me back 😉
      Kisses!
      http://modacapitalblog.com

    11. Crafts for kids

      So cute fashion! thanks for sharing.

    12. Dominion Arts n Crafts.com

      Hello ... this bag is amazing ... your instructions are so easy to follow that I had to go back over them several times to be sure I hadn't missed something ! I am quite eager to try this .. It's just SO CUTE, and I've never even seen that YSL thing, don't really like it either .. yours is tons better. OH, I like your choice of the Cole Haan magazine too 😀 ~~ Keep up the good work !!

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