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turning out pocket-purses

Recycle your old blue jeans and keep memories alive with a fun, fashionable pocket purse. Add special decorations and designs
to make it uniquely yours.

Gather your supplies:

• old pair of jeans with patch
• pockets
  
• old cloth belt
  
• braided rope or long scarf
• lace small silk flowers
  
• ribbon
  
• buttons
  
• beads and appliqués
  
• glue gun
  
• needle and threads
  
• scissors

Simple Instructions:

1. Cut a back patch pocket from the jeans, being
sure to leave the entire pocket intact.

2. Make a shoulder strap from ribbon, an old belt, a long scarf or braided rope.
• Measure the strap first to be sure it’s long enough to be comfortable
• Use a material that’s sturdy yet can be sewn easily

3. Sew the strap onto the inside of the pocket sides.
• Consider decorating the sides to cover the stitches or use a colorful thread to sew in the strap

4. Sew strips of Velcro to the inside of the pocket as a secure closure.

5. Get creative with your purse! Add appliqués, lace, buttons, ribbon, yarn, feathers – almost anything to make it a unique expression.

Other tips and ideas:

• Check for interesting purse handles at craft and sewing stores
• Don’t have old jeans? Use other medium or heavy weight cotton pants or shirt pockets, or buy an old pair of jeans at a used clothing store
• Add an outside pocket to your purse – simply sew on a child-sized pocket or watch pocket
• If you’re experienced at sewing, add a zipper instead of Velcro for your closure
• Look in flea markets and online for fresh purse decorating ideas

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