It’s that fun time of the month again where my friends and I are all about Trash to Treasure Transformations. Woot! You’ll see their projects in a bit. You know I love taking unwanteds and making them new, so how about a DIY insulated lunch bag from some linen skirts. m’kay??
I will proudly say I am a sewing nut (aka. freak, fanatic…you get the idea.) As of late, I’ve been going through a sort of withdrawal. I horribly miss my dear friends,serger and sewing machine. If you’ve been following me on social media, you’ve seen I have found my fix for the time being. I’ve been creating a few birthday gifts like this Ikat bag below, and some wet bags from PUL for my kids. Needless to say you can imagine my fabric stash is plentiful. ahem.
BACKSTORY
I’m not sure if you know this, but when I first opened a shop before ever starting my blog, I made and sold bags and dolls. However, the funny thing is that I have an infatuation for purses and bags, but really don’t carry a purse until summertime when I don’t have pockets. Crazy, but I like less is more. Also, my feed sack purse seen HERE is still holding strong. However, I mentioned in this post that I was going to use my leather stash to sew a new one but ended up using it up on my chair. ah well.
For today, I wanted to make use of a couple of linen skirts shown above. Linen is by far one of my favorite textiles, so I don’t dare give away perfectly good linen. Any sane person should hoard it – tsk. These skirts are in great shape, but did not fit me right.
SKIRTS
First, this one was too big and it has pockets that land right at the hips accenting an area that I’d rather not accentuate. Oh, and meet Vivian, my thrifted dress-form that is larger than me, but I still love her. She’s helping save me from modeling these for you.
Based on my past fun and my itch to stitch, I’m going to regularly start posting my Reduce, Reuse, Refashion projects for you.
Here is the second linen skirt. It’s a wrap skirt that had a flap that just would not lay flat…it drove me nuts!!
As you can guess skirts take much yardage, so I always skim through them at the thrift store for upcycling purposes too. Likewise, you can use denim, linen, wool, cotton, you get the idea. Oh, and don’t forget the linens section too! I can’t tell you how often I’ve found linen yard goods.
DIY TIME
Now, it’s time to cut and get started creating my DIY insulated lunch bag. I always kind eek out when I’m cutting at first. Do you ever do that? I think it’s because I don’t want to mess up and waste it. Perfectly logical as any confessed fabric hoarder will tell you.
For the record, purchasing sewing patterns is something I never do. I enjoy creating my own. It’s a wonder I still have patterns I created eons ago and am still using them to for myself and my family and even my shop. So when it came time to get this idea out of my head, I just kind of used my past knowledge to design it and have a go. Most often my first run is good, but always needs tweaking somehow. That’s half the fun!
LAYERS
What you see below is a layer of the linen skirt, a PUL layer, and an Insul-Bright layer. What’s PUL you say? Well, I have cloth-diapered my babies and made diapers as well as covers. PUL stands for Polyurethane Laminate. When they developed PUL I was in 7th heaven! It’s waterproof and absolutely perfect for diaper covers and I even use it in the feminine hygiene products I make for me and my daughters. It never leaks! (lets all pause for a moment to celebrate…really!!) I also make wet bags for swim suits, snack bags…limitless options.
The Insul-Brite is a fantastic creation, as well, that allows you to make an insulated bag or carrier out of anything. I’ve made my casserole carrier and it outperforms any store-bought one I’ve ever had.
SERGING
Okay, back to the sewing fun. Next, I use my serger to piece it all together. I must say if you’ve never used a serger you’re missing out. I feel like Tim the Tool Man every time I use this thing. Such power! mwahahaha… It cuts (if you want) binds strong edges with a 3-thread or 4-thread overlock stitch. I can also do lettuce edging to knits, whip out the flannel hankies we use…so many uses for it.
Next, I add my other details like my label, handles, reinforced bottom, and a top portion I had envisioned to cinch up and look cute. Notice my layers are jutting out and uneven. I remedied the sizing once I got the jist of it. Additionally, these clips make my job soooo much easier too.
TERMS OF USE: This design is my trademarked property & it cannot be shared or distributed for monetary gain in any way, it may not be modified in any way, and you may not claim the work as your own.
THE REVEAL
Once I finished, I was able to get four insulated lunch bags out of the floral skirt. Aren’t they fun?
For fun, I had to mix up the fabric choices. Meanwhile, I was able to make 3 bags from the linen wrap skirt. And, of course, I had fabric fun mixing it up with them too.
MORE BAGS
Obviously, I had some fun. I even mixed up the interior fabric so when you open it, you get a fun surprise.
Can you tell I had fun with these? I was elated to be sewing again. Honestly, I feel that way about all the crafts I do: cooking, baking, crochet, woodworking, painting, etc. They all fill my cup in different ways. I’m so thankful for hands and vision to be able to create.
What is more, since the bags have the reinforced bottom, they sit nicely. Although, I forgot to add reinforcement to my first one. {{head smack}} For more versatility, the top can pop up when needed for taller items to fit too.
Now, before you think I’ve gone crazy, I even used some of my denim linen and twill to make these sets. I had to see how it worked with ticking fabric on the top instead of cotton. Do you like the look?
FUN
I couldn’t resist making one in the festive red bandanna fabric I had left over from making my daughter’s dress. So fun!
Here’s the twill one I made using the black ticking stripe. Not only do I love the neutrals, but also the denim and floral ones are fun too.
So, I have to ask…of all the designs, which style do you prefer?
Last, I am excited to announce these bags are now a regular addition to my online shop. The stock will be changing as I have fun mixing it up. However, if you have one you see that you like and it’s not available, just let me know.
Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130
GIVEAWAY TIME
Finally, because I want to share my joy with you, I’m giving away my red gingham insulated lunch bag to one of you.
Easy entry – simply fill out the widget below for as many entries as you like (daily even for more entries). Open to U.S. residents only 18 years of age and older. Winner will be notified via email and will have 24 hours to respond. Likewise, be sure to check your spam!
In addition, pin and share my refashion fun of these upcycled linen skirts into a DIY insulated lunch bag. I hope to inspire you and others.
Up next, I am joining up with Habitat for Humanity and humanitarians like Jonathan and Drew Scott from the HGTV show, Property Brothers to support a wonderful cause. With that, join our fun HERE.
Before you go, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. Time to see what my Trash to Treasure friends have for you!
Last, check out these Trash to Treasure DIY inspirational projects:
While you’re at it, here are more projects like my DIY insulated lunch bag:
I love your bags. They are fun and mood lifting
What a wonderful thing to hear. Thank you!
I absolutely love what you made. They are all so pretty. I would have turned the skirt into an apron.
Thank you, Rachel. Great idea! I actually debated on something like an apron, but I have a vintage collection of them and also sew aprons for my shop, so I wanted to change it up.
Larissa,
What a clever reuse of thrifted fabrics. I too have the same affliction as you. I am drawn to textiles! I walk up and down the aisles of thrift stores looking for a fabric that catches my eye, no matter what its current purpose is, I can envision it in a new life. My very favorite reuse of fabric is through a local project called “Born With Angel Wings” We make burial gowns from donated wedding gowns and other formal type dresses. I get the pleasure of taking apart the gowns for the other volunteers to use in crafting the gowns. It is a true labor of the heart. When you get a minute, check out our FB page. You will surely fall in love as I did.
I think that is one of the most honorable things you can do. My daughters make diapers for stillborn babies – one for the child and one for the parents as a keepsake. I know I appreciated all those that gave when we lost our babies. Hugs!
This absolutely makes me want to uncover my sewing machine! Thanks for your continued inspiration.
Wahoo!! That just made my day! Thank you for the smile. 😀
Oh, I can envision many an outing and picnics using this bag. You are such a talented person and so happy you share your ideas with everyone. Thank you for sharing.
Tis the season for picnics – yay!! Thank you for the loving words, Annie. 😀
These are so adorable. I love Linen and Denim. I could never pick a favorite because i love them all. I never learned to sew and what you create is so wonderful. You are truly Blessed and a blessing to me and i’m sure others. I always look forward to Tuesday’s to see what you create. I will surely purchase one in the future. I will try to win one but i have problem with the “website” part because i’m not sure what that means. (Blog illiterate)
You are a gal after my own heart, Cheryl. So many fabrics, so little time! 😀 Thank you for the virtual hug. I sure could use it today. {{hugs}}
What a great way to recycle something. You are always an inspiration to create awesome stuff.
Thank you! It was fun to dive into my stash and get some stitch therapy.
There just doesn’t seem to be anything you can’t do and give a new purpose to! These bags are so adorable. Love them! I can barely sew a button back on and you are so clever to make bags out of skirts. Thanks for sharing!
You made me giggle! Tee hee! Thank you so much, Debra.
Larissa,
What cute bags. I just don’t seem to be able to envision things like you do. You are so creative. What brand/type of sewing machine do you use? I would like to start sewing again, but the 40+ year old machine is a pain.
Thank you so much, Judy. I have a Singer Futura so I can embroider too. I’ve never had a problem with my Singer machines. I have the link to mine in my post if you’d like to check it out.
These bags are so stinkin’ cute! I honestly can’t pick a favorite. I thought I had it narrowed down to one favorite, then I saw the next one…I love them all!
Woot, woot! Such fun for me to hear. Thank you, Lynne!
I am so impressed, Larissa. All those layers, and fabrics, and details! I sew a little, so know what a challenge all that can be. You pulled it off as if it was no big deal. A true sign of a pro. Thanks for sharing this! I especially like the white linen with the black stripe ticking.
aww…thank you, Carol. I got so caught up in sewing and I had to make myself stop! ahahaha! 😀
I love all of your bags….impossible to pick a favorite. However, if I absolutely had to…..I do like the denim with red bandana.? Your so gifted and inspirational!?
That one is sew fun! I’m delighted to hear it, Dale. Thanks!
Girl…..these are SO cute!! I think the twill and ticking is my favorite, but I love the floral ones too!! Excellent repurpose!! XOXO
Thanks! I kinda figured you’d pick that one. hee hee! 😉
The bags are great. Picking a favorite is very hard. I love them all.
I’m delighted you enjoy them. I feel the same…can’t pick one. 😀
These are adorable, so functional, full of whimsy. I can’t wait to make one, that is if I don’t win your cute version 1st.
That’s the spirit, Alice! 😀
You’ve solved my number one issue with a lunch bag, they generally don’t fit the items I need to take. Giving the extra room on the top is a genius Idea and one that will insure that my water bottle makes it on the trip..lol
Great design, and I can’t wait to check out all of your other awesome ideas in your shop!
Funny, as that was my intent too. Drives me crazy when you have to lay something down. This makes it versatile for all sorts of yummies.
Oh my goodness! I am in love with these!!
You made me giggle, Melanie!! Thank you.
What a wonderful idea and true to form, excellent product. The color mixes are really cute and they all look durable AND washable! Biggy for me! Really, keep it up, the world needs more people like you. Thank You
Me too! Mama to 6 here. haha. We make our snack bags our of similar. I love to save the landfill and they’re cute! Thank you for the encouraging words, Mary.
You are so talented! These bags are practical and adorable, I love them!
How sweet of you to say, Claudine. Thank you sew much! 😀
Love them! And I love how much you up cycle and reuse everything. Thank you.
Hooray! It’s my passion and I truly enjoy sharing. Thank you!
Love the lunch totes!! I wouldn’t have thought of the PUL lining though. Never worked with it but I am going to give it a try. When my daughter was in cloth diapers they didn’t have the cool products like now.
I know the feeling, Sherry. Much had change from my first to my last one. I just love this stuff for so many things. It can be tricky, but a ball point needle helps for sure.
I LOVE these bags! You are so blessed to be so talented! I thought the linen and floral was my favorite, but then I saw the black ticking, then the gingham….oh my!
hee hee. You sound like me! Now you can see how I got carried away with it. Sew fun! Thank you, Shelley.
I love these! You are so creative and talented! I wish I had sewing skills, maybe someday!
You can do it, Alissa! I’m mostly self-taught, so I know you can do it too. Thank you for the love!
Adorable! And is there anything more attractive and organic than linen?!
There is NONE. haha!! Thank you for loving on my work, Katherine. 😉
I enjoy many crafts and up cycling items but sewing just isn’t in my wheelhouse. So when I see what you were able to create I am truly amazed and impressed! They are all super cute! Thanks for adding them to your shop for all us non sewers.
You are a kindred spirit, September. So glad to hear you’re among the #trashure crew. 😀
Larissa, as I scrolled down the colors, kept on getting better and better till you got to the blue!! Then my eyes popped!! These have to be the cutest lunch bags I’ve ever seen!
Blue for you, Mary! You are so fun. Thank you for the love.
I love the denim and bandanna tote! I have not heard of PUL or Insul-Bright! Good to know:) These are all just lovely! They look like they belong in Saks or some upscale boutique! Glad you renewed your relationship with the sewing machines! You produce such cute things. XOXO
I couldn’t resist making that one as it automatically goes together…right?!? hee hee. Thank you so much. I’m glad I’ve introduced you to some new, fun things. I’m ecstatic I was able to have a sew fest. Yay!
Very creative upcycle, Larissa! Sewing and painting both give me peace to keep this mama’s sanity. It’s in our blood. xo
Thanks! You know it. I have so many vices and it’s hard to get all my cravings filled. Here’s to creating!
These are so stinking cute! Love the added detail of the pull up top closure. They would have been cute as just the bag but the added part makes them extra cute.
Awesome to hear! Thank you. The added height is so handy when you have a tall drink, etc. I go nuts sometimes when I have those items that make my smaller bags useless.
So simple, so functional and so adorable!
Such a treat to hear. I can’t say enough how much fun it was to work on these. Thank you!
I love how you upcycled the skirts to make your lunch bags and they’re so cute. They all seem to have their own personality. I upcycle with clothes that get a stain that refuses to come out and I make them into doll clothes for the grandnieces. No one knows that there was previous life lived by the fabric! I also turn jeans into purses. It’s very fulfilling to be creative!
It is the BEST feeling! My kids dive into my scraps as well making doll clothes and this and that. It makes my mama heart so happy. High five to you, Janet! 😀
Oh my stars! Love your bags! BTW, I must have missed the post about your sewing machine and serger… Did they die? Get stolen? I wish I had your skills…. but math. :/
Wonderful! That is so fun to hear. My machines were just missing me as our remodel, homeschooling, and business take all my time. My crochet, embroidery, and fun cooking miss me too. haha.
Very hard to pick a favorite; they are ALL adorable!!! You are such a varied talent lady 😉
I’m smitten with them too, Fran. Thank you for the smile!
These are so fun and practical. I am trying to downsize and this is a good way to use up a lot of stuff that doesn’t yest have a designated purpose. Thanks. I hope you will keep these great ideas coming our way.
Thank you for getting what I was after. I adore style, but gotta have my function first. I have very little room as well and this makes it fun for me to use up my stash.
I can not pick out a favorite bag. They are all just wonderful and so colorful. I would enjoy owning any of them.
You are so sweet to say so, Janet. Thank you for that and making my day. 🙂
I love these bags. I really like the inside that cinches closed, although I do not need the insulation, I would prefer to have one with just regular material lining. Do you have or are you planning on making any without the insulation to sell in your store? I like the linen with the ticking, great job!
Thank you, Kelly. I could make you one, just let me know the details via email ([email protected]) and we’ll get you set up.
These are just beautiful and you are so resourceful! I love all the different color combinations. I do not have your creativity so my thoughts would be pillows.
How kind of you to say, Lisa. Thank you! I debated on pillows too, but I am a slight pillow hoarder…ahem…and needed to do something different. 😉
Larissa, these are all so pretty! Talk about carrying and eatting your lunch in style! My favorite is the denim linen, but each one is beautiful!
Thank you, Kaycee. I just adore creating function with style. Makes it a fun challenge since many things are functional aren’t always pretty too.
Oh my goodness! I think I have that same floral skirt! Love the bags. Useful and cute!
Awesome! I wish it had fit me better as it’s so breezy for summer. I loved the pockets, but just not where they hung on me. haha. Thanks!
Wow, those really turned out great Larissa!! I’m in awe of all that sewing!! Great job!!! xoxo
Thank you for the love, Nancy. You know I had fun with these! 😉
I love the insulated bags!!! And I love that they are made from linen. Linen and linen cotton blends are my favorite!!!!
So why not make some pillow covers with ties or valences.
I love to Appliqué or embroider on linen.
Keep posting your repurposed fabric projects-so inspirational!
(Actually is is important to recycle fabric, it keeps it out of the landfills . (And the horror of it all yo think there is linen in landfills ??)
Fantastic! You are definitely a kindred spirit. Yes, I do anything in my house to avoid putting waste in landfills. We use hankies, reusable bags, rags instead of paper towels, etc. It’s those little things that help so much. Save the linen! tee hee.
Those are so cute!!!!! I probably would have just donated the skirts because I’m lazy 😛 😉
Thanks!! I was going to donate if I couldn’t find time, but I forced myself to have at it. I have another stash I’ll be working through too that really needs me to find more time. Soon!
How CUTE! Is there anything you can’t or don’t do? I LOVE them all, but if I had to choose a favorite, it would be the cream colored one with a flower on it with the red gingham liner. You are amazing!
You made me blush, Staci. Sweet hugs for the smile. It’s sew fun for me to share my passions. Thank you.
So glad our paths crossed. You are a true inspiration and I am very blessed to say that I have a few of your creations in my own home. Can’t wait to receive my new insulated lunch tote. What a wonderful way to upcycle a beautiful skirt. I love linen anything. Stay awesome chica!!
You, my friend, are amazingly sweet. Thank YOU for always supporting me in what I love to do. It means the world to me! 😀
You are so great to share your ideas and howtos with us. I like the one with the bandana lining!
It’s so wonderfully fun for me. Thank you, Dianne! 🙂
Fabulous! I love them all, as I scrolled down, they just kept getting cuter and cuter!
How absolutely fun to hear. That truly means much, Sherri. Thank you.
Wow! Their all very pretty. Great job! I wish that I enjoyed sewing but that one thing I don’t. I only sew when I have to.
I think out of all of them the lighter ones with the sprigs of floral is my favorite.
Thanks so much! You made me giggle at your sewing interests. 😉 The floral were my fave too.
These are amazing Larissa! Great job I hope you sell a ton!
Thanks so much, sweet Susan. I’m keeping busy for sure! 😀
The florals are my favorite, but they are all great. The little extra room at the top is a nice addition, as I often find I need just a bit of extra space when packing lunch bags.
Thank you, Laura. The top addition was my experience as a mama to 6 too. Just a bit of wiggle room is always nice. 😉
I would have created an ice pack.
Sounds good.
These are so great!!! Love love love!
You’re so fun, Lorna. Thank you!
These are gorgeous!!! I love them! That beautiful natural linen with black stripes and polka dots on the inside has won my heart… or maybe one of the floral linen…??? These are REALLY beautiful!!! I need to make some bags! I’m pinning this inspiration! Thanks!
You sound like a gal after my own heart, Becky. Thank you so much! My design seems to be well-loved as I am making them as fast as I can as they fly out of my shop. Yay! 😀
This is so funny! I just bought a dress at the thrift store, it was a generous XL…not my size, but the fabric was so pretty for $1.50 I had to bring it home. I thought of you and so I popped on here for inspiration and lo and behold, you came through! Thanks!
SCORE!! That is so awesome! I love a good fabric find. Tee hee! 😀
Thank you, Larissa!! I ordered one of these bags from you and absolutely love it. The quality is great and very functional. I have to admit I’m using it as a handbag at the moment..teehee. Keep up the good work. I love seeing what you create out of the simplest stuff.
How awesome is that? You just made my day, Jill. Handbag works for me as I’m a bag addict. tee hee! Thank you!
Love, Love, LOVE these!
Hooray! You’re my kinda gal.
Oh my goodness! I just bought the tan flowered skirt at the thrift store, and can’t wait to actually wear the vintage skirt this summer! I recently lost 25 lbs. and am having so much fun wearing the “vintage” styles that I wore years ago when I was younger and smaller. ?
Congratulations! I love wearing vintage styles too.