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Refashioned Tea Towel Bag with Embroidery

Time for some Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION fun! The last Tuesday of each month I challenge myself (and you) to see things a bit differently. Today, I’m going to be showing you what I did with this refashioned tea towel.

Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION series hosted by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | Come learn to create for you and your home | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Embroidered Tea Towel Before Refashion by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

You can best bet that I snag any and all embroidery that I spy in thrift stores, garage sales, and even the curb. Since I personally love to get my stitch fix, I know the time, thought, and love poured into such an item. Just look at this sweet tea towel.

Tea Time Tea Towel Before Refashion by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

While it isn’t vintage, per say, it is handmade from India. The sweet fabric tea bags along with the embroidered names of tea. So sweet! This actually came from a fellow blogger who wrapped up her DIY era and sent me all sorts of goodies to play with. You can see my other bag from one of her finds HERE.

DIY TIME

First, if you look close there are some stains accompanying the embroidery. However, that doesn’t bother me. It makes me less hesitant to make my refashioned tea towel project. This is my creative license to change it up.

To get my project started, I decide what my purpose is for this towel. I have on my mind to create a cute bag (big surprise). I sketch out the dimensions and decided what size to box the corners for a flat bottom.

Cutting Boxed Corners for Refashioned Tea Towel Bag | prodigalpieces.com

Oh, and I grabbed this adorable navy blue floral cotton out of my hand-me-down stash. It picks up the colors of the tea towel perfectly.

Boxed Corners by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Then, once I’ve established my shape and dimensions I get started. I wanted to add as much function to this refashioned tea towel bag, so I chose to add a zippered pocket. Since I have a stash of a 100 zippers from a bulk purchase, why not, right?

ZIP IT

Adding zippers isn’t not hard, just a little time consuming. However, it’s so worth it. I measure and mark, then cut my opening.

Cutting Zipper Opening for Refashioned Tea Towel Bag | prodigalpieces.com

Next, use an iron to press the edges for a finished edge. Then, insert the zipper and sew down using a zipper foot.

Sewing Zipper Pocket | prodigalpieces.com

Zipper Sewn In Bag by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Finally, add the fabric to make the pocket. While this isn’t a full-on tutorial, you at least get the visual of how to do this.

Inserted Zippered Pocket | prodigalpieces.com

FRUSTRATION

Okay, I’m gonna take a minute to clue you in. First, not all my projects go as smooth as butter. I share my hurdles along the way. However, sometimes there are doozies like this one. It all started just fine with me finding my tea towel and coordinating fabric. Then, the fun hit. Along with the oodles of goodies I was gifted, there is also a set of vintage wooden bead purse handles.

I originally couldn’t find them for a previous project. Eventually, I let it go that they are hidden for now. Oddly, I found them a few weeks later and told my daughter I would have never found them. So, when this project rolled around I am like, “I know where they are…I think.” For goodness sake though, I couldn’t find them ANYWHERE AGAIN!!

My search went on over 10 times in every corner, every possible place I could have put them. Funny thing is that I told my daughter when I last found them that I would have never known to look there. And…I remember putting them back because I thought I’d know where to look. NOPE.

After a few days of searching (yes…days), I kept feeling like they were in the basement where I store much of my sewing paraphernalia. Finally, I found them in box of stuff I cleared off my sewing desk while we were remodeling. GAH!!

Vintage Wooden Beaded Purse Handles | prodigalpieces.com

MORE FRUSTRATION

At long last, I sat down to my serger and sewing machine. Then, I see this…

Cat Chewed Sewing Machine Pedal | prodigalpieces.com

Someone had left my sewing machine pedal up on my desk. While in most normal households that is not a problem. However, when you live with a wicked cat, you know this is a huge no-no.

Our dear Lily, is an addict to rubber and foam. When she is bored at night (or wanting to go out), she will chew anything. She is by far worse than any dog I’ve owned. To make matters worse, this is not the first machine pedal she has destroyed. My serger has also lost a few. It’s at this point I’m ready to quit. If it weren’t for my determination to finish and show this to y’all, I would have.

Thankfully, my daughter let me borrow her oldie, but goodie sewing machine and I could finish up. That’s not the end though. I typically use my serger for making strong seams, it is now broken too. I find myself having flashbacks of old-school sewing days and I remember why I love my modern machines. ahem.

FINISH STRONG

After pulling up my big girl panties to finish this silly refashioned tea towel bag, I am now set to finish strong. Speaking of strong, I want my bag to stand on its own, so I sew up a skeleton of plastic canvas to line my bag.

Plastic Canvas to Line Bag Interior by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Doing this reminds me of those tissue boxes my grandma had in her house. sigh…the good ol’ days. Do you remember those?

At long last, my bag is complete.

DIY Refashioned Tea Towel Bag made by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #sewing #refashion #style #women #bag

Inside Refashioned Tea Towel Bag by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

It’s stout, sweet, and ready to go! Isn’t that fun? I’m smitten with the outcome despite my super-long journey to complete it.

Handmade Embroidered Tote by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #handmade #fashion

Vintage Wooden Bead Purse Handles on Tote by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #handmade #vintage #bag #fashion

My bag holds form perfectly so you can drop items in while shopping, at the beach, or library.

Simple Handmade Tote Bag by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #bag #fashion #handmade #ladies #style

Farmhouse Cottage Style Bag by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #refashion #diy #handmade

While I’m tempted to keep this bag (and I just might), it’s now available in my online store. You’ll find my other bags and home decor there too.

Shop Prodigal Pieces Furniture, Vintage Finds, Handmade Goods, & Supplies for your home | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Vintage Embroidery Tote Bag by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #handmade #home #fashion #diy

My hope is that you are inspired to have some fun with those fun embroidery pieces you find. I promise that your journey won’t be as long and arduous as mine.

Also, pin and share to inspire others to think outside their fashion too.

Absolutely adorable refashioned tea towel bag by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces for Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION fun | See more at prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #refashion #fashion #bag #handmade #style #ladies

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Also, more fun like my refashioned tea towel:

Check this out...DIY Insulated Lunch Bags created from two linen skirts | Come join the refashion fun at Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #handmade #diy #sewing #fashion #homeGot a stash of old belts? Join Larissa of Prodigal Pieces as she creates farmhouse style decor with upcycled belts and thrift store finds | Video tutorial at Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #farmhouse #home #homedecor #fashion

 

Comments

  1. Paula says

    That is super cute! I think I have that same blue floral material…Love! Thank you for sharing the story about the lost handles…been there and can relate!!!

    • Larissa says

      haha…I knew I wasn’t the only one in constant upheaval. 😀 Thanks, Paula!

  2. Kaycee says

    Hi Larissa, What a sweet bag. When it rains it pours, huh! I admire your determination to finish this adorable bag no matter what life tossed at you, well done!

    • Larissa says

      It seems to be my constant lot in life…really! 😀 Thanks so much for the love.

  3. Gilmer Gal says

    Too cute! I never thought of plastic mesh to hold up a bag. I have learned something this morning. And it’s something I will use! Thanks, and have a wonderful day!

    • Larissa says

      Yes! That stuff is so awesome. I use it most to reinforce the bottoms of my bags. Sew handy.

  4. Marie says

    Glad I’m not the only one who does that. I’ve been looking for a red scarf that I put in a “special” place for over a year! Such an adorable tea towel find and it looks awesome as a bag. You’re sew talented!

    • Larissa says

      bwahahaha! Happens to the best of us. I bet your hubby took it. 😉 Thanks for the love, Marie.

  5. Mary Loveland says

    That bag is truly gorgeous! Well done!

    • Larissa says

      That just made my day, Mary. Thank you so much for the smile. 😀

  6. Cate says

    Very cute! You did a great job.

    Regarding your menacing kitty, here’s a trick that might work for you. If you can find a spray bottle of bitter lemon, and If kitty isn’t averse to being handled, spray the objects of desire with the lemon and force said object into her mouth. Unfortunately once the spray dries, the effect goes with it. It has to be done with the object is wet. I had to do this with a puppy who had a penchant for electrical cords. The vet gave me the tip, and he also said to shout very loudly, “NO!!” once the object is in the mouth. Don’t know if it’ll work on kitty but it’s a thought. I currently have a wonderful cat that LOVES phone recharging lines. Ugh!!

    • Larissa says

      Thanks so much, Cate. I’ve tried that before with her. It doesn’t work because she’s so random. Sometimes she’ll chew, but most often she doesn’t. If I make her upset in any way (like raise my voice), that’s when she’ll chew. I’m thinking I’ll wrap the wire in foil or a coil, or some other insulation material. We’ll see! Thanks for the tips.

  7. tina boggan says

    LARISSA, I LOVE FABRIC, AND THAT TEA BAG FABRIC WON MY HEART TOO…..YOU DID A GREAT JOB, BTW, I LOVE YOUR POSTS, I FOLLOW A FEW PEOPLE ON LINE , BUT THEY STICK TO THE SAME COLORS, …NOT A GOOD THING , I LOVE TO SEE SOMEONE TAKE SOMETHING , AND MAKE SOMETHING NEW OUT OF IT, BRAVO…YOU HAVE DONE IT!…OH, I HAVE A WICKED CAT TOO, HE IS DEAF, AND DOESN’T CARE A BIT WHEN HE KNOCKS OVER GLASS, OR CERAMIC STUFF….DID I SAY HOW MUCH I LOVE WOOD NOW????

    • Larissa says

      You are so fun, Tina. 😀 Thank you for the love and smiles you bring. 😀

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Client Love

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

~ Laurel

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:34:13-04:00

~ Laurel

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

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Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:39:34-04:00

~ Stephanie

I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

~ Mikki

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2020-03-21T21:43:16-04:00

~ Mikki

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

Awww…I love this sweet Cat with an attitude!! SO SO adorable! Well worth the money, and he will become a priceless treasure in my home! Thanks Larissa for always making your ideas turn into true treasures!

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~ Sharon

Awww…I love this sweet Cat with an attitude!! SO SO adorable! Well worth the money, and he will become a priceless treasure in my home! Thanks Larissa for always making your ideas turn into true treasures!

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2020-03-21T21:52:00-04:00

~ Deanna

Perfect purchase from start to finish! Absolutely adorable piece so creatively thought out. Packed with the greatest of care with lightening fast delivery. Very customer-oriented and friendly crafter. Could not ask for more! Thank you!
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