I love burlap, and I also love reusing stuff. A few weeks ago I had gone into Dunn Bros. Coffee to get one coffee bag for another project but came out with three. They were all so cool, and I couldn’t decide which one to chose so I just got them all. Over Christmas I made a couple of tote bags using my basic tote pattern (which turned out great) and decided that I needed one for myself. I transformed one of the burlap coffee bags into a dandy tote bag. I used the same basic pattern but made a few changes. Because burlap is fairly stiff I did not use any fusible fleece in between the layers and made it slightly larger to accommodate my neat print on the front of the coffee bag. I also omitted the pocket, instead opting for a more simple, streamlined tote. The last change I made was in the handles. I cut strips of burlap for the top of the handles and lining fabric for the underside of the handles so that a softer fabric would be against my shoulder when I was carrying it around. The results make me very happy! Need a lovely tote yourself? Burlap coffee bags are wonderful to reuse because they are durable and have a great rustic look, not to mention they often have cool colorful prints on the front. Check out my tutorial, get yourself a coffee bag, and sew it up to fit your own whims and needs!
This post is linked to Funky Polkadot Giraffe, Sew Woodsy, Southern Lovely, Sew Much Ado, Gingerbread, and Country Mama Cooks.
12:08 pm on February 8th, 2012
I love this. It is sooo good. I don’t know which burlap bag I like better … both of the ones you’ve made are fabulous!