One of the fun things about summer is having that little extra time with the kids to go through their clothes and weed out what doesn't fit of is needing a funeral from the workable attire. Last week I shared with you a little stamping I did with a scrap from Ella's worn out Jeans. Today I'm going to share with you the Inspiration for that idea... it's a projects I've been working on for a few weeks, a little at a time and finished it up just in time for this post!
Ella is skinny. It's just a fact. Her jeans last a good year... but morph into Capri's after about 6 months... before she gets too wide for them they are in shreds from over use...She can still wear her 3T shorts this summer... and she's 6. (Ella is screaming in the background..."SIX AND AH HAFFF!" lol!) When summer came I started cutting off the blown out knees/pant legs and just as I was about to chuck one into the garbage I felt a brain pause. YES! that little leg would make the cutest purse! I couldn't stop with just decorating the purse though...The pants made perfect knee shorts!
I started off by cutting off the legs and trimming the blown out knee area's away...
I turned the trimmed leg inside out and sewed the bottom together. Next I snipped the excess fabric that's outside of the seam to make it more mailable when being used.
Next I sewed around the short leg. This helps keep frayed ends from unraveling too much.
I intentionally frayed the ends as part of the decoration.
Here is a full shot of my machine... a few people asked what I used so I thought I would just snap a photo. A sewing friend recommended that I take a sharpie and write my "best" settings on the machine... so I don't forget. That was an invaluable tip!
The next step is to decide what Vintage buttons to use and set them up.(I used Spring Moss, Hibiscus Burst, Spring Rain, Aqua Mist and Summer Sunrise.) I used Fabri-Tac to adhere them first...
Then used embroidery floss to stitch them on. I just LOVE the playfulness of the buttons! I did the same with the purse.
I thought it would be fun for Ella to have a little note pad that would fit in her little purse.
the local office supply store had these little spirals that I love. The side spirals are harder to find. I un-coiled the binding and recovered the front with Raspberry Fizz Mix pattern paper... gotta make it pretty huh! I also used Bitty Dots and Bitty Boxes paper.
Day at the Beach is such a great summer set. I love the font mixture and these flip flops (I actually call them flopper-hoppers for some reason, LOL!) I thought it was a fitting image since Ella will for wearing them when she wears her little purse and shorts.
I debated covering the entire purse... but thought that it might actually get too heavy for her. The Hibiscus Burst Ribbon was adhered then hand stitched for a little extra strength.
Here she is all decked out in her little outfit, ready for a summer day (Which we are NOT having today!) Aren't those buttons adorable. I love how Papertrey Ink gives us such a wide variety and the colors are to die for! *in button heaven*
What fun things have you been making with your buttons?
I hope you've enjoyed today's project. Tomorrow starts the countdown for Papertrey Ink's July release... including my newest two sets! See you tomorrow!
Thanks for poppy-ing by!
I absolutely love this! Thanks for sharing!!!
Posted by: Tanya A | July 08, 2009 at 09:11 PM
Darling idea that I hope to remember for my littlest great-granddaughter when she out grows her jeans. Love that purse and I love buttons too.
Jane
Posted by: Jane T | July 08, 2009 at 09:13 PM
OMG.............WHAT AN AWESOME IDEA.....
Posted by: regina easter | July 08, 2009 at 09:16 PM
Leese--I love both her capris and the purse--FAB-ulous ideas!
Posted by: Debbie (aka debbiedesigns) | July 08, 2009 at 09:23 PM
ADORABLE!!! Do you think the boys would go around wearing those cute jeans and a purse??? Oh well.
Posted by: Katie | July 08, 2009 at 09:32 PM
How very fun! My daughter is also 6 and would absolutely LOVE this!! She is my craft/ stamping helper and even won the "most artistic" award in her class this year. You have inspired me to dig in the drawers and see what I can find! Thanks so much!
Posted by: kate | July 08, 2009 at 09:37 PM
Adorable! I love buttons!
Posted by: Elaine Wilson | July 08, 2009 at 09:57 PM
Are you kidding me? This is BRILLIANT.
Posted by: Charlene Austin | July 08, 2009 at 10:01 PM
Too cute! (and so is the model)! I enjoyed this blog!
Posted by: Sue lelli | July 08, 2009 at 10:53 PM
Adorable project! I loooove buttons! Your daughter is darling!
Posted by: Vanessa Menhorn | July 08, 2009 at 11:00 PM
Oh so cute, Lisa! As I have somewhat recently learned from someone I have met through blogging (isn't that the best part about blogland?! meeting new great people?!) that using fabric like this is called 'upcycling'!! I knew about REcycling and being green, but UPcycling was a new term to me and she kindly filled me in. SO...kuddos to you! And thank you for the inspiration for all those jeans that both my kidlets (one that is the same age as your daughter's 'scream from the background' is :>) always outgrow in length ages before they are ever ready for the next waistband size!!! :> Looking forward to seeing what your creative juices have squeezed out for this release! :> Have a great one! :>
Posted by: Karen Gartner | July 08, 2009 at 11:23 PM
FABULOUS!! This is sooo stinkin cute! LOVE how your mind works.....Ella is adorable and looks like she loves her "new" stuff!!!
Posted by: Kari C | July 09, 2009 at 12:32 AM
The purse and shorts are adorable and so is your six and a half year old Ella!! :)
Posted by: Heidi S | July 09, 2009 at 02:10 AM
oh fun :)
Posted by: Maureen | July 09, 2009 at 03:23 AM
Geez. How stinking cute! I wish I knew how to sew. I am lucky if I can get a button on! Sigh...
Posted by: Laurel Beard | July 09, 2009 at 04:36 AM
Completly ADORABLE!!! Love it!
Posted by: Gwen Snater | July 09, 2009 at 04:41 AM
Love, love, love that! Somehow, I don't think my son would wear a pair of those shorts---OR carry the purse.....bummer!! :)
Posted by: Kathleen | July 09, 2009 at 04:50 AM
very, very cute!
Posted by: Leslie | July 09, 2009 at 04:54 AM
Great projects! I adore that little purse and my daughter would, too.
Posted by: snarflemarfle | July 09, 2009 at 04:56 AM
How cute is this? I'm bummed....I have two boys. No cute buttons in their future worn out jeans!!
Posted by: Debra B. | July 09, 2009 at 05:32 AM
That's so cute! My daughter is just the same! She's got some size 6X stuff still in there - and she's 9! I just put out the 4T & 5T shorts because they were too short in the rise. (I should send them on to you, sounds like). During the year it is hard to find jeans that are skinny and long enough. :(
Posted by: Staci Miserlian | July 09, 2009 at 05:41 AM
Adorable. It's really a shame that you can't do that with boy's jeans. Mine can't seem to keep jeans without holes in the knees.
Posted by: Becky | July 09, 2009 at 06:01 AM
Amazing project. So cute. And I adore buttons.
Posted by: Alanna | July 09, 2009 at 06:03 AM
Lisa...... OH. MY. GOD!!!!!! This is fabulous!! I wish my 17 yr old daughter was 6 again.
Posted by: Shawn O'Connell | July 09, 2009 at 06:20 AM
Fabulous! Love the buttons... so many pretty colors! TFS!
Posted by: Monika Davis | July 09, 2009 at 06:41 AM
TOO CUTE! Lisa, this just makes me want to have more children.. . . . . Well, maybe I better think THAT one over a bit, but I must say you always have the cutest ideas.
Posted by: Shawna | July 09, 2009 at 07:30 AM
Absolutely adorable, Lisa!! I love all the buttons and what a great idea to make the bottom of the pants into a purse. Your daughter is such a cutie, too!
Posted by: Niki Estes | July 09, 2009 at 07:35 AM
Lisa, this is absolutely adorable! I have another tip for you...
When she outgrows the shorts you can make another purse. My favorite purse when I was in high school is one my g'ma and I made together with one of my jeans I had outgrown.
We cut the legs off at the crotch. Turn the jeans inside out and sew across the bottom. We added snaps inside the waist band so that I could close it and made handles with the leg part of the jeans. I sewed buttons on it willy nilly and ran a color handkerchief thru the belt loops.
I had several friends request these and made them some with their jeans.
Another fun thing to do with jeans that still fit, but the are too short is to cut off at the crotch and then cut some patterned cotton as long as you would want it for a skirt. Sew the sides to make a tube and hem one edge and gather the other edge to fit the opening of the bottom of the jeans.
It's funny to see that girls are wearing these NOW when it's what we did in high school. Trends really do repeat.
Posted by: Debbie Fisher | July 09, 2009 at 07:51 AM
Oh how cute! I am wondering what Ella said when she saw the shorts and purse! Oh, do you know how many of these pant-legs (purses - sigh!) I've thrown away through the years!??
Posted by: Sandy Kay | July 09, 2009 at 07:52 AM
ohh, Debbie, I love these ideas!
Posted by: Sandy Kay | July 09, 2009 at 07:53 AM
I have made many a jeans into capris and have repurposed my hubby's old jeans into purses and bags. Love them with the buttons.
Posted by: Sherry Cartwright | July 09, 2009 at 07:58 AM
OHHHH I think my DD and I will work on something like this this week! I have a pair of her old jeans just tossed in the pile to GO.. but now they are coming OUT.. probably along with half the pile after seeing all the FUN the PTI team did with fabric last week! :)
THANKS for sharing... so cant WAIT to try it!! CUTE photo of your DD too!!
Posted by: BethieJ | July 09, 2009 at 08:04 AM
OMG - is Ella ever cute, or what??? Such a perfect little outfit for her! Love it! Thanks for all the sharing tips.
Posted by: Marcia Truslow | July 09, 2009 at 08:08 AM
thanks! I have two boys, so can't really make them skirts and purses. LOL!!!
Posted by: Debbie Fisher | July 09, 2009 at 08:19 AM
Sooooo glad I "popped" in! What an adorable project you have today. My 8 year old daughter would LOVE it!!!
Posted by: wendi | July 09, 2009 at 08:28 AM
that was a great project! i just wa in the process of "upcycling" our Christmas pajamas by cutting and hemming them into burmuda length shorts. I hemmed my husbands snowman pj bottoms just below his knees, kind of capri lengthish. They are now his favorie summer pjs! Cut off legs also make good pillows and sleeping bags for little ones favorite webkins stuffies!
Posted by: tania smith | July 09, 2009 at 09:33 AM
This is SO adorable! What a great idea! Love all of the buttons you added and your DD is a cutie!
Posted by: Stephanie Kraft | July 09, 2009 at 09:37 AM
What a wonderful adorable project Lisa! Love it love it love it!
Posted by: Geny Cassady | July 09, 2009 at 09:54 AM
Totally cute!
Posted by: Traci | July 09, 2009 at 10:07 AM
Okay Lisa, Enabler you. I will have to get the directions for the purse made out of the "Shorts" for you after they do not fit your sweetheart anymore. My mom makes, them. I have "stolen" my daughters one purse made out of the cute jeans from a few years ago and I have a HUGE pile of cute jeans to take with me for making more. Now I know what to do with the legs after we cut them off.
Posted by: candi peterson | July 09, 2009 at 10:34 AM
I love this idea so adorable. What a great mother/daughter project. TFS!!!
Posted by: Melissa D. | July 09, 2009 at 11:02 AM
So adorable Lisa! What a fantastic project!
Posted by: Anya | July 09, 2009 at 11:56 AM
So, so cute! Oh, do I wish my girls were little again...*sigh* They're 23 & 21 now. I think I'll make one for my great neice!
Posted by: Ree Donnelly | July 09, 2009 at 12:29 PM
What an amazing idea! I love the buttons on the shorts!!!
Posted by: Michelle | July 09, 2009 at 12:47 PM
so much fun and cute!
Posted by: Nancy L. | July 09, 2009 at 01:57 PM
My daughter is built the same way! I cut off her jeans and add strips of fabric and ribbon to give more length! Very custom jeans! She is 9 and I made her give shorts to my 4 year old...there are no hand me downs in the bottoms! She still can wear them all!
Also...
I CAN'T WAIT to see your new sets!!
Posted by: Shelly Kettell | July 09, 2009 at 02:28 PM
What a fantastic idea! Thanks for sharing it.
Do you like your sewing machine?
I have the EXACT same sewing machine but am having trouble with it - the bottom thread seems to run loose.
I can see that your top dial doohickey is set to 2 but what other settings do you have "sharpied". What is the side dial doohickey set to?
Thanks!
Posted by: Marie | July 09, 2009 at 02:29 PM
Oh what fun it must be to be one of your children, you make such wonderful things and they are benifit from your talent and creativity, as do we all when you share.
Thank you. How fun.
Posted by: Terri Schenck | July 09, 2009 at 04:23 PM
My daughters are all grown up now, but I loved making things for them when they were little. Your daughter has your smile!!
Posted by: Laura B. | July 09, 2009 at 06:22 PM
What a great idea! I also have a 6 1/2 year old that is very tall and skinny! This would be perfect! Thanks for sharing :)
Posted by: melanie | July 09, 2009 at 07:24 PM
Your model is the cutest....and the project looks easy enough for kids to make as gifts for their friends.
Posted by: Deane | July 09, 2009 at 08:06 PM
Now THAT'S cute!
Posted by: Valerie Anderson | July 09, 2009 at 08:08 PM
Too cute! Question: How did you get the holes in your Raspberry Fizz patterned paper to line up exactly with the cover of the spiral? Do you happen to have a punch that matches exactly? TFS!!! *going to bed!*
Posted by: Sarah Martina | July 09, 2009 at 08:21 PM
That is so adorable! I will have to try that with my daughters old jeans!
Posted by: Jamie Greene | July 09, 2009 at 08:33 PM
Absolutely Brilliant. What else is there to say???
Posted by: Tracey C. | July 09, 2009 at 08:35 PM
I actually just punched it with a hole punch after the paper was glued on. easy as pie!
Posted by: Lisa Johnson | July 09, 2009 at 08:37 PM
The 2 is actually to remind me that it's the dial to goes with the 2nd number. I have several different setting written... it varies with the stitch. My bottom is loose too... I found that it's much better with high end thread. Since the machine sews different on paper than on cloth, I take scraps and played to see what settings worked best. I still have to fidget a little, depending on the tread.
Posted by: Lisa Johnson | July 09, 2009 at 08:49 PM
This is just the cutest thing I have seen in a long time! I love it. Now to go find some old jeans to cut apart!LoL
Posted by: Shelly Cameron | July 09, 2009 at 08:49 PM
Adorable - great idea!!
Posted by: marla | July 09, 2009 at 09:13 PM
toooo cute! Love it! grwat recycling!!!
Posted by: Silvia Mabie | July 09, 2009 at 09:43 PM
Lisa - you are just so amazing. Your projects blow my mind and inspire me like crazy. Thanks for all you do!!
Posted by: Phinny | July 09, 2009 at 10:36 PM
Absolutely adorable! I must try this project...
Posted by: Lisa Hjulberg | July 09, 2009 at 10:53 PM
I love the bag that you made using a pair of Ella's jeans. I also love how you put some of the matching buttons on the hem of her cropped jeans to match the denim pag that you made for her. The book came out awesome. I have the buttons now....... if I could only sew.
Ella looks so much like you. How does it feel to have a "Minnie Me"? :)
Posted by: Mary C. Anderson | July 09, 2009 at 11:03 PM
The kneeshorts and purse look good. What a great use of the buttons.
Beautiful picture of your daughter.
Eveline.
Posted by: Eveline van Heijst | July 09, 2009 at 11:17 PM
I don't know what is sweeter, the purse or your daughter!
Posted by: antjeegypt | July 09, 2009 at 11:20 PM
I love this! Normally I get these e-mails and don't pop over and leave a comment, but this was just so cute I HAD to let you know that this project is completely adorable!! Thanks so much for the inspiration!
Posted by: Travelingmama | July 10, 2009 at 01:23 AM
You are AMAZING to come up with this!! I love the matching buttons on her jean pockets and hem, and that bag is just perfect for your precious little girl!! TFS!
Posted by: Carol L | July 10, 2009 at 02:00 AM
Love it all!!! The purse, the notebook.....how did you un-coil the notebook........I'd really like to try this out!?
Posted by: Jane | July 10, 2009 at 02:51 AM
Toootaly cute cute project...and that MODEL is ADORABLE! Too bad Elliott can't do the purse/button thing...we have the same problem with him...he keeps getting longer and taller but not any wider! LOL
Posted by: Keri Lee Sereika | July 10, 2009 at 03:50 AM
So awesome! My daughter is tall and skinny too! I think she'll love a coordinated set like this, as any self-respecting 9 year old would. Thank you
Posted by: Maureen | July 10, 2009 at 04:06 AM
My son is tall and skinny, too, so I had cut off some of his jeans to make shorts (might as well call them knee pants, as boys like their shorts longer, you know!). I had already had the idea to use the remaining pants legs for cute little purses (my mom and I make purses to sell in her shop, so we're always trying to make purses out of everything! LOL!) but didn't think to decorate with buttons! (Duh! How silly of me!) Such a great idea, thanks!! And your daughter is soo cute in her new outfit, you're such a great Mom for doing that for her. My mom used to do things like that for me, too. I loved it when I was younger, hated it in high school, but miss it now that I'm older!
Posted by: TishSch | July 10, 2009 at 04:41 AM
I have a 6 year old dd too...who refuses, and I do mean refuses...to wear jeans. Hmmm, I bet I could do this to one of my old pair of jeans! Great project, thanks for sharing!!
Posted by: Catherine | July 10, 2009 at 04:55 AM
What a fantastic idea!! I love, love, love buttons so this is a perfect solution to using them---and getting more (lol). I have a granddaughter with the same problem as your daughter. Very thin and outgrows in length way before she outgrows the actual size. I'll have to ask her Mom to save her jeans that are too short!!
Posted by: Janet | July 10, 2009 at 05:26 AM
oh my! i can't WAIT to make one :)
Posted by: Cat | July 10, 2009 at 05:56 AM
What a great idea! Two projects from one pair of pants. I'm sure you've kept the other leg cut-off for a different purse/bag treatment.
Posted by: Kathleen Chabot | July 10, 2009 at 05:59 AM
LISA, YOU ARE A GENIUS! THANKS FOR SHARING
Posted by: rosie kessler | July 10, 2009 at 07:11 AM
This purse reminds me of the purses I made in the same way (minus the buttons) when I was in Junior High in the early 70s.
Patti
Posted by: Patti | July 10, 2009 at 07:17 AM
Lisa I am impressed! You are so creative! Your little girls is just adorable. She's like my daughter, my daughter always benefited from my crafts!
Posted by: Pam L. | July 10, 2009 at 07:28 AM
This is such a great and creative way to alter short pants!! My daughter is the same way...if it doesn't have adjustable waistbands, so can't wear them! She's also six and a HALF!!
~Lacey
Posted by: Lacey Stephens | July 10, 2009 at 07:32 AM
OK, that is just WAY too cute!! Thanks for the fun idea!!
Posted by: Jennifer Carter | July 10, 2009 at 08:03 AM
WOW, what an inspired idea. ELLA must LOVE the shorts, notebook and the purse. Hope she gets the summer days to go with them. TFS
Posted by: NancyS | July 10, 2009 at 08:17 AM
So cute!
Ok-how did you get the binder on?
Posted by: Sue Anderson | July 10, 2009 at 08:58 AM
Just too darn cute! What a fun and clever idea. Cute picture of Ella and I'll bet she loves everything too.
Posted by: Corrine Ann | July 10, 2009 at 09:27 AM
absolutely adorable!!!
Posted by: Kim FAucher | July 10, 2009 at 09:31 AM
NO WAY! That is not Ella - she is still little! She is gorgous & your project ROCKS!
Posted by: kendra | July 10, 2009 at 01:49 PM
WOW
THAT IS A SUPER GREAT IDEA.
THANKS MY LITTLE ONE WILL LOVE IT.
Posted by: Lisa | July 10, 2009 at 01:55 PM
what a clever project! love them all.
Posted by: Jennifer McGuire | July 10, 2009 at 03:23 PM
Genius!!! Wow! Love it :)
Posted by: JustLulu | July 10, 2009 at 03:28 PM
CUTE!
Posted by: Carol R | July 10, 2009 at 03:57 PM
oh, so cute!! love the buttons. great job.
Posted by: paula | July 10, 2009 at 05:28 PM
Lisa,
You truly can't imagine what a joy it is to open your post and see what new project you have shared. Thank you for your inspirational ideas. SO CUTE!
Merrily
Posted by: Merrily Smeenk | July 11, 2009 at 07:27 AM
Darling~ simply darling... love the little added notebook in the purse for those important notes.
Posted by: Tammy Murphy | July 11, 2009 at 06:51 PM
Lisa, I love it! I have a 7 year old and usually do something with her jeans she outgrows. Usually adding drapery material at the bottom to lengthen her jeans from the previous season...she's getting taller, but is thin. I'll definitely use your idea!
Ann
Posted by: Ann D. | July 12, 2009 at 05:49 PM
Love the new stamp set!! Can't wait to try it out. I, like many of the ladies above, have a 6 year daughter. She would LOVE this outfit!!! I was thinking the other day about how I need to go through all her clothes, make a list of what she has and what she needs. I already have a pile of jeans for her to try on. Now she can have some "new" school clothes from her outgrown jeans. Thank you so much for the awesome idea!!!
Posted by: Suzanne Moore | July 12, 2009 at 07:47 PM
Now I wish that I could sew. My nine year old niece would absolutely love this.
Posted by: Meechie | July 13, 2009 at 03:16 PM
how did you get the paper on the front of the spiral notebook? It looks like it goes all the way to the holes. Linda Gerig
Posted by: Linda Gerig | July 13, 2009 at 09:30 PM
Brilliant - just putting away my jeans after washing and noticed they have finally ripped where they were getting thin. Will chop of the perfectly good bit of leg and make a bag for dd!
Posted by: Sharon B | July 15, 2009 at 08:11 AM
ADORABLE! What a great idea! Darling little girl! A perfectly sweet model!
Posted by: Patti | July 15, 2009 at 11:09 PM
what a cute way to use buttons, my little grand daughter would love a little bag like that. Have a good week Sunday.
Vera :)
Posted by: Vera | July 19, 2009 at 07:10 AM