Welcome to RECOMPOZED. This post is the start of a journey of not simply recycling or upcycling but recomposing existing items to form new and unexpected outcomes.
Men’s shirts are a great place to start. Too often these garments are discarded due to a bit of fraying at the cuffs and collar, a missing button or being out of season or style. Front, back and sleeves provide almost a yard of fabric in excellent condition and perfect for repurposing.
Several years ago, using ticking fabric, I sewed up dozens of these handy market bags. They made perfect vessels for gifting and were a good alternative to the paper or plastic quandary. But they did not contribute to a circular, sustainable retail economy. They were made from new, unused fabric.
Using the same pattern, and several of my husband’s “retired” shirts, I set out to reimagine my market bag.
The surprising advantage of using the shirts were the ready made details such as front pockets.
Keeping the front of the shirt intact, I sewed the placket down. One sleeve became a large back pocket and the cuffs became a handy pouch.
The front and back are sewn together with a french seam.
The handles are sewn in two folds on each edge, concealing ¼” twill tape to give them added strength.
An easy project, these can be made in any size with as many variations as you choose.
A tutorial for these upcycled shirt market bags can be found here.
http://www.recompozed.com/2020/03/reconstructed-market-bag-tutorial.html
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love your idea -- would like more info on deconstruction. I just found you folks!
ReplyDeleteThank you. I have now posted a tutorial for the market bag here http://www.recompozed.com/2020/03/reconstructed-market-bag-tutorial.html
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