Re-Purposed Denim Water Bottle Bags

Last Friday I purchased a couple pairs 

of jeans from a neighbor's yard sale.

When I got home I threw them 

in the washer and then today I tried 

them on, to find that one pair 

was made with those horrible low waists 

that the young people are wearing.

I prefer to feel secure in the fact 

that my pants are not falling 

off of my bottom.

Then I remembered the cute 

water bottle purses that I saw 

in a gift shop in Florida.

There was my answer . . . so I spent 
this afternoon making these to give 
to my little granddaughters.
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I paid $2 for the jeans.

With one leg I got the fabric for both bags.

Then I cut the pockets out to re-use,
 leaving a little extra fabric so that I could sew
 them onto my bags without going through the thickest part of the pocket and to avoid the rivet. 
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I sewed the pocket on using 
the existing seam as my center.
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Next I embellished, knowing it would 
be easier to do this before putting 
the bag together.   
If you do this project I would 
suggest also hemming the top of the bag 
at this point.  
I found this out the hard way. 
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Here's what I'm talking about.

The circumference of these bags 
is quite small (just a little bit bigger 
than whatever bottled water you use).  
My bag was a tight fit over 
the small arm on my machine.  
On the second bag, I hemmed it before 
closing the side and bottom 
and it was easy-pleasey.
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I used the other leg 
to cut my shoulder straps.  
I folded my fabric in quarters 
to make a strong strap.  
That is of course up to you.  
You could use something else for 
the straps and actually have enough 
fabric for 4 bags.
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If you notice the top of my straps
 . . . 
I just tied them.  This way the user 
can adjust the straps to their height.   
They can always be cut if too long. 
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We all know how important 
it is to drink lots of water 
and keep hydrated.    
Think about making one of these 
for taking to the flea market.  
Put your money & cell phone in the pocket 
and have your hands free for shopping. 
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Have a wonderful week
&
Remember drink lots of water.
"Here's to your health!"

Connie