Keep Smiling

Keep Smiling

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

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.
*************


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. 
 *************


I sewed the pocket on using 
the existing seam as my center.
*************


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. 
*************

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.
*************


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.
 *************
 

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. 
************* 



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. 
 *************
Have a wonderful week
&
Remember drink lots of water.
"Here's to your health!"

Connie  


 
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70 comments:

  1. These are super cute! Great tutorial - thanks for sharing :)

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    1. Hi, I am happy that you like my water bottle bags. I think that my granddaughters will enjoy carrying them this summer and hopefully will drink more water, too. Have a great day and thanks for stopping by. I adore company :)

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  2. What a great idea! Much cuter than a fanny pack! :D

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    1. Thank you Lisa . . . I am pleased that you like them. I got the idea, when visiting a gift shop,when we were on vacation in Florida. Have a lovely week, Connie :)

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  3. Wow, adorable, I am in love with them!!!! Well, I never knew you could even buy such a thing, this is what I need! And being able to tie the top to adjust is brilliant!!!! Please let me know if you are selling any, I would buy one!

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    1. Ginny, you are so sweet. I really am not set up to sell anything. I think you have to get a business license and all that jazz, so the government can tax you and keep track of your earnings. Well, someday I might get set up for selling, but right now I'm just having fun. Do you sew? They are very simple. Have a truly wonderful week, Connie :)

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  4. Hi Connie,

    Oh, I bet your granddaughters are going to LOVE these!!! Very clever of you! I read the comment and your response above. I don't have a selling license as it's a hobby. I don't have a tax i.d. number so pay full price for my supplies. I don't collect state tax on what I sell. I've sold at craft fairs and now have a small etsy shop. I would think you could do the same thing?

    Hugs,
    Kay

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    1. Hi there, That is good information to know, maybe it wouldn't be as complicated as I thought. I really would like to set up at our farmers market sometime and just see want happens. I need to collect more inventory before I could even do that. I guess that means, more sewing and crafting, yea! I am ticked pink that you like my bags. I'll be driving down to see my daughter next week, so I'll give the girls their water bottle bags then. I bought them each a Brita bottle that filters the water as you drink it. The filter should last them all summer or even longer. Have a marvelous week. Connie :)

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  5. Hi Connie,
    What adorable water bottle holders - my daughters would LOVE these! I quite fancy one of the aprons in your earlier post as well - SO clever!
    Paula x

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    1. Dearest Paula, it is lovely to see you here and I am delighted that you like my bottle bags and aprons. I must be doing something right, because you have a marvelous sense of style. Thank you so much for popping in and do have a beautiful week, Connie :)

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  6. How cute are those!!! I love to repurpose things and that is a great idea. You were so clever using the blue jeans. could even slide a few $$ in the pocket if you were out and about. Your site is really fun, so glad that I am following you.
    Terri :)

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    1. Dear sweet Terri, you are a joy! Thank you for the sweet comments. I noticed that you put me on your front page, I am honored, delighted, and over-the-moon happy. Thank you.

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  7. What a clever idea, they look fab, your granddaughters must be so pleased.
    Thea x

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    1. Hello Thea, I haven't given them to the girls yet, but will be seeing them soon. I'm glad that you like them. Have a great week, Connie :)

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  8. These are SO cute - I now know what to do with those jeans! You are so clever - I am constantly amazed at the things you come up with!

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    1. Hi Linda, you always say the sweetest things. Thank you. Connie :)

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  9. What a great idea, Connie! Love them!! Have a nice day!

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    1. Hello, it it very nice to see you and thank for the sweet comment. Have a wonderful day, Connie :)

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  10. Dear Connie, you come up with some wonderful ideas and such inspiration for us all. I love these bags and want one myself. Will have to get my act together when I return from my holiday. Off to The Dordogne on Thursday for eight days and SO looking forward to it.
    Patricia x

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    1. My Dearest Patricia, I had never heard of The Dordogne, so I looked it up on the web before replying to your comment. Oh my goodness! You are going to a place where Cinderellas wait for Prince Charmings to come along and carry them into' "Live Happily Ever After Land". I am so ecstatically happy for you. Do take lots of photographs, so that when you return I can visit this lovely place through your photos. I am very delighted that you like my little water bottle bags (try saying "water bottle bags" 5 times real fast. LOL. Very simple, but lots of fun. If you try this project, be sure and post it. Have a marvelous vacation, Connie :)

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  11. Hi Connie ,they are a brilliant idea,Im going to make some for my 3 grandsons they always like a bottle of juice with them so thats a great way for them to carry it themselves.I have some little car and truck shaped buttons I could put on.OOOOhhhh I cant wait to get started.Thank you so much for showing us them.Hope you are well and having a good week.Love Jill xx

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    1. Hi Jill, I am delighted that you like my water bottle bags. I hope that you take a photo of the ones that you make and post them on your blog. Your buttons sound perfect for little boys, they will love them. Thank you so much for popping in for a visit, and you also, have a great week. Connie :)

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  12. Connie, Those are toooo cute. I can't even think of anyone who would not enjoy having one of those. Smiles, Susie

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    1. Hi Susie, you're a sweetheart. I'm very happy that you like the water bottle bags. They were one of those easy-pleasey projects. Thanks so much for stopping in, it is always nice to see another Hoosier gal. I'll always consider Indiana, as home, even though I've lived in the Pacific Northwest, longer now that I never lived back home. Have a great week, Connie :)

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  13. Great idea Connie...who'd-a- thunk...and so practical and useful.Have a wonderful rest of your week.

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    1. Hello Bron, it is so nice to see you here. I am happy that you like my water bottle bag idea. Hope your week is rolling along smoothly. Connie :)

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  14. Brilliant! You should, if you don't already, have an Etsy store!

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    1. Thank you Lana, for stopping in and for encouraging me to start a Etsy. I really do not know enough about them . . . and I have a little fear of the unknown, especially when it come to anything financial. Do you have a Etsy? Connie :)

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  15. Replies
    1. Hi Lizzy, I'm happy you like my idea. I think my granddaughters are going to love them, and hopefully drink more water. Have a great weekend, Connie :)

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  16. Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and leaving sweet comments! I'm so glad to have found your blog now and am following back! Thanks for sharing the little denim water bag! It is the cutest idea and your tutorial is perfect!
    Blessings,
    Janet

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    1. Hello Janet, I am delighted to have you visit and ticked pink that you're following. I'm looking forward to sharing ideas and getting to be great blogging friends. Have a wonderful weekend. Connie :)

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    2. That's tickled pink not ticked . . . #@!?*-+? . . . sorry.

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  17. Fantastic use of those jeans. Well done x

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    1. Hi Bron, Thank you . . . I have been having a lot of fun with my bag of old jeans. I've got a front porch bench and some more re-purposed jean items coming up in my next post. I'll be seeing my daughter and granddaughters on the 4th of July, so I will give them their bottle bags then. Have a great weekend, Connie :)

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  18. What a cute and great repurpose for the old jeans. I love the aprons too.

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    1. Thank you. I have a big shopping bag stuffed with old jeans, so I'm doing my best to come up with lots of new ways to use them. It has become a very enjoyable challenge. I'm very happy that you like my projects. Have a wonderful 4th of July, Connie :)

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  19. That's a great idea for those jeans. Dang, you're talented Connie. I'd probably sew my finger underneath the material. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Hi Denise. I think it would be hard to sew your finger on today's machines, even if you tried. I'm happy that you like my projects. I have a bag of old jeans, so I'm doing my best to come up with creative ways to use them. Have a marvelous 4th of July, Connie :)

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  20. What a cute idea!! I've never seen anything like that before...very creative! :)
    Thanks so much for stopping by...happy to swing by and follow back! Have a great weekend!

    evie @ brown paper packages

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    1. Hello Evie, I am over-joyed that you came calling and that you decided to follow. Your blog is so lovely and informative. The title is what first grabbed me . . . a little hint of Julie Andrews and who doesn't love Julie. Have a wonderful day, Connie :)

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  21. Connie, I LOVE this!! What a great little thing to take on walks with HUbby or girlfriends! Let us know how it goes if you decide to sell.....I want one or two? From one sweetie to another...Roxie

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    1. Hi Roxie, I have had four people ask if I sold these on Esty. Do you have an Esty shop? I do not know anything about them. How do you start one? If you have any information I sure would be interested. I am very happy that you like my little idea. I'll be seeing my granddaughters over the 4th of July, so I'll give them their bottle bags then. Have a great 4th, Connie :)

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  22. What a great idea!!! I just might have to "borrow" this idea!!

    chris

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    1. Hi Chris, I am very glad you like it. Feel free to copy any idea that I post, and have fun! Have a great day and thank you for stopping by. Connie :)

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  23. love you creative crafty aprons. thanks for stopping by for a visit. happy to have your follow, and i have just followed you.

    have a wonderful weeks end.

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    1. Hello, thank you for stopping by and again for becoming a follower. Have a marvelous day, Connie :)

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  24. Wow Connie, that is such a genius idea, well done for thinking that one up! Thank you so much for your very kind and lovely comments on my blog, you will certainly inspire me so I am going to follow you too. Yes, Whimsy Girl and I share similar issues so we are going to stay in touch and share our experiences. I think she is lovely too. Crafty hugs, Anne x

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    1. My dearest Anne, it tickles me that you came over to visit and that you decided to follow me, too. I am looking forward to following you and checking out your creative posts. Have a lovely day, and thank you again, Connie :)

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  25. Love your upcyled denim water bottle bags, makes me wish I could sew! lol waving hi from the hills of North Carolina :)

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    1. Hi Sandee, welcome . . . I'm happy that you like my bottle bags. Wishing you a wonderful 4th of July, Connie :)

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  26. Love this, Connie! What a great idea!
    All the best,
    Beth

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    1. Thank you Beth for the lovely comment. I am happy that you like my water bottle bags. It is always great to see you. Connie :)

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  27. These bags are so smart! Especially the tied straps, I love those! For more ideas for making re-cycling handbags out of jeans or table cloths, you can check out my sister in law's blogg: lenaspysselatelje.blogspot.com. She writes in swedish like I do but makes lovely handbags and giftbags, and has inspired me lots of times, like you have :)! Have a lovely sunday and thanks for sharing!

    Maria

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    1. Hi Maria, I visited your sister-in-laws blog, but I did not see a place to follow her. Do you know a button to follow that I am not seeing? Her bags are lovely and I think that we do have a lot in common. Thank you for your sweet visit and thank you for leading me to her delightful blog. Connie :)

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  28. Hi Connie, Thank you for your lovely comments on my blog. I loved seeing everything you've done with your bargain finds. Wish we had more "yard sales" over here but we tend to rely on car boot sales and charity shops! Your Husband is very talented too. Mine loves playing with wood in his workshop, but mainly does bowl turning. Not as fun as a boat! xx

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    1. Hello, I am so very happy to get a visit from you. I am so in love with your beautiful garden. It is magnificently enchanting. I admire people that turn bowls, there is such and agelessness about seeing all the different patterns in the wood grain, met the smoothness of the bowl. It's like a true mix of God's creativity and man's come together in a very organic way. I've always wanted to try my hand at it. Thanks for stopping in and please come again, and again. My welcome mat is always out. Connie :)

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  29. What a great idea!I'm sure your grandaughters will love them.Thanks for your kind comments on my blog earlier.You have a great blog and it's very inspiring to see all your recycling!I'm now following to see more.

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    1. My dearest Monica, I am over-the-moon with excitement to see you visiting and even more, that you decided to follow me. I'm very happy that you like my site, but even more delighted that I found yours. You are a master-paper-crafter. Thank you for being such a marvelous inspiration. Connie :)

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  30. Hi Connie, Thank you also for the lovely comments on my blog. It is wonderful to meet you and I shall enjoy following you too and learning more about America and seeing all your crafty projects.
    Sarah x

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    1. Hello Sarah, I'm delighted to see you here visiting my blog and I am excited that you chose to follow me. I don't think I mentioned this before, but our dogs look very much a like. I got Butchy as a retirement present to myself. I found him in a newspaper ad and drove to the house, got down on the kitchen floor with all the puppies and Butchy walked over and curled up in my lap. The other puppies were jumping and playing all around me. I knew right then that he was the little boy for me. Have a wonderful day, and thank you again for your sweet visit. Connie :)

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  31. follower #145. OH how fun Connie glad you came over ...love your blog/pouches of denim too (:)
    will be back..hugs..Patty

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    1. Dearest Patty, it is wonderful to have you come calling, and a special bonus to see that you chose to follow, as well. I am looking forward to becoming great blogging buddies. Have an incredibly splendid day, Connie :)

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    2. These bags are delightful,such a brilliant idea.

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    3. Hi Mary, I just returned from your blog. I love all the photos from your Jubilee festival. Thank you for sharing and thank you, too, for popping in to say hello. I am very happy that you like my bags. Have a great week, Connie :)

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  32. Great idea, and cute to boot!
    Debbie

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    1. Hi Debbie, oh, I am so happy to see you here. Thanks for popping in and thank you for following. Have a fabulous 4th of July. Connie :)

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  33. Hi Connie,

    Your water bottle holders are just the coolest! Your so clever and smart!!!

    Dee

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    1. You're so sweet to say so. Thank you, Connie :)

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  34. Have just finished making a bottle holder and about to start on my second one. They turn out so cute. I bought a pair of jeans with the "bling" pockets for 95 cents and they turned nice. Thank you for the idea!

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