How to recycle a burlap rice bag....

Say hello to my favorite little  project of the month.  I wanted to make a special gift for my daughter Ashley for her birthday and was inspired by this little burlap rice bag which I had been saving for a while, but didn't know what to do with.  The result was this little bag.  I used all thrifted or recycled fabric as well which is always a hit with my eco-friendly daughter.  I liked it so much, I thought I would share the process with you in case you run into a little bit of burlap that inspires you.

This is the before.  I used my rotary cuter to cut across the top, right under the zipper to remove it.  I will keep this for later.  Then I simply cut down each side to remove the side seams too.  This left one long narrow piece.

(sorry for some of the pictures, I was taking pics by myself)

 
 I didn't use a pattern with this project, I wanted to work around the size of the bag.  I think this also adds to the handmade, vintage, imperfect feel of this kind of project too.  I measured two rectangle pieces to create the sides and lined them up with the middle of the burlap piece.
 

Then, just pin down with right sides together and sew a straight stitch.  I sewed this bottom section first for both side pieces.  

 
Then, continue attaching the side pieces by turning right sides together with the burlap and attached with a straight stitch.  So, I will look something like an inside out square bag like this.  When working with burlap, you will want to keep the seam allowance generous.  In other words don't sew too close to the edges. 

When you turn it right side out, you have your basic bag shape.  From here, you could just roll over the top edge and sew down and be done.  I decided to add a liner to mine so I just repeated these steps with a solid color fabric and inserted it into the burlap bag, both unfinished at the top. The side fabric is corduroy from a pair of old pants of my husbands that was bound for donation.

For the straps, I cut some more of the corduroy fabric into strips and sewed down each side.  In this case, I folded over the edges, ironed, pined to the opposite piece and sewed down each side.  This way I didn't need to turn inside out when finished.

I didn't take any pics of making the liner, but here is a close up of the top.  I made the liner the same as the burlap piece, and a little taller.  I set it inside the burlap, folded over the top, then sewed it down.  This finished the top and gave plenty of room for the burlap.  Of course I had to add a fabric flower too.  The only new piece is the little fabric covered brad in the middle of the flower. 

My daughter was thrilled and that's what I live for.  She said I am the best Mom in the world.... well her best Mom I guess. 

Comments

[googiemomma]

Really cute! Great job--I'm sure your daughter loves it. A one of a kind bag is always cool.

[Angie Blom]

WOW Amy this is just beyound amazing.. what a great eye you have .. This is stunning.. love this idea.. need to do this!! but that sewing machine to some good use. Thanks Xx