Eco-couture...a part of my past.

So...I used to make bags. It was a lot of fun and more than a lot of work. I was lucky enough to sell quite a few of them, but then I became pregnant with Toby and my back was aching so the industrial sewing machine was put into storage. One day I will get it out and start again......one day....
These are a few of the bags that were sold. They're all made from recycled thrift-shop leather skirts/jackets/belts/jewelry, etc. They're actually pretty easy to make, if you start with a leather skirt as a base because the waistband is used for the bag opening and doesn't require any extra sewing/finishing. Just sew on a belt for the strap and embellish with whatever else you can find that inspires you.....and there you go. The bag is already lined with the original skirt lining. The only problem is that leather is tough on a regular sewing machine....I literally burned mine out. This is where the heavy-duty walking-foot machine comes in handy. These picture are all I have left of "Tracey-Lynn Eco-Couture". Sadly, my website has been retired and apart from the Rubbermaid containers full of leather scraps and belts piled in my garage, you'd never know it existed. Oh well....a fun chapter in my life.