Alright folks, let me tell you about this little project I tackled recently: a “desiel purse.” Now, I know what you’re thinking, sounds kinda weird, right? But trust me, it turned out pretty cool.
It all started with this old, beat-up diesel mechanic’s overall bib I found at a flea market. The denim was thick and sturdy, the pockets were already perfectly placed, and something just screamed “purse” at me. So, I snagged it for a few bucks, figuring I could turn it into something unique.
First things first, I had to deconstruct the thing. I carefully ripped apart the seams of the overall bib, keeping the main body intact. I wanted to keep that classic workwear look, you know? I chopped off the legs, leaving just the chest and upper back piece. This part was kinda nerve-wracking ’cause there was no turning back after this.
Next, I started thinking about the shape and size. I wanted a decent-sized purse, big enough to hold my wallet, phone, keys, and all that jazz. So, I folded the denim in half, deciding where the bottom seam would be. Then, I grabbed some sturdy canvas I had lying around – you could use any thick fabric, really – and cut out two panels to form the sides of the purse. I wanted it to be boxy, giving it a strong industrial look.
Sewing time! This was the trickiest part. I carefully pinned the canvas side panels to the denim, making sure everything lined up properly. Then, I fired up my old sewing machine and slowly stitched everything together. Denim is tough stuff, so I had to go slow and steady, making sure the needle didn’t break. I reinforced the seams a couple of times for extra durability. Don’t wanna have the bottom falling out when you are out and about.
Once the main body of the purse was sewn together, it was time for the details. Remember those pockets on the overall bib? I kept those! They were perfect for holding smaller items like lip balm, pens, or even a small flashlight. I also added a couple of D-rings to the sides of the purse so I could attach a shoulder strap. Found an old leather belt at the thrift store that I repurposed for the strap – saved a few more bucks there.
For the closure, I decided to go with a simple magnetic snap. Easy to open and close with one hand, which is always a plus. I sewed the snap onto the flap of the denim bib, making sure it lined up with the corresponding piece on the body of the purse.
Finally, it was time for the finishing touches. I added some metal studs to the bottom corners of the purse for extra protection and a bit of bling. I also gave the whole thing a good once-over, trimming any loose threads and making sure all the seams were secure.
And there you have it! A “desiel purse” made from an old pair of diesel mechanic’s overalls. It’s unique, durable, and definitely a conversation starter. Plus, it’s a great way to give old clothes a new life. It was a fun project, a bit challenging at times, but totally worth it. Now I just need to figure out what to make next!