Saturday, October 8, 2011

crafts:: stella mccartney bag with metal chain DIY



i've been going through a baggie phase these days. and since my last bidding war on ebay (which i lost..), i wanted it sooo bad that i needed it now. so i lay in bed all night planning it. and first thing in the morning, i popped up and went shopping for the materials. here's what i used::


(1) felt shopping tote bag i made a few years ago. (you can make one here.)
(1) ball of matching yarn
(3) meters of metal chain from hardware stores
tools include :: scissors, thick needles & swiss army knife / jewellery clasps.


trace the pattern you want on your bag.
this bag is so old it has little fur balls on the outside!!


first, unpick any existing handles. 
by the way, the fabric used is felt but you can use anything you like.


pin the chain to the edge of the lines.


thread the needle with yarn and use simple stitch to attach the chain to the bag.


blanket stitch the top for a decorative finish. 
i think a contrasting thread would work well too.. 

top and underside when it is done.


one hour later, done! no machine needed!

to attach the cross body strap, i attached a round jewellery clasp to both sides of the bag. my rationale is to share the weight better but this makes the opening of the bag a little more restricted.


attach hooks to both ends of the cross-body chain. 
i like the option of removing the cross body chain when not in use.
and enjoy! :)


many ways to carry it..


bike friendly.


did you know that stella mccartney doesn't use leather or fur in her designs?

a little close up on the chains.

im craft- partying here this week! 
hope you like it! :) 

xx

34 comments:

  1. This is just amazing! The net effect is way cooler than Stella McCartney IMHO. :P

    ReplyDelete
  2. It is amazing! It turned out so well! You also got to "update" an old bag!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I just have to agree with Delphine and lynn! This really is totally amazing! I feel really inspired! :D

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love how the bag looks on you, good job! I love when our wants leads to inspiration to create it ourselves.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'm so wowed babe! Are you gonna sell this piece?? If you are, I'm getting it!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I am so impressed! This looks amazing!

    ReplyDelete
  7. It looks real cool babe, much cooler than the real thing!

    ReplyDelete
  8. @Lynn

    thanks lynn! i know the reusing of my grocery bag is my favorite part i reckon! :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. @Jian

    jian, its super easy! just takes some time to stitch!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. @Joyce

    thanks joyce. definitely my favorite bag of the moment!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. @Yi Lian

    haha! i only have one piece darling. and its an old grocery bag that all "mo-mo"ed! otherwise i'd definitely make one for you!

    xx

    ReplyDelete
  12. @Candice

    thanks candice!! my own cheapy way of fulfilling my needs!

    ReplyDelete
  13. @kennytricia

    thanks honey! :) i feel the same way too!! although the real thing would be nice too! then i wouldn't have to stitch it for such a long time!


    xx

    ReplyDelete
  14. you, my friend, are one talented little missy!

    ReplyDelete
  15. this is incredible! Love it! Thanks for doing the tutorial, will have to feature it this Saturday on my blog if it is okay with you.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Great idea!

    ~Mrs. Delightful
    ourdelightfulhome.blogpsot.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. That is absolutely beautiful. Great job. Thank you so much sharing and for linking up to our party Show and Share this week! Come on back this Wednesday to link up your current projects.

    A mommy's life...with a touch of YELLOW
    tyandwhitneyulrich.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. @Lindsay

    thanks so much for the feature, lindsay! im honored! :)

    ReplyDelete
  19. just to tell you, i had posted this tutorial in my tumblr! :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. Replies
    1. thanks for visiting!! :) let me know when you do it! I'd love to see!!! xx

      Delete
  21. What a wonderful tutorial! Looks much better than the original ^^ May I ask how wide and long each cable on the chain is? I couldn't find this type of chain at my craft store so I'm thinking of ordering it online but am not sure if 11.5x9mm is too small or not. Also, does felt make a durable bag? I wanted to use felt too, but my friend told me it wouldn't be durable. Sorry for asking so many questions!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. the entire length of the chain is 3 meters! :) 11.5 x 9 mm should be sufficient! im in the middle of a move so i can't find this bag to measure up properly!! but looking at the dimensions on the ruler looks right.

      felt works for me. its not regular craft felt that you make soft toys from, its slightly thicker.. about 1/8". so far it has held it's shape!

      Delete
    2. Thank you for the prompt reply. Good luck on your move and the baby! :)

      Delete
    3. Really cool Tutorial, thx!
      Pauline. did u find a website to order some chain like that ? I havent found it anywhere, its usually too small... thx!

      Raphaelle

      Delete
  22. This is so cute! And easy!! I have to try it :)

    www.mariacroqueta.blogspot.com.ar

    ReplyDelete

leave me a little love note. xx