I've been in serious need of a new makeup bag for a long time. Today I finally decided it just could not wait any longer and headed to the dollar store. (That's where I got my previous bag, and I've been using it for 5+ years!) I looked at all my options and just wasn't satisfied with any of them -- until I spotted this little handbag!
It was a great size, lined, and with a flat bottom it could stand on, but -- no zipper. And pesky handles. I looked at it a little closer and decided it wouldn't be too hard to ditch the handles and add a zipper. I'll show you how I did it! Anyone can do this!
WHAT YOU NEED:
~ handbag
~ zipper
STEP ONE: Remove the handles. This is very easy, since most things you buy at the dollar store have super long stitches holding them together. For this particular handbag it was a matter of cutting a single stitch with a seam ripper or fine pointed scissors, and the handles popped right out. (I'm saving my handles for a potential future project!)
STEP TWO: Lay your zipper right side up along the top of the inner edge of your bag, about 1/8" from the edge. You will simply sew along the edge of the zipper the whole length down.
When you get near the end of this side of the zipper, you may need to pull the bag as shown to accomodate your stitches.
STEP THREE: Turn your bag around and sew the other side of the zipper. Start with the zipper zipped about halfway. Sew a few inches.
You will then stop with the needle down, raise your presser foot, and unzip the zipper so you can get past the zipper head without making wonky stitches. Continue sewing to the end of the zipper.
You're done!
Fill it with your cosmetics, and zip it up!
Can I just say I LOVE that it stands on its own?? My last makeup bag didn't, and I hadn't even realized how inconvenient it was until now!
9 comments:
Wow, this is fabulous! The final product looks like it was made to be a make up purse.
that' just what I need, and I even have a couple of those same bags in my gift closet!
great idea...it looks lovely as a pouch
I am always amazed that you can see such potential! When I go to my dollar store I am sadly disapointed! Thanks for the idea!
Wow, so simple yet so effective. The make up bag looks better than the original handbag.
This is a wonderful, quick project - thank you!
Fantastic!!!
I've seen those little handbags at the Dollar Tree and they are really cute. That make-up case looks like a million bucks!
That bag is just perfect. Love the cute fabric.
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