Giving on-the-go a very fresh, sustainable vibe...
If you’re not following Nicole McLaughlin, we advise you to stop what you’re doing and add her. You’re not likely to find someone who can inspire, entertain, and sometimes confuse you to quite the same degree she does. And we mean that in the absolute best way.
Among those qualities that make her work so incredible: she reuses/repurposes nearly EVERYthing, breathes a most clever and unique new life into said everything, and often puts her creations through a personal wear test if for no other reason to show that her designs provide both form and function. And let’s not forget fun.
Nicole was gracious enough to craft THREE exclusive DIY projects for you to recreate at home, and hopefully to give away as gifts?! Today, we’re sharing with you the second, a DIY tote, courtesy of a pair of worn-out overalls. Great for you and your things, also great as a made-with-love gift bag.
(And in case you missed it, here’s a link to the first -- a very darling rabbit—esque dog toy, made also from overalls, plus a jacket sleeve lining.)
The real beauty of these DIYs is that — you use what you got. If a pair of old overalls aren’t at your disposal, challenge yourself to see what in your closet/dresser might work instead.
If you need inspiration, trust us — Nicole’s IG is ALWAYS a great place to start.
NICOLE MCLAUGHLIN’S UPCYCLED TOTE DIY
Step 1
Take a pair of overalls and unbutton the sides. Fold down the back of the overalls so you're not cutting into the material, and remove the front panel.
Step 2
Turn the overalls over and spread out flat. If there are any belt loops, take an X-ACTO knife and unstitch the top of each loop, making sure you keep them intact.
Step 3
Place the front panel over the back area, trying to get the same amount of material for the front and back, and once both sides match up, cut. You want a single layer for the back panel, so remove any excess material. When removing the straps from the overalls, be sure to keep them intact by cutting close to the waistline.
Step 4
Unpick all the seams around the sides of both panels to prep them for sewing.
Step 5
Place the overall straps on the inside of the back panel, and once you have them in the desired location, cut off any excess material and sew into place.
Step 6
Take the front and back panel, making sure they're inside out, line them up and sew the sides and bottom closed. Turn the bag inside out, take the loops you saved, and sew them down to create new ones. Or remove them and attach them sideways for added functionality.
Step 7
Attach the straps into place, add a carabiner or two (spring-loaded clips), and you're ready to go.
And with the excess material, you can make pillows, which you can see in video #3 (coming soon!)!
Follow along with Nicole, below.
Among those qualities that make her work so incredible: she reuses/repurposes nearly EVERYthing, breathes a most clever and unique new life into said everything, and often puts her creations through a personal wear test if for no other reason to show that her designs provide both form and function. And let’s not forget fun.
Nicole was gracious enough to craft THREE exclusive DIY projects for you to recreate at home, and hopefully to give away as gifts?! Today, we’re sharing with you the second, a DIY tote, courtesy of a pair of worn-out overalls. Great for you and your things, also great as a made-with-love gift bag.
(And in case you missed it, here’s a link to the first -- a very darling rabbit—esque dog toy, made also from overalls, plus a jacket sleeve lining.)
The real beauty of these DIYs is that — you use what you got. If a pair of old overalls aren’t at your disposal, challenge yourself to see what in your closet/dresser might work instead.
If you need inspiration, trust us — Nicole’s IG is ALWAYS a great place to start.
NICOLE MCLAUGHLIN’S UPCYCLED TOTE DIY
Step 1
Take a pair of overalls and unbutton the sides. Fold down the back of the overalls so you're not cutting into the material, and remove the front panel.
Step 2
Turn the overalls over and spread out flat. If there are any belt loops, take an X-ACTO knife and unstitch the top of each loop, making sure you keep them intact.
Step 3
Place the front panel over the back area, trying to get the same amount of material for the front and back, and once both sides match up, cut. You want a single layer for the back panel, so remove any excess material. When removing the straps from the overalls, be sure to keep them intact by cutting close to the waistline.
Step 4
Unpick all the seams around the sides of both panels to prep them for sewing.
Step 5
Place the overall straps on the inside of the back panel, and once you have them in the desired location, cut off any excess material and sew into place.
Step 6
Take the front and back panel, making sure they're inside out, line them up and sew the sides and bottom closed. Turn the bag inside out, take the loops you saved, and sew them down to create new ones. Or remove them and attach them sideways for added functionality.
Step 7
Attach the straps into place, add a carabiner or two (spring-loaded clips), and you're ready to go.
And with the excess material, you can make pillows, which you can see in video #3 (coming soon!)!
Follow along with Nicole, below.
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