Convert a short dress into a bag. Dress by Angela Lansbury.

 

This sequin pinafore dress which I bought from St Luke's is too small, too tight and the light colour doesn't flatter my full figure. Also I don't wear backless tops. However, when I lifted it up and the top fell down over the skirt, I thought, I  have to sew up the horizontal hem and I have a large sequined evening bag

I found a thread of matching colour, although by turning it inside out to sew, the thread which I used did not notice from the outside. 

Button thread would have been stronger. I doubled the thead, tying a knot at the end.

I started my sewing and had to leave it to go out for the evening. When I came back to sew next morning, I wondered, where is the needle?

Often I can't find the needle. It has fallen inside the folded fabric. I only find it when I accidentally prick myself. Annoying. Scary.

Worse still, I lose it. I look on the floor,  the chair. I have to thread another needle. Delay.

But this time I found the solution to the lost needle problem. A doubled thread, knotted at the end. Secured the needle which stays attached to the garment as soon as you have made a couple of stitches.

I carried on hand sewing. I oversewed the corners for added strength. I soon got tired of this one stitch at a time and did a small running stitch. I did a reverse stitch every inch or so for extra strength and to ensure the whole line of stitching did not unravel if it ever came apart in one place.

My plan is to take this bag on holiday. It is light and compact to pack for a day or weekend away when I need an evening bag. also overnight in a isolated hotel when I am only going from the hotel bedroom to the restaurant. It is large enough to conceal my mobile phone during dinner.

To make the bag waterproof for saving leftover drink. Or bread,crumbling food, dessert,  whatever.  take away food (Americans say take out), I  could insert a plastic bag.

The bag makes me happy. The sequins and colours are lovely. I feel glamorous. And proud of my creativity and resourcefulness. 

I woke up early and sewed the bag and took photos between 6a.m.and 7.30. My husband was impressed.

What could I add to this bag, or another similar one? A clasp, or press stud or hook. To fasten it.

I learned from my previous conversion of a top into a bag what extras are possible. 

1 You can stiffen the bag with interfacing. 

2 Add a button or clasp. 

3 Sew in an inside pocket or zipped pouch. 

4 Insert a gusset. A flat base so the bag can stand on a table. 

5 A wide shoulder strap for comfort. 

6 A waterproof liner, perhaps cut from the inside of an old rucksack (backpack).

Lots of opportunities for me, and you.

However, my bag is fine as it is. I don't want a bulkier, heavier bag. It is a spare when I am travelling light.