Quick and easy jean mutations
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THE JEAN-BAG
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Now for that top piece you set aside a while back . . . and what a gorgeous totebag it's going to make with all its wonderful belt loops, pockets, brass, and trim! The first order of business is to do a small revamp job on the front seam, just below the placket, where it begins to curve down and under. Rip out this short stretch (the portion that begins at the bottom of the crotch and goes up to the placket . . . about three inches), turn the whole business inside out, and restitch the seam so that it no longer wants to "curve under". (See Fig.2.)
Next—with everything still turned wrong side out—restitch the pant-top's "back" or "bottom" seam (the long one that goes up the back of the jeans) so that most of the "curve" is taken out of the back of the garment (where there was naturally a bit more fabric to accommodate your seat). Make a short—say 2"—long—T-seam across each end of this new bottom seam. Sew the leg openings shut.
Now whip the pant-top right side out again. About an inch to either side of each sideseam, top-stitch the fabric together to make a total of four "corneredges" (Fig. 2). See? Your bag's really beginning to take shape now!
If you're like me, you've probably squirreled away some wooden or metal rings somewhere (leftovers from another sewing project, perhaps). OK. Detach the tops of the jean-bag's side belt loops, place one or two rings over each loop, and sew the tops of the loops back down by hand. Now you have rings to which you can attach a shoulder strap.
Speaking of shoulder straps, I made mine from the same fabric that I eventually used for the lining of the bag shown in the photograph . . . namely, a sturdy denim-blue cotton material left over from a vest-making project. Use whatever material (denim, macrame, leather) you have handy. (If you're in a whimsical mood, you can thread a scarf, bandanna, or favorite belt through the loops!)
The lining itself is easy to install. Just cut one out about the same size and shape as the bag but approximately an inch and a half shorter from top to bottom. Then insert the lining, turn under its top edge, and overcast it to the inside of the jean-bag about threequarters of the way down the waistband on the inside of the band. An interlining (optional) will add body.
