Out of the blue...

A friend has given me a woolly cardy to do with whatever I like! And you know what that means : an upcycle challenge!  It's my favourite shade of blue and the colours and detail in the baskets of flowers are just wonderful. It has had two owners in its lifetime and it now needs repurposing! Can't wait to get started...

It's already had a hot wash but I decided to give it another in with some towels to thicken it up a bit more. It shrunk quite considerably and felted nicely. I took the front bands off and turned it inside out to sew the edges together-my aim is to join the two halves of flower baskets at the front, hoping this will look ok for the front of the bag.

I want it to be secure down the middle, so back into the wash to knit it all together some more! Well I did want it felted and it certainly is now! Once a roomy 38 inch round it's now more like 28 inches and much thicker and sturdier. 

Time to set the scissors to work. I think I'll leave the back intact to see if it will flap over sensibly.   

Sleeves and upper front removed.

I won't waste any of those flower baskets! What's left of the front and down each sleeve trimmed to make a strap and loop holders.

Back makes a neat flap.

I already had this coordinating ditsy fabric for the lining.

With a plastic base and lining added and strap attached with my favourite loops and buckle here's the finished flowery wonder! I've used some of the original buttons on the flap and a magnetic fastening. It'll now go back to it's previous owner as a surprise gift - out of the blue...