If you’re anything like me, it’s hard to throw away “useful” pieces of fabric, particularly if they’re interesting or beautiful. I have a lot of old bohemian style dresses with lovely decorative embroidery that I just can’t bring myself to throw away or donate and I’ve been hanging on to them for years knowing that “one day” I’d have a use for them. Well that day has finally arrived!

While I was adding links to the free-purse-patterns”>Free Purse Patterns website, I noticed a couple of patterns that I particularly wanted to try out, so this was the perfect opportunity to recycle my dresses into some new totes, and then donate the old totes to charity.

I used the Margaret Sling Bag by Oh, Fransson design to make this tote. The fabric is buff colored rayon and silk so it was very soft and not ideal for a tote, but once I added some interfacing it held its shape much better. I just *love* the shape of this tote design – very upscale.

I used up most of the back side of the dress, but I still have the front so I’m planning to make another tote or purse. Who can ever have enough ?

If you haven’t yet visited the Free Purse Patterns website there is currently over 100 free designs listed and I still have a bunch more to add so pay a visit – I’m sure you’ll find something you like.

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