Quoting myself from Sunday PWYC:
I have been asked to make a bunch of small bags cut from a fallen soldier's camo uniform. The bags will be auction items at an event next weekend, raising funds to put up a memorial to this young man as well as others from his home town.
Check in:
Sewing project completed. Delivered 5 smallish bags with clips to fasten to jeans belt loops (used by motorcycle riders) and 2 small drawstring bags.
The drawstring bags were just the bottoms of the pants, which already had casings and strong ribbon drawstrings in the hems. All I had to do was cut them off, run a French seam across the new "bottom" and tie the ends of the ribbon together to make a "handle." I don't expect these to get a high bid, they were an afterthought and I thought someone might use them to store tools or device chargers.
I went through several designs trying to come up with the best use of fabric before I cut into the uniform. The bags needed to be a rather specific size because they're worn while riding a motorcycle. The original intent was to utilize the multiple pockets with Velcro closures, but that did not work out at all.
I did end up with 2 bags that had small pockets on the outside. Each bag was a little different. They were all unlined bags with a zipper closure. I did French seams instead of lining, for time's sake.
For the next batch when I have more time, I can add a lining with a pocket or 2.
I have requested feedback about the size and whether or not the clips I was given are strong enough to last. She gave me packages that were labeled as "jewelry" fasteners so they were barely large enough to clip around a belt loop. I went to 3 different stores looking for purse hardware (the clips for removable handles), but everyone was out of stock.
Note to self -- search for clips online. Search hardware stores, though they might have ones that are too large and clunky. For example, I think a dog leash clip might be overkill.
There we all are girls, when we grow up. 