wordsfromtherunway

For those of you who have followed wftr since its beginning or are new welcomed additions I wanted to take a moment and update you on what’s been happening. Recently I’ve been doing my own Upcycling project. Reworking used leather goods to re-create new ones. With much success mind you. Here is a dress I found for $19.99 on sale, the zipper was broken but the leather was 100% beautiful and unharmed. 

I believe in the ethical treatment of animals but I also know that leather goods are still being made. My theory on this, I can’t stop it and I may not be able to change it but I can slow down the demand for excessive leather poaching. My idea, is to only use leather goods that have already been processed. By using vintage leather products I am able to obtain the leather I need for my purses and make a dent albeit a small one in the fight against leather farming. I know it’s not perfect and leather will always be in demand but this is my way of slowing the process. 

Here is another image of the dress before I cut it and redesigned it. below:

By making a few changes, slicing the seams and sewing them together I was able to create a beautiful hand made leather purse. I utilized an old vintage chain my grandmother gave to me and voila! I think I love the purse even more knowing that I didn’t go out and buy expensive, dyed leather pelts. 

I cut the back of the dress where the broken zipper was and used that to form the bow at the top of the purse ^ It was a little difficult trying to figure out how to secure it to the purse but with a little tucking, pinning, and sewing I got the job done. 

Here is the purse finished. You can see the gold vintage chain, thanks grandma  for the donation. It still needs a pocket added to the inside but I ultimately love the design, its hobo meets chic and the bow is feminine yet edgy with the zipper detailing. What do you think? 

Want to purchase one of my bags? contact me below and I’ll custom make one just for you. 

Dana@wftr.net 

For more information on leather farming click here.