Retro Hand Bag from Used Clothing

What fun to make a useful item from no longer useful clothing.

The center fabric is from a pair of capris from the local Salvation Army store bought when they were on clearance for $.49. Since the full fabric width needed could not be cut from one leg, the tiny green-checked fabric on the sides was from an old pair of culottes. The lining was also from the SA store and was a pair of homemade lounge pants. All I had to buy was a metal ring for the handle and a magnetic clasp. The lounge pants had patch pockets, so I utilized one for one side of the lining and made another to add to the other side, so there are 2 pockets inside. If I made again, I would add a pocket to the outside back.

This pattern was in a book from the library, and was called Retro Purse. I think the print fabric actually looks like something from the 40's; a kind of Hawaiian kitsch.

The three items of clothing before cutting.