Rags to Riches

Denise Handwerker

Constructed from recycled wool sweaters that have been felted. The body of the purse is made from scraps that I cut off from other projects that were sewn into “yarn.” I used the “yarn” to crochet the body. The sides are made from from the sides of a sweater

The actual shoulders and arm holes are used as the loops for the strap. The body and sides were machine sewn together. Some hand stitching at the loops. The strap is crocheted with new wool yarn around more scrap wool. The purse was then felted until thick. Except for a little bit of new wool yarn in the handle and thread, this bag was constructed entirely of felted wool scraps which I have been saving for several years. I started off making a rug, but decided a smaller project was needed first as a test of my techniques. This is a one-of-a-kind original design.