Customising a charity shop bag

I wanted a shoulder bag to take to London with me. Not too big and not too small, so that I could carry a few bits and bobs around with me, like sandwiches, snacks, a drink, small umbrella, maps, etc. I like shoulder bags, I feel safer if the strap is across my body and I can grip the bag in front of me. Best to be careful if you are walking in busy places. I don't put my valuables in my bag though, they go in a body belt strapped to my waist underneath my clothes.

Anyway, I found this bag which is just the right size, in a charity shop for £1. It looks a bit plain so I thought I would jazz it up a bit. It needs some decoration to make it different from everybody elses bag. The colour is dark blue by the way, a couple of shades darker than this photo.

So here is the finished article. The cats face was on the front of a tee shirt which went all baggy and wore out. I cut it out to fit the front exactly, adding a bit to turn under to make a neat edge. I sewed it on by hand with very tiny stitches.

Then I cut the three letters out of coloured vinyl, and attached them with running stitch in matching cotton.

I am well chuffed with it.