whenever i go thrifting, i always look for vintage items to use in my craft fair set up. i am particularly drawn to old suitcases, but more often than not when you open them up they're pretty gnarly either with stains or just an old smell. a couple months ago i bought a small blue suitcase in pretty good condition, but it has been sitting at the foot of my bed since i brought it home. last weekend i finally decided it either needed to be re-done or banished back to goodwill.
i opted for the re-do. i started by ripping out the insides and then using them as pattern pieces for my vintage fabric. i used spray adhesive to get the main parts of the fabric to adhere to the top and bottoms which made smoothing it out much easier, and it stuck well to the cardboard. i sewed side panels, reinforcing them with interfacing, and used fabric glue to adhere around the sides. i secured the flap that covers the hinges with fabric glue as well as the staples i saved from the old lining. my fingers were covered in glue and i lost a few brain cells with the spray adhesive, but i'm pretty happy with how it turned out.
this is seriously amazing, it looks gorgeous! you should submit it to design sponge or something.
Posted by: Elizabeth | April 27, 2010 at 04:34 PM
super-cute re-do carrie! this will be a charming display case!
Posted by: heather | April 27, 2010 at 06:17 PM
You are amazing! Proud to say, "That's MY girl!"
Posted by: Mom | April 27, 2010 at 09:15 PM
Great job on that suitcase and I love the fabric you chose.
Posted by: Nancy Cook | April 27, 2010 at 09:19 PM
Oh, brilliant!!!
Posted by: Antoinette | April 27, 2010 at 10:30 PM
what an amazing idea. it looks incredible. and will be a perfect suitcase display for craft fairs. love that floral fabric.
Posted by: karyn | April 27, 2010 at 11:37 PM
love it! I want to travel with it, but I guess that's not really the point!
Posted by: Katy | April 27, 2010 at 11:52 PM