Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Patching Over a Logo

I pulled this red Staples bag out of the closet last week and said "humph."  I'm not a fan of toting free advertising unless it's for some little place that I love.  Sure, I sometimes buy office supplies from Staples, but I'm not in love, you know?



But their bag was made so nicely with twill tape-bound seams and a little interior pocket.  The cotton canvas was sturdy and soft.

So I got the idea to cover up the logos and the advertising with patchwork!  I did this block of patchwork in high school or college, intending it to be a pillow top, but it mixed around in my stash ever since.  I think I must have rooted through Grandma Weaver's scrap bag for the fabric. 




I handquilted it onto the bag with blue perle cotton.  The vortex of the quilting is the navy patch with the flowers, a scrap from my mom's fabulous 70s dress in this photo on my photo wall.  I'm guessing this was 1977.

 
 
"That was easy."  Yes. Yes, it was.



18 comments:

Jennifer Jo said...

I love the colors! So cheery!

Tracy said...

Brilliant!

Alica said...

Great idea! I love patchwork!

Alice said...

Very cute! I have a Meijer bag that could use this treatment:)

Rebecca said...

The idea of the "votex" of a quilt is simply brilliant and such a perfect description. Gorgeous bag. I won't be so quick to pitch my bags to Salvation Army.

Rhonda said...

very nice re-do. We are not fans of having to advertise for companies either. When we buy vehicles, my husband even makes the dealer remove their logos from the vehicle. They don't like it but he won't buy it if they don't.

Leila said...

Hmph. I just threw mine away. Your solution is much better! Clever girl!

Unknown said...

Aren't you ever so clever ; ) Love that you used even a scrap from your Mom's dress too - those special, personal touches!

Thrifty Mom In Boise said...

Great idea! Love the fabrics. Great way to upcycle that bag. Your mom's dress is great.

Naomi Weaver said...

Margo, what a trip down memory lane! I loved that dress. Aunt Esther made it for me.
Love your blog--and you especially.
Love,
Ma

jodi said...

that is awesome! I have several bags that I never utilize because of that very reason. I never thought to cover the logo!

Dianna said...

That is a genius idea! I love the way it turned out.

Sew Blessed Maw [Judy] said...

How cute.. Brilliant idea. Love the patchwork..

jenny_o said...

Great idea; it looks so much better ... another new thing for me to try.

Deanna Beth said...

Very nice. So smart!

Lisa said...

Handstitched onto canvas? That must have been a little tough on the fingers, but it looks nice.

Margo said...

Lisa, it was pretty soft, my needle was sharp, and I wore a thimble. I really enjoyed it.

BLD in MT said...

It turned out great and I adore that you were able to use some of your mother's dress. What a nice way for it to continue being useful.

I've done this on a couple things. I basically dislike being a billboard. No words on my clothes. No words on my bags. I put patches or do needlework over the top. MUCH better!