Giant Cat Heads Make Sweet Purses

So I have a new bag shaped like a giant cat head, you guys, and it's pretty awesome:

 

It actually started out as the world's tiniest backpack:

When I ordered it online, the site failed to mention it was a backpack... FOR ANTS.

:D

Considering how terrible I am at all things sewing-related, I'm actually quite pleased with my modification. I cut open the interior lining at the bottom seam:

... flipped the whole purse inside out:

... opened the seams where the straps were sewn in, pulled the straps free, and re-sewed all the seams shut again.

It turned out all the backpack straps were one piece, so I was able to re-use that for the purse strap.

The hardest part was inserting the new strap into the top seams; there were so many layers I had to hand stitch those closed again.

It looks fine from the outside, though!

 The strap is just long enough that I can wear it cross-body style. Which is good, since I only wear those or hip bags these days.

 

For some reason John wanted a turn modeling:

I actually bought this for him originally, so maybe it'll be his new man purse. ;) 

It totally suits him, right?

Oh, and the best part? The original backpack cost less than $6, and that includes shipping. You can buy your own here, plus they have a few different styles to choose from, including this redonkulous puppy dog head:

I also found some purse versions that only cost $7, though I like my strap better:

That puppy face on the bottom right is killin' me with teh cute. 

[Correction: Oops, these are actually COIN purses, and are about 6 inches across - much smaller than the backpack I used!]

I've purchased several things from that site, and while the quality isn't top notch, I've never had a problem with them otherwise. And this is NOT a sponsored post. Just sharing some fun cheap shopping links. (If you wander into their jewelry section you WILL be lost for hours. Just sayin'.)

 *****

Time to announce the winners from last week's art roundup!

So, congrats to:

Allison Anderson, who wins the Sherlock set

Kim from GiggleMonster, who wins Jack Skellington

And Zombie Edward, my wild card winner!

Congrats, you three, and please e-mail me your mailing addresses!