Working with recycled leather is always a surprise. Before Christmas my friend, Margaret, offered me a leather sofa that her family no longer needed. I’ve used new upholstery remnants for bags before so I was eager to see this used upholstery. They kindly stripped the leather from its frame and Margaret delivered two large bags absolutely brimming with leather pieces. The sofa was a deep chocolate brown, but the back side of the leather was red. Where the leather was worn the red had come through giving the leather a beautiful burnished patina.
Below you can see the first Sofa Bag. It is a day bag 11″ x 8.5″ x 3″ with an adjustable leather strap. Inside it is lined with red denim from the Textile Museum sale with a zippered pocket–there is the last of that great striped upholstery sample–and a leather slip pocket. The zipper is durable metal and the low-key hardware matches. This is a unique bag, making ethical use of recycled leather and making a fashion statement at the same time. 
Well done, Christine. You worked your magic on something that could have ended up in landfill.
Beautiful results!
Thanks, Margaret. There is enough for at least one more bag. I can’t wait to give it a try. /Christine
What absolute luscious colour. I once put at the curb a purple/mauve sofa from Mariette Clairement. Was the softest leather ever. ( I always hoped that a farmer grabbed it for the barn. I live in a rural area.)
Ooh that leather sounds wonderful. I hope it found a good home. Nice to hear from you Heather. /Christine