Coach Rehab and Rescue Club

[ElizabethB]

Hi Rehabbers! Wanted to share my current project - the Ocelot Haircalf Candace makeover. It isn't a rehab because she was just fine but I wanted to make her perfect for me.

I revealed her a couple of days ago - with her yellow tassels, zipper and tag. She was kind of slouchy and since her base is mahogany and she does't have feet scratches started showing up after carrying her for just a few days.
So, I am going to add some feet but I need nice ones in silver so that will be part 2.

Part one is her new liner and her new look. I made the liner out of Peltex interfacing and corset boning. It isn't very pretty (none of my purse liners look as good as the ones you can buy but they are lots cheaper and they work!) but it does match her lining and works great to keep her standing tall. I put a strip of balsa wood in the bottom to keep it flat - which will keep her bottom up once she has feet.

The yellow had to go. I don't wear yellow and I am not sure what it is with Coach having to add random colors to bags that would probably be best left alone - but I plan on carrying this bag when I am dressed up. The Madison clutch - which has black leather trim and a small cream colored tag is perfect - sophisticated and subdued. So now Ms Candace is much more sophisticated. I swapped out her tassels for matching mahogany, gave her a silver tag and dyed the zipper to match.

I also touched up the scratches on the bottom and she is ready to go. I'll report back once I do the feet.

Awesome transformation and so much more to my personal preference. Can you share how you dyed the zipper without affecting the hair calf? Beautiful Job!

 

[Katherine2020]

Hi Rehabbers! Wanted to share my current project - the Ocelot Haircalf Candace makeover. It isn't a rehab because she was just fine but I wanted to make her perfect for me.

I revealed her a couple of days ago - with her yellow tassels, zipper and tag. She was kind of slouchy and since her base is mahogany and she does't have feet scratches started showing up after carrying her for just a few days.
So, I am going to add some feet but I need nice ones in silver so that will be part 2.

Part one is her new liner and her new look. I made the liner out of Peltex interfacing and corset boning. It isn't very pretty (none of my purse liners look as good as the ones you can buy but they are lots cheaper and they work!) but it does match her lining and works great to keep her standing tall. I put a strip of balsa wood in the bottom to keep it flat - which will keep her bottom up once she has feet.

The yellow had to go. I don't wear yellow and I am not sure what it is with Coach having to add random colors to bags that would probably be best left alone - but I plan on carrying this bag when I am dressed up. The Madison clutch - which has black leather trim and a small cream colored tag is perfect - sophisticated and subdued. So now Ms Candace is much more sophisticated. I swapped out her tassels for matching mahogany, gave her a silver tag and dyed the zipper to match.

I also touched up the scratches on the bottom and she is ready to go. I'll report back once I do the feet.

Wow! The bag looks fantastic! How in the world did you change the color of the zipper so perfectly?

 

[whateve]

Hi Rehabbers! Wanted to share my current project - the Ocelot Haircalf Candace makeover. It isn't a rehab because she was just fine but I wanted to make her perfect for me.

I revealed her a couple of days ago - with her yellow tassels, zipper and tag. She was kind of slouchy and since her base is mahogany and she does't have feet scratches started showing up after carrying her for just a few days.
So, I am going to add some feet but I need nice ones in silver so that will be part 2.

Part one is her new liner and her new look. I made the liner out of Peltex interfacing and corset boning. It isn't very pretty (none of my purse liners look as good as the ones you can buy but they are lots cheaper and they work!) but it does match her lining and works great to keep her standing tall. I put a strip of balsa wood in the bottom to keep it flat - which will keep her bottom up once she has feet.

The yellow had to go. I don't wear yellow and I am not sure what it is with Coach having to add random colors to bags that would probably be best left alone - but I plan on carrying this bag when I am dressed up. The Madison clutch - which has black leather trim and a small cream colored tag is perfect - sophisticated and subdued. So now Ms Candace is much more sophisticated. I swapped out her tassels for matching mahogany, gave her a silver tag and dyed the zipper to match.

I also touched up the scratches on the bottom and she is ready to go. I'll report back once I do the feet.

She looks gorgeous! What did you use to dye the zipper and how did you keep it off the haircalf? I think I might want to put some kind of interfacing into the sides of my haircalf Candaces too to keep their shape.

 

[AggieK]

Hi Rehabbers! Wanted to share my current project - the Ocelot Haircalf Candace makeover. It isn't a rehab because she was just fine but I wanted to make her perfect for me.

I revealed her a couple of days ago - with her yellow tassels, zipper and tag. She was kind of slouchy and since her base is mahogany and she does't have feet scratches started showing up after carrying her for just a few days.
So, I am going to add some feet but I need nice ones in silver so that will be part 2.

Part one is her new liner and her new look. I made the liner out of Peltex interfacing and corset boning. It isn't very pretty (none of my purse liners look as good as the ones you can buy but they are lots cheaper and they work!) but it does match her lining and works great to keep her standing tall. I put a strip of balsa wood in the bottom to keep it flat - which will keep her bottom up once she has feet.

The yellow had to go. I don't wear yellow and I am not sure what it is with Coach having to add random colors to bags that would probably be best left alone - but I plan on carrying this bag when I am dressed up. The Madison clutch - which has black leather trim and a small cream colored tag is perfect - sophisticated and subdued. So now Ms Candace is much more sophisticated. I swapped out her tassels for matching mahogany, gave her a silver tag and dyed the zipper to match.

I also touched up the scratches on the bottom and she is ready to go. I'll report back once I do the feet.

Great job! What an improvement. I agree with you about Coach's random colors. I don't like pink and they seem to put it on everything. Congrats...

 

[netlawyer]

She looks gorgeous! What did you use to dye the zipper and how did you keep it off the haircalf? I think I might want to put some kind of interfacing into the sides of my haircalf Candaces too to keep their shape.

I'd like to pretend that I had a plan - but I put blue painters tape right at the edge on the outside. The haircalf has a finished edge along the zipper, rather than being folded under which might have been a problem. Then I put more blue tape under the zipper (inside) to stop any bleed through to the lining.

In order to get it where I wanted, I used Fiebings Chocolate leather dye. That didn't do it. Then a brown sharpie. Nope. Then a black sharpie. Not quite. Fiebings black over all that. Close enough. The cloth on the zipper must be a synthetic because it really didn't take the color. So the black doesn't look quite black even with all that but you would have to look close. Even so, there was not any bleed through to the inside.

Applied the dye with a q-tip. Dip in dye, touch to zipper fabric - the fabric wicks the dye in so it goes under the haircalf. Folded and held it back out of the way to get under the edges and then had to dab between each tooth. Cleaned the zipper teeth with alcohol between tries to make sure they stayed silver.

It was a leap of faith because I really didn't know how it would turn out but I really didn't want the yellow zipper and really didn't want to replace it either.

The tassels are from a duffle so they are longer - solved that by doubling them around the strap rather than knotting - makes them easier to come off when I want to carry the duffle!

 

[whateve]

I'd like to pretend that I had a plan - but I put blue painters tape right at the edge on the outside. The haircalf has a finished edge along the zipper, rather than being folded under which might have been a problem. Then I put more blue tape under the zipper (inside) to stop any bleed through to the lining.

In order to get it where I wanted, I used Fiebings Chocolate leather dye. That didn't do it. Then a brown sharpie. Nope. Then a black sharpie. Not quite. Fiebings black over all that. Close enough. The cloth on the zipper must be a synthetic because it really didn't take the color. So the black doesn't look quite black even with all that but you would have to look close. Even so, there was not any bleed through to the inside.

Applied the dye with a q-tip. Dip in dye, touch to zipper fabric - the fabric wicks the dye in so it goes under the haircalf. Folded and held it back out of the way to get under the edges and then had to dab between each tooth. Cleaned the zipper teeth with alcohol between tries to make sure they stayed silver.

It was a leap of faith because I really didn't know how it would turn out but I really didn't want the yellow zipper and really didn't want to replace it either.

The tassels are from a duffle so they are longer - solved that by doubling them around the strap rather than knotting - makes them easier to come off when I want to carry the duffle!

You are very brave! I think I would have tried RIT. You can spot dye with a q-tip. I'm planning on trying it on a faded siggy bag.

Isn't is great to know you have a unique bag?

 

[netlawyer]

You are very brave! I think I would have tried RIT. You can spot dye with a q-tip. I'm planning on trying it on a faded siggy bag.

Isn't is great to know you have a unique bag?

I don't really use RIT - do you use it in the bottle? Diluted?That might work better on the zipper fabric. A long time ago I tried dying some jeans in my washer with RIT - so I don't have good memories of it.

It is soooo much more my style now. Really for such a nice bag, having the yellow zipper made it look confused - am I sophisticated or trendy?

I am glad we don't have this issue with the haircalf pocket Candace. (However she is probably getting feet too if it works out.)

 

[netlawyer]

You are very brave! I think I would have tried RIT. You can spot dye with a q-tip. I'm planning on trying it on a faded siggy bag.

Isn't is great to know you have a unique bag?

BTW - if you think you might want to make a lot of bag liners (and even bags too), Overstock.com sells the Peltex Ultra Firm 71F by the bolt for about $45 for 10 yards (which is about half the by the yard price). I get that and the fusible fleece from them. I ordered the 1/4" boning off eBay.

 

[ElizabethB]

I don't really use RIT - do you use it in the bottle? Diluted?That might work better on the zipper fabric. A long time ago I tried dying some jeans in my washer with RIT - so I don't have good memories of it.

It is soooo much more my style now. Really for such a nice bag, having the yellow zipper made it look confused - am I sophisticated or trendy?

I am glad we don't have this issue with the haircalf pocket Candace. (However she is probably getting feet too if it works out.)

You are sophisticated! I would assume "trendy" is the confusing color contrasts. Personally your Candace is, without a doubt, NEW and IMPROVED. Then again, it could be my age showing. .

 

[whateve]

I don't really use RIT - do you use it in the bottle? Diluted?That might work better on the zipper fabric. A long time ago I tried dying some jeans in my washer with RIT - so I don't have good memories of it.

It is soooo much more my style now. Really for such a nice bag, having the yellow zipper made it look confused - am I sophisticated or trendy?

I am glad we don't have this issue with the haircalf pocket Candace. (However she is probably getting feet too if it works out.)

I used to do batik so I have painted with RIT before. I am always afraid to use it in the washer - it might permanently stain it. I found instructions for painting with RIT. You buy the liquid, dilute it some with hot water, and then just paint it on. I tried it on a test bag. I was worried about it wicking onto the leather trim, but it didn't.

I'm interested to see how you attach the feet.

BTW - if you think you might want to make a lot of bag liners (and even bags too), Overstock.com sells the Peltex Ultra Firm 71F by the bolt for about $45 for 10 yards (which is about half the by the yard price). I get that and the fusible fleece from them. I ordered the 1/4" boning off eBay.

Thanks. I haven't sewed in ages. I have another barrel-shaped bag that I would like to stiffen up so it doesn't look smashed in.

 

[ledobe]

I doubt the Rit will take any better on the zipper than the leather dye. I've never had a zipper take a dye on anything I've ever tried it on.

 

[tannedsilk]

I'd like to pretend that I had a plan - but I put blue painters tape right at the edge on the outside. The haircalf has a finished edge along the zipper, rather than being folded under which might have been a problem. Then I put more blue tape under the zipper (inside) to stop any bleed through to the lining.

In order to get it where I wanted, I used Fiebings Chocolate leather dye. That didn't do it. Then a brown sharpie. Nope. Then a black sharpie. Not quite. Fiebings black over all that. Close enough. The cloth on the zipper must be a synthetic because it really didn't take the color. So the black doesn't look quite black even with all that but you would have to look close. Even so, there was not any bleed through to the inside.

Applied the dye with a q-tip. Dip in dye, touch to zipper fabric - the fabric wicks the dye in so it goes under the haircalf. Folded and held it back out of the way to get under the edges and then had to dab between each tooth. Cleaned the zipper teeth with alcohol between tries to make sure they stayed silver.

It was a leap of faith because I really didn't know how it would turn out but I really didn't want the yellow zipper and really didn't want to replace it either.

The tassels are from a duffle so they are longer - solved that by doubling them around the strap rather than knotting - makes them easier to come off when I want to carry the duffle!

Genius, just genius. Looks great!

 

[JOODLZ]

Hi Rehabbers! Wanted to share my current project - the Ocelot Haircalf Candace makeover. It isn't a rehab because she was just fine but I wanted to make her perfect for me.

I revealed her a couple of days ago - with her yellow tassels, zipper and tag. She was kind of slouchy and since her base is mahogany and she does't have feet scratches started showing up after carrying her for just a few days.
So, I am going to add some feet but I need nice ones in silver so that will be part 2.

Part one is her new liner and her new look. I made the liner out of Peltex interfacing and corset boning. It isn't very pretty (none of my purse liners look as good as the ones you can buy but they are lots cheaper and they work!) but it does match her lining and works great to keep her standing tall. I put a strip of balsa wood in the bottom to keep it flat - which will keep her bottom up once she has feet.

The yellow had to go. I don't wear yellow and I am not sure what it is with Coach having to add random colors to bags that would probably be best left alone - but I plan on carrying this bag when I am dressed up. The Madison clutch - which has black leather trim and a small cream colored tag is perfect - sophisticated and subdued. So now Ms Candace is much more sophisticated. I swapped out her tassels for matching mahogany, gave her a silver tag and dyed the zipper to match.

I also touched up the scratches on the bottom and she is ready to go. I'll report back once I do the feet.

I absolutely agree with returning the color combo from trendy to classic...Great job! Note: I keep hearing "Hotel California" in my head when I read your posts...Coaches can check out anytime they want, but they can never leave

 

[JOODLZ]

This wasn’t a Rehab...it was a RESCUE! TWO amazing finds just one day apart at Goodwill. First a 2004-05 Hamptons Weekend Scribble Compact Clutch Wallet #6536 (yeah, it’s a mouth full) for $2.99. Then the next day, a matching 2004 Hamptons Weekend Scribble Hobo #5658 for $4.99. Why so cheap? They were both very, very dirty! The leather was in good shape, but the fabric was filthy. Trusting the resiliency of Coach fabric (and Mean Green), I took the chance. Before pics are here: http://forum.purseblog.com/coach-shopping/authenticate-this-coach-818914-303.html#post25260831

Because the lining of the wallet was in amazing condition, I didn’t want to dunk it. I have no experience with vachetta leather and didn’t want to experiment here. I simply sprayed the fabric with Mean Green, scrubbed with a toothbrush and blotted it away with water on a washcloth. Repeated a couple of times until the discoloration was gone. I didn’t take a “before” pic. The one here is “after”. Other pics are here: http://forum.purseblog.com/coach-shopping/authenticate-this-coach-818914-302.html#post25259502

The bag was even dirtier, inside and out, so I completely saturated it with Mean Green. I let it sit for a few minutes and started scrubbing with a toothbrush. The top corners where the strap attaches and the strap itself were the dirtiest (I removed the leather shoulder piece). The top of the outside pocket and the bottom edge of the bag were pretty grimy too. After a rinse, I noticed turquoise-y color showing up along the top edge - YIKES! It was coming from the tassel on the zipper pull, and luckily rinsed right away. So I spent some time rinsing the tassel til there was no more bleeding. Because the tassel isn’t removable, I put it in a ziplock bag and secured it with a twist tie. Then I gave the whole bag a warm, sudsy bath with Dawn and a clean water rinse. Still a little discolored on the outside, I zipped the bag closed with the tassel (still in the bag) inside the bag and sprayed her down and scrubbed with Mean Green again. After a good rinse and stuff, she nearly dried overnight.

Though I’ve never been a huge fan of the siggy styles, this bag and wallet combo is just so bright and colorful I know I’ll have lots of fun wearing them. I’m guessing their previous owner(s) would be shocked and amazed at how bright and refreshed they are...even my hubby says so!

 

[Katherine2020]

This wasn’t a Rehab...it was a RESCUE! TWO amazing finds just one day apart at Goodwill. First a 2004-05 Hamptons Weekend Scribble Compact Clutch Wallet #6536 (yeah, it’s a mouth full) for $2.99. Then the next day, a matching 2004 Hamptons Weekend Scribble Hobo #5658 for $4.99. Why so cheap? They were both very, very dirty! The leather was in good shape, but the fabric was filthy. Trusting the resiliency of Coach fabric (and Mean Green), I took the chance. Before pics are here: http://forum.purseblog.com/coach-shopping/authenticate-this-coach-818914-303.html#post25260831

Amazing! How fortunate to have found the set on two different days. I think we have some Mean Green in the garage. I'll be digging that out for my rehab kit. Thanks for sharing.