When an emphatic salesclerk tried to push a mostly synthetic computer case on poet/playwright Marylou DiPietro, saying it was the “greenest” that his store carried, DiPietro declined. It was while driving away and replaying the encounter that DiPietro, who is also an artist—and who followed a holistic lifestyle long before it became a buzz phrase–had her entrepreneurial ah-ha! moment.

“I thought, I’ll make my own ‘green’ net-book case out of recycled materials,” says this former New York City Upper West Sider who lives in Harrisville, New Hampshire.  The idea to “reincarnate” new bags out of leather jackets and belts, vintage designer jackets and sweaters, as well as blankets and newly felted wool materials, was born.

Created at DiPietro’s studio, these one-of-a-kind, handmade cases and carriers are available for laptops, e-readers, and other “e” devices. A protégée of artist LeRoy Neiman, DiPietro was already creating fiber art and mosaics, “so this was a natural evolution for someone like me who is always looking for the perfect bag to carry around my writing accoutrements—books, notebooks, pens and electronic devices.”

Working with master seamstress Noi McEwan, DiPietro turns out some of the most stylish and functional carriers, bags and totes I’ve found in the “repurposing” realm. My favorites: her Gigasleeves, top, for iPad and iPad 2.

To view the line and for info, visit reincarnations.biz.