A few years ago, I found a purse at a thrift store and brought it home with me. I liked its color and texture. So did my daughter. 'Recently', she asked if I could make her one.
Typically, I prefer to sew from an existing pattern and then add embellishments or make changes. Since I had no pattern for this, I used the thrifted purse as a guide.
She chose the fabrics. (you may recognize the interior fabric?) I guessed at how much yardage I would need and proceeded to cut out the bag. Or should I say, I cut out one side of the bag. (There are actually two sides to a purse, right? Sometimes I amaze myself that I'm able to get anything done with the immense amount of my brainpower...having so much brainpower can make one muddled you know... that must be it!)
After another run to Joann's for more Kona cotton, I found the next biggest challenge was the purse's construction: I didn't want to take apart the existing purse, so I had to work around that.
There was much scribbling down of many step-by-step ideas, erasing, scribbling again, sewing, ripping out seams, resewing and recutting.
The 'scariest' part of it all (if you can call it that), was throwing the purse into the washing machine and dryer to see if the technique worked. We both like the faux chenille look and the size of the bag. And what's even better...she's been actually using the purse for a few weeks now! Yay!
I'm hoping to make another one soon and work out all the quirks. Maybe add in a pocket or two (it definitely needs a pocket.
And if I'm really brave, I might add a zipper (now that I'm an 'expert' zipper maker, you know)? Then I'm toying with the idea of making it into a pdf pattern to share...anyone interested?
While my sewing skills are really very sad, I would love to give this purse a try, it's a sweet looking bag. I am very interested in a pattern Ellen if you have the time.
Posted by: Tracey | June 19, 2012 at 07:53 AM
Don't you just love this pattern? A few years back, I made about a dozen of these bags for our church bazaar and they sold like hotcakes. Corduroy, Upholstery fabric, cottons...some with button closures...others with over-flaps. I love the material in yours. Enjoy the bag! Have a great day. Hugs...
Posted by: MaryBeth | June 19, 2012 at 08:02 AM
Did I tell you that someone admired the purse you made for me and wants to know if you make and sell them?
Posted by: Mom | June 19, 2012 at 09:00 AM
Great purse! that is a purse I know my daughter would use :)
Posted by: swanski | June 19, 2012 at 04:36 PM
This turned out great - glad she's happy with it, too! I desperately need to make myself a new purse so thanks for the inspiration!
Posted by: Kristen | June 19, 2012 at 09:25 PM
What a great purse! I love the button, too! :) Also, on an unrelated note, I've enjoyed getting to work with Dane at VBS this week--he's been a great help! :)
Posted by: Heather G | June 19, 2012 at 10:28 PM
Would I love the pattern? Well, yeah! A really wonderful purse you created there. I love it!
Posted by: Gesche | June 20, 2012 at 02:52 PM
Oh I love it, Ellen! You did an awesome job - the faux chenille is really nice.
Posted by: rachel | June 24, 2012 at 06:47 PM
Beautiful! You did an amazing job.
Posted by: Zonnah | June 26, 2012 at 01:10 PM