I had an idea to make an apron for a friend. A 50’s, retro-inspired, domestic-diva-type creation. Then I said to myself…. “she won’t wear it…” … so I thought, I’ll make it into a handbag.
(Original handbag idea is on the blue scrap of paper – I keep lots of recycled paper around for these things.)
Then I thought…. “who’s going to carry around a bag like that?”…. so decided to make a little clutch-purse. Great idea! You can see some of my drawings and then I cut one out of paper to use as a template.
Next step – dig out the inspiration fabric – you can see here, I found a sleeve – from some vintage fabric I had -
(Oh no! Don’t use the vintage fabric on a prototype! … Too late…)
Cut out the pattern pieces out of stiff interfacing so the shape would hold up and ironed it onto the wrong side of the fabric:
Cut out about 1/4” around the pieces and pinned it to lining fabric (remnants from curtain lining) to use as a cutting template:
Next few steps, I forgot to take pictures …. I made a little embellishment for the front of the pouch and sewed that on. Then I basted black piping to one side of the outer fabric before sewing front and back together. I also sewed the lining fabric together and realized that the 4” zipper I had for this wasn’t going to fit. So, I added snaps to the lining then slipped it inside the pouch. 
Once that was done, I used some bias binding to cover up the raw edges at the top and create a carry-strap. Done!
As you can see, it needs a little work – stitching on the embellishment on the front went a little wonky and I’d like to make another bag with a wider top to insert a zipper.
I think this method – of a stiff interfacing - would lend itself to making little purses with definite shapes. I’m thinking of a cupcake, a house and another apron. I have a bunch of white and tan 4” zippers, so that’s what I’m going to work with – searching in my fabric stash for some coordinating fabrics.
What shape would you make?
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I think that is such a cute idea. I love the idea of the cupcake. If you make one, make sure you show us a pic. I love all your sketches too. A true artist at work. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteHey girl, I love the way this came to be. Love seeing your steps and drawings and all the good stuff. You are so talented. I am not much of a sewer ---- seam binding and zippers...not my specialty.
ReplyDeleteAnyway - I would love a purse like this.
XO
tina
I like the food-item theme. Perhaps I'd make a bag that looks like a slice of pizza if I wasn't so lazy.
ReplyDeleteI think this turned about really cute! I'm sure your friend will be delighted to receive it.
ReplyDeleteThanks guys!
ReplyDeleteI think the pizza idea is great, too.
I have to work on my skills for sewing a zipper on with my machine - I do want to keep working on this project to get the zipper to fit, but I might do the zipper by hand - and not risk messing it up too much.
That's cute.
ReplyDeleteA great idea for sure!
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Many years ago before I started making bags, I bought a le coq sportif bag which looks like a tennis skirt. So an apron pouch is not totally out of my universe. And do people ever wear aprons?
ReplyDelete