Wednesday, March 30, 2011

A Pocketbook I Actually Like, I think anyway

No, not this one.  I like it okay, but the handles, which I bought, are not holding together.   Also, I just made it in such a hurry that it isn't finished like it ought to be on the inside and the shape is rather boring.  I do like these colors, though!!!  But, I used them all up on this purse.    So......
 I made this one.  Again, I used furniture upholstery samples that my cousin gave me.  I knew I wanted it to hold it's shape, not be very deep (I can never find anything in those really big, deep purses.), and have a good, strong handle.  I wanted it to be open at the top so that I could get to my cell phone, keys, etc... easily, but I didn't want it completely open, thus the button flap. 
 I wanted it to have zippered pockets where I could put things that I don't need very often, but that I do need once in a while.  I also wanted pockets for my pens, Tide stick, lipsticks, etc...  So, I put zippered pockets on two of the inside sides and open pockets on the other two inside sides. 
I always make these pocket book organizers so that I can swap my necessary things very quickly from purse to purse.                                                           
These are great. because they fold to different shapes to fit most pocketbooks.  And,,,,,,my favorite thing about them is, everything has it's own little compartment, and I can see everything at one glance..
 I used coordinating fabric samples to tie it all together, but like I said, this organizer can be used with almost any purse.


This time, I made a separate little money purse that has a Velcro closure flap and a little tab so I can pull it out more easily.  I have always just put my money in one of the open pockets, and while that worked ok for the folded bills, my change was always hard to dig out and sometimes didn't go in the pocket that I intended for it to go into.
I've only carried this purse for a day and a half.  So far, I like it.  The strap is just the right length to go over my shoulder and it actually stays there.  I have very sloped shoulders these days, so that can be a problem.  The purse if very light weight, yet sturdy.  I did use interfacing between the layers and that brown suede fabric on the bottom and the strap is very stiff.  I've already had some compliments on it.  Now, if only the colors were purple, yellow, and green, I'd like it better, but there weren't any more samples in those colors.  I may have to go to a furniture store and see if I can get some other colors that I like better.  There are lots of fall and wintery colors, so I'll be set for those seasons.
I took my sewing machine to the sewing machine doctor yesterday.  I'm leaving her for a few days to have a complete checkup and a little rehabilitation.  Since I won't be sewing for a few days, I may not be blogging either.  But, I will be reading your blogs.

8 comments:

MushyWear said...

Nicely done, and the boys hats sure came out adorable. A new purse is always a cheerful addition to one's wardrobe!

KID, MD said...

Very cute! I like the organizer. I am too lazy to change out my purse, so I just carry the same boring one to death. I need a couple of these...

Jocelyn said...

I really like your purse. And using the furniture fabric will give it more durability and strength.

fabricartist21 said...

I like both of your blogs and have joined them both. My daughter says that it is a love hate relationship between a woman and her bag.

Zep said...

Hi Honey! I miss you. There's 26 post of yours on my reader. No time to sew let alone blog but wanted to say hello and let you know you're in my thoughts. I hope you and your big beautiful family's doing well. Love you!!! ((((hugs)))

Kim said...

I love this purse! I would never in a million years guess it was from upholstery samples! I even love the colors like it is :) Your organizers are wonderful too- I should do something like that- what a wonderful idea!

Tanya said...

Julia - BEAUTIFUL bag...LOVE the Ruching on the sides, and the inside organizer (I thought I carried a lot in my big bags - I think you've got me beat) is great. I LOVE using home dec fabrics for my bags...you do know that if you wash them before sewing (even thought most of them say not to) that you can continue to do so later...I just came back from my home dec store with three fabrics for bags in tow. Off to the washing machine - enjoy your day. Hope your machine is out of the shop soon - Tanya

The4Rs said...

I know what you mean about the sloping shoulders! LOL, I can't keep my bra straps up let alone a purse strap! Love your blog background, I use cutest blogs too, though I wish I could widen the content area, I have too much to say, thanks for visiting my giveaway!

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