Neat handbag tutorial

**Joanna** · 04-14-2005, 01:31 PM

Here's a link to a neat purse tutorial.
Another project added to my list.

www.sushimifune.com/crafts/borsatonda.htm

Peace,

**SewCrafty** · 04-14-2005, 05:37 PM

Thanks Joanna, you just added another thing to my "To Do List" too!

**Joanna** · 04-14-2005, 06:03 PM

Click on the link at the top of the tutorial. (you don't have to register). Some threads are for completed projects. There are more "tutes", also. You can really lengthen the list. Great inspiration. Ummmm! "pursekets"! I've never wanted more than 1.purse.. don't like the swapping back and forth...Purseket!!
Peace, J

**SewCrafty** · 04-14-2005, 06:28 PM

Thanks Joanna! Now I just joined a craft forum!

**Michele Annette** · 04-15-2005, 09:00 AM

Joanna, it's so cute, thanks!

**Joanna** · 04-15-2005, 12:53 PM

Any suggestions for something around the house that could be used in place of wooden rings?
I cut one out of some seriously vintage fabric last night. I enlarged it about 2" each way.
The fabric is so unlike me, don't know if I'll be able to use it.
Peace, J

**paelthom** · 04-15-2005, 01:33 PM

Very cute purse. Thank you.

**SewCrafty** · 04-15-2005, 02:40 PM

Originally posted by Joanna
Any suggestions for something around the house that could be used in place of wooden rings?
I cut one out of some seriously vintage fabric last night. I enlarged it about 2" each way.
The fabric is so unlike me, don't know if I'll be able to use it.
Peace, J

I'm thinking out loud here so bear with me. LOL

How about shower curtain hooks? Though if they are plastic you would have to glue the snap part shut after putting them on.

For a funky one you could use canning rings. They come in white or gold.

You could use the plastic rings off juice jugs. I would cover them with fabric though as they have picky pieces on them and are usually strange colors. lol

How about using some clothesline rope, covering it with fabric, sort of like piping but with the seams on the inside?

That's all this old brain can come up with right now, if I think of anything else, I'll let you know.

**Joanna** · 04-15-2005, 03:41 PM

Excellent!! That's plenty of ideas! Thank-you very much!!
Whoo hooo! I hope to be able to post a picture later tonight or in a.m.
Did you see the one w/ the zipper in the top? Would you be able to explain how to insert one like that? It's beyond my experience for sure. I've put in zippers years ago, but nothing like that. When I make another, I definitely want a zipper closing.
Thanks again, Joanna

**SewCrafty** · 04-15-2005, 04:15 PM

To put a zipper in the top (I'm not looking at her's this is just how I would do it)

You would put it in first on the outer fabric, before any other sewing was done.
Then do all the other sewing (i.e. her darts for the bottom) and also make the lining the same way as the outer layer, but press down a seam allowance at the top. I would do it a little more that what was used for the zipper in the outer layer.
Then lay the pressed top edge along the zipper, pin in place (by pressing the seam allowance deeper should make it so the lining won't get caught in the zipper)
And topstitch close to the fold in the lining through all 3 layers (lining, zipper and outer layer)

No need to leave an opening in the bottom of the lining for turning right side out this way. You insert the lining INTO the outer layer. Oh and sewing it this way, the zipper needs to be opened, so you can use your free arm on the machine.

Does that make sense?

**Joanna** · 04-15-2005, 04:49 PM

I think it does. When I get to that one, I'll sit down w/ my pieces, read and do step by step. .. and ask more questions. As I work on this one, I'm trying to think of where I can scavenge a zipper.
I know there's one in something.

Thanks again,
Peace, J

**Joanna** · 04-16-2005, 02:44 PM

This will be put into the collection of "Hurricane Evacuation Totes"
Can't ever have enough bags when gathering up stuff to leave.
Glad that I enlarged it a bit.

Sewcrafty, I used your suggestion of shower curtain rings,reinforced w/chenille stems and covered w/sleeve lining of an old costume jacket(tacky faded Glamour shots type stuff) that I grab from trash last job. The black button was a covered prescription bottle cap, using more of the lining.

Thanks for the help.
Peace, J