Close up showing silk gauze shimmer.
The purse back with chevron wool layout.
The finished purse.
One of the fun things about making bags with integrated handles...
...is that cutting out the handle creates two flaps.
For this bag, I used one as an exterior flap...
...and created an internal pocket from the other.
Making sure that I knew which flap I wanted for each 'job'...
...I trimmed the front one into an even, rounded shape.
I found a button that I liked for the closure...
...and stitched a button hole, just the right size.
I cut the second flap into a cell-phone-sized pocket...
...cut a wide slit near the top of the flap, and lined it with fabric.
What's nice about this method of finishing off a pocket...
...is that it doesn't need to be hand-stitched to the bag's interior at all...
...yet it will still hold your items securely.
Because I stretched the handle as I felted this piece...
...it is longer and thinner than it was when I cut it (a proper shoulder strap).
To finish the bag, I folded the handle in half and sewed it together...
...then top-stitched around the front flap as well.
13 comments:
It's beautiful and I love the second pocket you created. Cell phones always get lost so good call on that one. The shape is great!
Thanks, Andrea!
Yes-I'm happy with the shape of this one, too. (I've been making quite a few of these, lately!)
Uh, oh...these purses may become as ubiquitous as the pillows have been! :)
This is a fun project, great design!
I've only tried felting once so far. Your posts definately have my mind turning.
The purse is great!
I love the shape! And the cell phone pocket is genius! Happy New Year!
Your purse is amazing! Love the color and the shape. Thanks for sharing, Happy Fiber Arts Friday!
Thanks, Melissa, Kathryn, Dawn and AllyB!! I wish you all a very Happy New Year!! XXO-
What a lovely bag! I've been reading down, and I love your table runner, too, that's beautiful! I really want to try that type of felting this year, we'll see if I make it around to it or not. :)
Jess
Hi Jess!
Yes...you should definitely make it a New Year's resolution! There are lots of projects in my early blog posts which aren't nearly as involved as this bag, which might be helpful...otherwise, just ask!
what a great design, i've always wondered how to get an integrated handle and pocket! love the colours too.
hope you had a great christmas and here's to a fab 2011! :)x
Thanks, Narkeymarkey! There's a German kids felting book called "Mit Kindern Filzen" that I have that Nicola (Clasheen) recommended to me that has really clear diagrams for making this kind of bag.
I am so glad you posted photos of your process and explained how to make that cool pocket. I love it! I've been wanting to make a purse and this post is an inspiration. Thanks so much.
You're welcome, Becky! I'll be looking forward to seeing yours soon!
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