HANDMADE PURSES

 PURSES, TOTES, POUCHES and HANDBAGS

Reversible Tapestry and Faux Suede Shoulder Bag

The names of purses has changed over the years, many times I'm sure! I don't really know what they call purses nowadays and I suppose it depends on the size really. It probably depends on the style as well. The 'bag' above is what I call a 'shoulder bag' but I've seen them called hobo bags. 

Hobo bags can have all the things, zippered closure, pocket, detachable handles and all of that jazz, but I like a bag that you just throw your stuff in and go! For a quick shopping trip or for throwing in stuff for an overnight stay, there is no fuss and everything is right there.

This style of bag has a handle that you can tie long or shorter, depending on how it hangs and what feels best for you. I like it a bit long. It doesn't have a closure but I use a scarf to tie around the bottom of the handles, to ties it shut. Looks cool too!

I've had this pattern since my high school days, in late sixties and I have always loved it! The pattern has five various bags to make and some day I will make them all. But, I thought this was the best one to make to sell. Hopefully, I will find a good place to sell them! I missed the markets this year, we have a couple of them near me, so next year I'll prepare sooner.

I purchased this white coat tree for a great price and it's very sturdy! It screws together with it having three pieces so it fits in my car just fine if I take off the top section. The dowls fit snuggly into the base pole. It will be fine to display my bags! I do need to weigh it down if there is wind though.

Fabric Beads

BANGLES and BEADS

I am having a fine time making fabric beads for my purses, for the dangles I'll be designing. I just love them! Been wanting to make these out of paper for a very long while and have found that making them out of fabric is so much fun. Easy and relaxing hand work at night, while I'm watching Miss Marple or Hercule Poirot or Disney.

My method is proving to work well and it's a bit different from all the YouTube tutorials I've seen. I make mine without a pattern and without sewing but I do want to try putting some beadwork on them and glitter glue. I want to really 'jazz' them up and make dangles that easily attach to the purse, perhaps with a large sized key ring, so you can put both handles together and it will act as a closure for the bag.

I'm going to continue making these bags this winter, get ready for the spring markets, and will try to make more variety to them. I'll try adding pockets with hidden zippers, or Velcro. 

I also want to make a tutorial for YouTube too, so I'll try to work on that very soon.