Yet another purse

Recently I’ve been getting a little thrill out of making projects that you can finish in one sitting. Quilts certainly don’t provide that, but cute purses do!

Linen Purse

This one’s from the same pattern as the last red one I made. It’s really a great little pattern. I often struggle with handmade purses looking… well… handmade. This pattern really doesn’t have that vibe to me.

Linen Purse - Inside

I’m going to have to buy more Hello Betty the instant my fabric buying ban is lifted. I really love it so much. To me it’s the perfect mix of modern and pretty.

I’m out of magnetic snaps so I’m improvised by adding a button. I think it’s a cute touch!

Linen Purse - Button detail

I’m not much for linen in my quilts, but in purses?!? It’s perfect. Love. Love. Love.

32 Responses to “Yet another purse”

  1. Michelle Says:

    Oh, I totally have this pattern bookmarked – and you’re making me want to abandon more urgent projects to make one for myself! This would probably also look cute in a mini cord, I’m guessing. The linen is fantastic!

  2. Terriaw Says:

    Oh I love this one even better than your last one! I love the way you used the complimentary fabric. Very cute, and I agree with you, not too handmade looking. I haven’t worked with linen very much, so I might try it with this pattern too. Thanks for the inspiration!

  3. Carrie Says:

    Love the linen, the purse looks great.

  4. nichole Says:

    I am addicted to making these also! I have several friends that have asked me to make them one!

  5. Sara Says:

    So cute! Perfect for spring. I recognize that fabric, I have in grey for a retro-style shirt. This should inspire me to get going on that.

  6. LIfe a Colorful Life Says:

    I love that purse. You are inspiring me. Ugh. Don’t you hate fabric-buying bans? I just donated a big bag of fabric to our church quilters. So I’m thinking my personal ban should be temporarily lifted….

  7. katie Says:

    love this one, you must have quite a collection now.

  8. Regina Says:

    Cute, cute, cute!~ Very nice purse!

  9. Mal* Says:

    Seeing all of your cute purses really inspires me to make some. Maybe this weekend?

  10. kerri Says:

    this is so cute!! love it!!

  11. Jen Eskridge Says:

    I love the little button detail.

  12. Katheirne Says:

    I love it…so so so cute!! The button look adorable :0) Now, I need to buy some Hello Betty Fabric ;0)

  13. Dewdrop Says:

    I’ve never sewn with linen before, but after seeing your two bags I really would like to try. They look amazing! Any suggestions on what linen to use and where to get it? Or can I just use whatever they have at Joann’s?

  14. Jackie Says:

    Love the bag! I already printed the pattern!

  15. Alissa Says:

    The linen at Joann’s is fine… there’s a great post from Elizabeth at Oh, Fransson!, here that will give you loads of info about linen and linen blends.

  16. another amy Says:

    Adorable! Thanks so much for the pattern link.

  17. wendy Says:
  18. Molly Says:

    I love these colors. The Hello Betty with the linen–beautiful! Such a cute pattern, too.

  19. katie Pedersen Says:

    I love that new line of fabric and had to refrain from buying only enough to make some napkins, http://metrosupialdesigns.wordpress.com/2009/03/01/taking-stock/

    I think any bag looks wonderful with linen, especially when it comes to Springtime.

  20. beki Says:
  21. des Says:

    Oooo….la la….Sasoon…..Maybe you’re too young. But that means…Fantastic!!! I love it!

  22. elizabeth Says:

    OH, that is cute! I love the linen and the teal fabric. The pattern is great too! And I’m totally with you on bags “looking handmade”…”hey, did you make that” isn’t the first thing you want to hear from people!

  23. Rae Says:

    Oh so fab! Love it!!!

  24. adina Says:

    I’ve wanted to add a magnetic closure to a bag but don’t know where to start. Can you share a bit more (which brand you like, where to buy one, etc)?
    Thanks a bunch.

  25. Alissa Says:

    Hi Adina,

    I’ve only bought them one (I bought a lot at once) and I found them at Michael’s. And that was after looking at Joann’s where they didn’t have any. Can’t remember the brand, but I didn’t have any complaints about them – they have worked fine for me! I need to pick up some more!

  26. Rebekah Says:

    I love the shape of this and your cute fabric combo

  27. ellie Says:

    I think this is my next project :) Thanks!

  28. amandajean Says:

    it’s very cute! how long have you been on your fabric buying ban? i’m on day 16 and it feels like F.O.R.E.V.E.R.

  29. Andrea Says:

    This looks so good! I’m currently making one, too. I couldn’t get magnetic snaps at the store today, and was thinking about an alternative closure. I love your solution with the button and sling, it looks very cute! And I think it’s a great idea to catch the handle between outer fabric and lining. Adds to the “not-handmade look”!

  30. Claire Says:

    Thank you for showing me your bag and links to the pattern! addicted as well!

  31. nicole Says:

    thanks for sharing. live in rurual virginia and not a magnetic snap for 50 miles. can you explain how you did your button and sling? thanks!

  32. Alissa Says:

    Hi Nicole! Sure! I sewed the button on the outer shell before I sewed the layers together. From there I made the sling by cutting a length of linen. Pressing the raw edges into the center, then pressing it in half and sewing it closed. From there I folded it into the loop and pressed it so that it would stay that way. Finally, I pinned the sling in between the outer shell and the lining so that it would stay in place when I sewed the layers together. Hopefully that makes sense? Let me know if you have any other questions!

Leave a Reply