Purses! Lots of purses!

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I'm finishing up a project that will be delivered to a client tomorrow morning, and I'm really happy with how it all worked out. It's a set of purses that will be sold at a local craft show! There will be 12 altogether (I still have a few to finish), six each of two styles.

Here are the first half, hanging ready to go:


What's that you say? They look like books? That's because they are... or were.


Each one started out as a hardcover book. The inside pages were removed, and the covers formed the body of the purse.


Not really something you can stuff full, but just big enough for a cell phone, lipstick and mad money.


There's a top flap that's secured by a magnetic catch.


You could probably store it on a bookshelf by tucking the handles to the inside.

The other purse style is a cute little zippered clutch, perfect for a party because it will keep your hands free.


It's entirely sewn by machine, but in such a way that there are no visible raw edges, even on the inside. It's fully lined, too.


It was a lot of fun matching up fabrics for the insides and outsides of the clutches, and finding bangle bracelets to go with them.


The best part about these purses is they are always at hand; you can carry it to a party and still have your hands free to accept the flute of champagne from dashing admirers.

I'm having so much fun making these! I'm also thinking of doing a tutorial for them, if anyone is interested.

Comments

  1. CarlaDecember 3, 2009 at 10:07 PM

    Great job! I'm always up for tutorials. :)

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  2. marysewsDecember 3, 2009 at 10:20 PM

    I think a tutorial would be really nice, partly for the techniques (attaching a purse to a book binding? no visible raw edges?). I think both these ideas are very clever!

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  3. suinflDecember 3, 2009 at 10:53 PM

    I'm absolutely up for a tutorial - on both purses - they are so clever and cute.

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  4. AnonymousDecember 3, 2009 at 11:18 PM

    yes please!!

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  5. UnknownDecember 4, 2009 at 12:16 AM

    I'd love to see a tutorial for the book purse, Welmoed. I don't sew much, but boy, do I have a lot of books.

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  6. AnonymousDecember 4, 2009 at 12:58 AM

    I would love to have tutorials for these purses.
    Especially the 'book' purse! That is a very clever idea!
    Dee

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  7. JudyDecember 4, 2009 at 6:07 AM

    How very clever! I'm up for a tutorial, too.

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  8. gwensewsDecember 4, 2009 at 8:21 AM

    Love the book purse! I'd definitely like a tute on it!

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  9. PattyDecember 4, 2009 at 8:28 AM

    Love both of these ideas! The book purse so original, and the wristlets are very popular and functional. I would really appreciate a tutorial!
    BTW, I picked up my copy of One Yard Wonders, and am looking forward to making the pillow design that you contributed :-)

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  10. AnonymousDecember 4, 2009 at 8:28 AM

    We definitely need some instructions on making that book purse! Love it! Need one!
    Leslie

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  11. AndieDecember 4, 2009 at 10:27 AM

    I made a book purse from an old Windows NT hardcover. LOTS of fun to bring to Microsoft hosted tech lectures. So... where do you FIND all the hardcover books to gut? That's my difficulty. Most hardcover books I know are too nice to turn into purses (that is, I still value the content). And now most tech books have become softcover or PDFs. PDFs do NOT work as purses ^_^

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  12. Prairie CreationsDecember 4, 2009 at 11:00 AM

    Welmoed, I love the purses. I would love a tutorial. I am incharge of programs for 105 ladies. Do you travel to teach a class?
    Anita Allen

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  13. AnonymousDecember 4, 2009 at 11:16 AM

    What neat ideas. Would love a tut on the wristlet purse!
    Thanks

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  14. BeeshebagsDecember 4, 2009 at 4:07 PM

    I really need to think outside the box more....those book bags are lovely hun. Such a fun thing to do with them....I guess I shouldn't be looking for more tutorials with all the stuff I have already on my to do list, but if you have the time, I'd love to see the tutorials for these...lol Hugs Naomi

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  15. AnonymousDecember 4, 2009 at 5:07 PM

    Welmoed,

    The purses are awesome! Tutorials would be great. Love the bangle idea. You never cease to amaze!

    Barbara Roth

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  16. AnonymousDecember 4, 2009 at 10:12 PM

    Oh, please do a tutorial, those are wonderful!

    Lori in MN

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  17. Linda TDecember 5, 2009 at 9:08 PM

    Bring on the tutorial when you have time. These are terrific!

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  18. CharliAnn ODecember 11, 2009 at 10:25 AM

    Would LOVE a tutorial on both purses! Am always on the lookout for something new and unique in a handbag and make them often. Big ones, tiny ones, these are adorable would love to learn to make both of them!

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  19. AnonymousJanuary 9, 2010 at 10:52 AM

    I find great hard cover books at Goodwill.

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  20. MarshaFebruary 26, 2011 at 12:53 PM

    Did you ever do the book purse tutorial? Would love to see it.

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