Well…it’s nice…but nothing to lose sleep over
Yep, that’s what my sweet hubby told me this morning, after I’d just successfully completed a major purseathon. Granted, it’s nothing to write home about, but hey! I thought it was kinda cute. And it works for me. 
And it only took me until 1:00 a.m. That’s not really a purseathon, is it? See, I knew you’d see it my way.
Anyway, I was using the other leg of the pants I’d used to make the flop-top purse (see that picture there? that’s it). Well, this one started out to be a flop-top like the one I’d just done, but that just wasn’t working. Yep…you guessed it…took it totally apart and started over.
(remember this? the flop-top purse I was just talking about – yeah, THAT one!)
well…the new one doesn’t look exactly like this
What went wrong, you ask? Well, not EVERYTHING, it just seemed like it. Here’s a brief (aren’t ya glad) rundown on the little hiccups from last night (hic hic hic UP).
- The iron-on interfacing wouldn’t stay ironed on the lining. I never knew that lining material could curl up like that! Wish I’d gotten a picture – it was actually kinda funny.
- The top of the bag was going to be just a smitch (yah, you know that word – it’s just short of a smidgen) too narrow. So how do you fix a smitch? You sew a strip on to make it just a bit wider. Again, no photos.
- When I finally got it put together, the pocket I’d put on the front was too stiff and wouldn’t let the top flop. No flop-top. And you guessed it…no pictures. Are you getting the feeling that I was focused on sewing and not on photos?
- The handles were crooked! GASP!!! That makes the purse hang wonky, and that’s no fun. So, off with ‘em! As we used to say when I was a kid, “do-over!”
But after I took it completely apart and started over, I think I like the end result better than my first idea. And ya know what’s REALLY cool? I didn’t lose an ounce of skin on this project. No bloody stubs sticking out from my palms – unlike the t-shirt blanket episode. Oh, yeah…well…maybe I exaggerate just a smitch. I only had one bloody stump sticking out on that one. Uhm…OK…maybe just one bloody pinky…and just the tip of that pinky. MAN – ruin a good sympathy-seeking story when I have to be truthful!!
OK…here is the final product of my all-nighter. It ended up being a flap-top instead of a flop-top, but I actually like it this way. It shows the entire array of flowers on the front, instead of only half like in a flop-top, and it’s easier to get things into it. Plus, the cross-body strap hangs much better now that I put the holders on the sides instead of the back. There is always a fix!
flap was a pocket – much better as a flap and not a flop
pocket would have been half-covered by a flop-top
that curly liner straightened out! Yup, already using it.
Hey…I just thought of something. I wonder if this would count as my idea of a resolution for this week’s photo challenge?? I mean, I did resolve to git er dun before I stopped last night. OK, that’s what it is – it’s my idea of a resolution!! Did I mention that there is ALWAYS a fix?
Gorgeous!
thanks so much! I like it, and I’m using it to great advantage!
You are so creative!
aw shucks ya make me blush
I LOVE it!
thanks so much … so do I. I may end up keeping this one – unless somebody buys it and I can reverse tithe on it. Otherwise – it’s MINE!
Do you have a shop where you sell your things?
My bedroom closet. So far the only people who have been even remotely interested are family and close friends, and most of the stuff I make I end up giving away. But I’m OK with that. When I am fortunate enough to sell something I give 90% of the money to the mission I’ve chosen to support, and that hasn’t been much so far, but enough to keep me interested. I think I’d make these things even if I NEVER sold one. I just get some sort of mental/physical/emotional joy out of the whole process.
That is great! I agree that the creating is the best part, and so far I’m also giving away or donating what I make. But, as you may have noticed, I’m also trying to support my sewing/crafting friends’ small businesses (and I may even jump in myself someday!), so if you ever decide to open an Etsy shop or something please let me know!
Hugs, Katherine
yes, I have noticed that on your blog – and I think it’s WONDERFUL! If I ever figure out how to do that (get an Etsy thingy going), and get an inventory built up, I will definitely let you know. Thanks so much for the offer!!
Very nice! I like both styles to look at, but I like the flap style best to use. Like you said, easier to get things into, and it allows more space for “stuff”. I end up with lots of assorted stuff in my purse, so I like roomy ones. I definitely think your git er dun flap purse project qualifies as a resolution! A creative and beautiful one
thanks so much. I tend to end up with a lot of ‘stuff’ stuffed in my purse too, so a small one doesn’t work long for me. The last one I made (the front/back pockets of a pair of jeans one) worked great, because my Kindle fits perfectly in that back pocket. I will probably switch back/forth between these two.
Wow I love your perserverance when sewing goes astray. I think I would have chucked it in the UFO basket for a few months before finishing it. I love the embroidery and how you have placed it on the bag.
Well, I wish I could lay claim to that embroidery, but I can’t. It’s some sort of melt-on fabric paint stuff that was on the jeans when I got them. I thought they were awful as jeans but great as purses.