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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: abcameo
Date: 08-30-2006, 06:36 PM (1 of 21)
I haven't been feeling well for the past month due to vertigo, relentless headaches and ongoing dizziness. It's kept me from almost all of my sewing and knitting projects, so it's been really frustrating and boring on top of everything else. Now is a bad time to be out of it since I've got a few holiday fairs lined up, and I hoped to add some new items to my line.  I've got a few books on ribbon work, so I decided to make some flowers and attach them to velvet purses. I can sew up flowers by hand at my own pace when I'm resting in bed (as long as I'm not feeling ga-ga!). It's fun and at least I'm doing something productive. I have a lot of black velvet here and some interesting remnants for attractive linings. Today, I cut out my main velvet for a rectangular purse with a foldover flap. I'll cut a lining to match next. Can anyone suggest what I should place between the layer of velvet and lining to make the purse stable and yet keep the feel soft and old-fashioned in style? I see photos of vintage purses, but not much is mentioned about the internal aspects of the project. I'm not using a pre-fab handle. This one will probably be a have long satin cords with decorative knots attached as the handle. Are these style purses kind of "cushy" in feel? I've seen satin types that are quilted in diamond patterns, but I'm not a quilter, so I don't know know how they're constructed. Would that thicker look be appropriate for velvet, and how would I achieve it? All how-to suggestions welcome. Are there any recommended books on how to sew vintage-style purses? Many thanks, Amy |
User: abcameo
Member since: 11-02-2004 Total posts: 131 |
From: AndreaSews
Date: 09-02-2006, 09:47 PM (2 of 21)
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Without looking at a picture, the image I get when I think "vintage purse with velvet" is cushy, with pleats or gathers, a rounded bottom, and the opening is made of metal with a clasp that snaps it shut and a hinge that opens t wide like a mouth. And I believe that it is this kind of hardware that provides the stability in this case. If you're not thinking of using metal or wood pieces to frame the top in any way, then how about some crafter's interfacing? It's about 1/8 inch thick, plyable, but certainly has its own umph. Umph. That's your technical word for the day! I hope you feel better soon.--Andrea Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007 
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From: abcameo
Date: 09-03-2006, 01:28 AM (3 of 21)
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Hi there, Andrea: My ASG buddy! I wasn't well enough to drive to make it to 2 meetings in August, which was really disappointing... I like the "Oomph," word--it's "gutsy," and makes me think of the internal pizazz factor no one ever sees but you know is there. This forum crashed for a while, and I got some advice from another sewing forum. Among other interlinings used in the original bags, someone suggested anything would go--like muslin in those days. She also suggested I could use fleece, and I did think that would work for this project, adding loft and fullness. I'm not adding handles, just sating knotted cords to turn this into a shoulder bag, so I do think that I'll need to add some kind of stiffening fabric as well. Do you have a specific brand name for Crafter's Interfacing? Trimtex was one type mentioned at ASG. I think Pellon might be another that would add stability and some firmness. Many thanks for the well wishes, too. Today was the first day in a month that I felt okay enough to get in the car and drive to the library & video store (not too far away). It was a great liberating feeling to get out and about. Amy |
User: abcameo
Member since: 11-02-2004 Total posts: 131 |
From: AndreaSews
Date: 09-03-2006, 09:00 AM (4 of 21)
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http://joann.com/catalog.jhtml?CATID=82281&PRODID=117409 try that. it's just one example, but Pellon was the one I was thinking of. It's on the same rack at JoAnn's as all the interfacings, and it's easy to spot b/c it's so thick. but now that I've read the description on this link, I like this one better!
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007
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From: abcameo
Date: 09-03-2006, 11:28 AM (5 of 21)
Description sounds great but, holy-moley at $109, I think I'll go with the Pellon unless it comes in small packages. 
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User: abcameo
Member since: 11-02-2004 Total posts: 131 |
From: AndreaSews
Date: 09-03-2006, 08:55 PM (6 of 21)
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Oh! I think that's the price for the whole bolt. When you walk into the store, you can get them to cut any length you want!
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 09-04-2006, 09:03 PM (7 of 21)
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I've not been on in a few days, but have you considered fusible fleece?? The lining kind, not fleece for outerwear.. I used it in some purses I made several years ago.. It worked so great, .. I just fused it to the ws of fabric and lining after I sewed the seams and did the turning to the right side.(in other words, press after you sew and turn). Then I quilted lines going one way 1 inch apart, then turned fabric 90 degrees and sewed lines 1 inch apart on that direction.. Then acording to where you started you either have squares uilted or diamonds quilted.. Makes a very nice clutch purse, . (specially for evening wear..)
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: abcameo
Date: 09-09-2006, 01:25 PM (8 of 21)
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I never heard of fusible fleece. I'll definitely check it out when I next go to the fabric store. I found some lightweight, "lofty" (I like the wording Andrea used) batting in my stash and used that this time. I liked that it was already in a folded flat rectangle, so it fit my purse just great. I posted photos to my yahoo folder if anyone's interested in taking a peek at the finished product: http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/abcameo/album?.dir=6ea8scd&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/abcameo/my_photos The flowers were all handcrafted while I was lying in bed with the dizzy spells for a few days (still having ongoing problems with the relentless headaches and dizziness.) I'm getting ready to start my second purse. This one's going to be more of an elongated clutch shape. Now that I did one prototype, I've figured out some pitfalls and know what to avoid doing.  Purses of any kind these days are going for a small fortune. I'm trying to figure out what to charge--in boutique pricing, not home sewer pricing. It's going up on my website today or tomorrow. Amy |
User: abcameo
Member since: 11-02-2004 Total posts: 131 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 09-14-2006, 01:28 AM (9 of 21)
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My sister did wedding purses for her daughter in laws attendants out of satin and used white flannel to give them the body she wanted. She tried interfacing, fleece and batting which all turned out too stiff. That may work for you
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: abcameo
Date: 09-14-2006, 11:40 AM (10 of 21)
Thanks for the flannel suggestion. I decided to add an accessory to my accessory and added a hair barrette with a matching flower.  I sent out the photos to my friends and family and got back an excellent reaction, with everyone telling me to make more. I'm working on purse #2 but haven't been able to drive to the fabric store to pick out the stuffing/filler yet. I've already got #3 in mind--colors my friend suggested: totally black, silver, gold & bronze flowers. I wouldn't have thought of putting black flowers on a black velvet purse, but I'll give it a try. Amy |
User: abcameo
Member since: 11-02-2004 Total posts: 131 |
From: SheliaHC
Date: 09-14-2006, 11:51 AM (11 of 21)
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I would love to see the photos but it wouldn't let me in. It wanted me to enter a password. Shelia |
User: SheliaHC
Member since: 12-28-2005 Total posts: 95 |
From: abcameo
Date: 09-14-2006, 02:08 PM (12 of 21)
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Thanks for letting me know. I went back in and set the thing to "Public." Here's the new link--hope it works. Let me know if it doesn't... http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/abcameo/my_photos |
User: abcameo
Member since: 11-02-2004 Total posts: 131 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 09-19-2006, 01:07 AM (13 of 21)
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Now those are really nice looking! Beautiful job you've done.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: abcameo
Date: 09-19-2006, 01:30 PM (14 of 21)
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Thank you so much for the compliment. It's very encouraging. My one steady, loyal website shopper (I call her my "Beverley Hills 90210 Patron Saint") almost bought it the other day. She just wasn't sure if it would be too bright and showy for the friend she had in mind... It's funny though, I'm trying to make the second purse (exactly the same material, serger set up, tensions, etc.) and I can't get the lining to stay put to sew the rectangle despite pins and everything.  Handbasting is kind of defeating the purpose of quickly producing the purse so I can focus on the tedious florals. Amy |
User: abcameo
Member since: 11-02-2004 Total posts: 131 |
From: lacicat
Date: 11-03-2006, 05:11 AM (15 of 21)
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Good job on the purse, it's very attractive. I keep buying material to try a purse but so far it's just material and hasn't become a purse. lacicat (my name is really Andrea and my dd is Amy, so I was enjoying yours and Andrea's conversation)
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User: lacicat
Member since: 10-29-2006 Total posts: 7 |
From: abcameo
Date: 11-04-2006, 10:27 AM (16 of 21)
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Hi, Lacicat aka Andrea. Thanks so much for taking a look and commenting. I added a matching hair barrette as a "go-with" to the first purse, and I finished the second one with the antique lace and flowers. I then sewed up a brown evening bag (straight foldover flap) with some really lovely home dec. fabric and followed up with a second one (curved flap). The brown purse color and fabric look much more attractive in person, but you can see all but the last one on my website here: http://www.thewearwithall.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=DA Just before I created the brown purse, I joined PatternReview.com as a paid member (finally!) and purchased the Kenneth King CD on handbag construction. I already had some of the purse sewn, but I was able to incorporate some of his techniques. I found out about "buckram," which he uses to stiffen the bag. I wasn't sure what to use, and the buckram is inexpensive and provides just the right amount of hardness to add support. Kenneth also advised using a curved needle for handstitching--saying it took some getting used to but, once you get the hang of it, it works great. Ever since then, I've been using the curved needle often on other projects as well. I purchased some felt and some stuffing called (I forget the exact name) but something like "Warm & Natural," and I was pleased with the end result. There's another CD for sale called "Cool Tricks," by Kenneth which apparently discusses how he makes tassels and trims, but it has some other material on there that I don't need right now, and so I'm not buying it yet. Maybe when a purse sells... Best, Amy the First (I'm probably older than your Amy)
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User: abcameo
Member since: 11-02-2004 Total posts: 131 |
From: MaryW
Date: 11-22-2006, 09:43 AM (17 of 21)
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I saw some pleated satin the other day. I immediately thought of purses and you Amy. I think it would make a lovely purse for a dressy event.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: Sancin
Date: 11-22-2006, 04:13 PM (18 of 21)
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Amy - I hope you are feeling better. I think if one has not had vertigo it is impossible to describe. I was in an accident several weeks ago and I guess the stress of it has brought on brief bits of vertigo - all I can think of is "oh no, not this again!". Your purse is lovely. Here in Prince George we have two juried craft fairs this time of year. At one of them there is lady who makes purses like you seem to be aiming for. She sells them for a fortune and can't keep up with the demand. Hers are primarily an envelope type of purse on silk cords. They are heavily embroidered and embellished. I spend a lot time just looking at them and praying for more time in my life. The purses are made of some sorts of fancy fabric like velvet, taffeta, silk, etc. and lined with a lightweight silk or coloured muslin. I have not asked her but from the feel they seem to be interfaced with something of the weight of quilt lining. One would have to do most of the embroidery or embellishments before putting together. The purses are not large so there really isn't any need for a lot of stiffening. The fabrics and details would preclude washing the purse so I expect you could use any type of lining (craft, wool, cotton, old blanket) that keeps the fabric and design from falling in on itself. She also sells purses that are soft and gathered around the top (there is a name for them but I forget it- reticule?) and tassels or embellishments hanging from the bottom. Some of her flat envelop purses also have fringes or beads hanging along the bottom. Her silk flower embroidery is wonderful. *~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895 
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From: abcameo
Date: 11-23-2006, 02:15 PM (19 of 21)
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I saw some pleated satin the other day. I immediately thought of purses and you Amy. I think it would make a lovely purse for a dressy event. Hi, Mary: Thanks for the all the great sewing tips and keepin up the forum. I cut and paste the tips and save them for future reference. This fabric sounds interesting. Is it available online? I did a craft fair and am getting ready to do another big one next week. Hope the purses will catch someone's eye there. In between, I managed to squeeze in completeing 3 more purses for holiday gifts in addition to finishing a knit/crochet child's dress (going up on my website anyday now) an extra-large hand-loomed knit sweater, an evening wrap (on my website now) and 2 sewn dresses for nieces.  I found some pretty, shiny holiday fabric with soutache on it, believe it or not at Walmart. It was selling in packs of fat quarters--actually skinny quarters that were more like dimes-- in rust, gold, old gold, white and red. I used the buckram and felt, plus some twisted gold cording, grommets and tassels. The projects required more handsewing than I anticipated. One of the purses was almost impossible to sew. That one was of fat quarters from JoAnn's in a faux suede-like fabric. These turned out to be "obese" fat quarters, and I had the damnedest time trying to get them through either the sewing machine or the serger. It was disappointing. I was trying to make a quickie project, and it turned into the Handbag from Hell. I already giftwrapped them, but I think I'll unwarp them and take some photos. Amy |
User: abcameo
Member since: 11-02-2004 Total posts: 131 |
From: abcameo
Date: 11-23-2006, 02:25 PM (20 of 21)
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Hi, Sancin: I'm sorry to read about a car accident. Isn't vertigo the most frightening feeling?? I find it abslutely terrifying--the room spins, and inside your head also spins at a different rate. Do you know if this woman has a website--I'd love to take a look and see exactly what you're talking about, they sounds gorgeous and intriguing construction-wise. Can you take some photos on your cell phone or digital camera and post them?? I've got to sell at least one, I think, before I start piling them up here along with my knits, jewelry, paperweights, shawls, blah, blah...the list goes on and on--pushing us out of house and home. Ladies, I need my designs to get "discovered" so I can keep having purchasing power for my craft supplies and justify my endless creative production line and how it's pushing us out of house & any mental concept of home. We're living in a working studio/warehouse!  Think I'll start a new thread on this topic... Amy |
User: abcameo
Member since: 11-02-2004 Total posts: 131 |
From: Sancin
Date: 11-23-2006, 06:51 PM (21 of 21)
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Amy - The fair is over for this year and I don't have any information on the lady except she only 'comes out in public' once a year. She is local and I asked her for a card but she had run out. If the one I picked up last year turns up I will let you know. I also visited a site on line with similar purses last year but didn't save or have lost the address. FYI - wasn't a car accident - I fell at home and fractured some ribs. On the road to recovery now. And am furious about EM people referring me to as elderly!! I am 65 and I think don't think of that as elderly and I do understand more than a 4 year old when spoken to. I don't think the vertigo is related to the fall, but I do not drive when I am having spells of it. The first bout I had of vertigo was about 10 years ago and came out of the blue and it is indeed terrifying. It gave me a perspective on what space travel without a ship must be like!! Have you ever seen the magazines Quilting Arts or Belle Armoire? They are wonderful and sometimes have purses such as I described in them. Even if you don't make anything they are pretty to look at. A non sewing friend of mine borrows mine just to look at. Good luck and feel better soon. *~*~*~* Nancy*~*~*~* " I try to take one day at a time - but sometimes several days attack me at once."
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User: Sancin
Member since: 02-13-2005 Total posts: 895
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