Sunday, June 13, 2010

For A Birthday Girl

I made this purse for a young girl who is just stepping into young womanhood. Doesn't that sound like I copied it from Jane Austen? Well, anyway, she is going to be 12 years old. She is my nephew's oldest child and she is lovely. What impresses me the most is that she plays the flute and does not need to be encouraged to practice.
This purse is made from Navy Blue Velvet with the polka dots of American Turquoise. The little beads that hold the discs to the fabric are clear Tourmaline. It was fun to make, except for the sewing of it to the frame.
If you are ever lured onto Etsy's site for purse frame, be on the look out for NOT getting the sew on frames. It is cheaper but creates many for problems. It is difficult to sew on and the major problem is making the inside neat and tidy. I had to sew seam binding on both sides of the fabric (the velvet and the lining fabric - which were different colors) and then sew it to the frame. I found this "antique" chain on Etsy's as well. I put antique in quotes because I doubt if it is antique!
The main thing is that I did enjoy designing it and assembling it. And the main thing is that it is done in time to mail off tomorrow.

5 comments:

patrice said...

Few are as brave as you when it comes to complicated projects!
It is beautiful!
I know she'll love it.

Blue Sky Dreaming said...

I'm crazy for polka dots and using the turquoise is outrageous! This is so beautiful and I KNOW will be loved by this young woman...great workmanship and style, Pat!

beadbabe49 said...

Lovely, pat...and what a delightful gift.

Run Lori Run said...

I've always wanted to try to make a purse like this but have no idea how to go about it. Very beautiful!

Phyllis said...

So beautiful! And perfect for a young woman with artistic and musical talent. It is reminiscent of Jane Austen!