Tuesday, 15 November 2011

Frame Purse...

My first framed purse...


I've finally finished my purse for the Frame Pouch Along and it's only 2 and a half weeks late. Rebecca, from Making Rebecca Lynne, has written comprehensive, step-by-step tutorials for each part of the process, for the week's sew-along. Unfortunately, I have to admit that I used a commercial pattern for my purse. Time just didn't allow me to draft my own patten on this occasion.



The pattern I used, is the Shell Purse, by Nicole Mallalieu Design, or as she is known now, You Sew Girl. Being short of time, I purchased the pattern with a kit, which included the 100mm frame, interfacing and wadding. The only things I needed to provide, were the fabric and seed beads.


I have used material left over from the wedding dress I have been altering. Yes, it was a blue wedding dress. I'll show you some pics of the altered dress soon. I don't know what this material is called, but it forms the overlay on the purse. The main, unseen section of the purse, is made from a very light stretch denim. The lining is a light, blue polka dot cotton. A lightweight fusible interfacing was used on the lining and a medium weight interfacing on the main fabric. Wadding was also ironed to the main fabric. Whilst it appears to be a very soft purse, the wadding and interfacing give the purse a nice structure.  


The pattern was very straight forward to use. Instructions are included for various options. I chose to gather the overlay, but could have chosen a pleated overlay, or none at all. A handle can be added to the purse as well. I found the instructions to be clear, very detailed and easy to follow. In using this pattern, I've learnt some new techniques, which will help with bags and purses I make in the future.



Attaching the frame was rather fiddly, but it became easier as I went along. Using a thimble helped with getting the fine needle through the holes. Finding the centre point of the purse would have been easier, if I had remembered to mark this on the fabric as the pattern clearly said. Oh well, I'll remember to do that next time and it worked out fine.

I had never heard of seed beads, before I used this pattern. I think they really add to the appearance of the purse, especially as the fabric doesn't have a pattern. Because the hole in the seed beads is so small, I needed a very fine needle, which meant a very small eye in the needle. It took several goes to thread the needle each time. Perhaps it's time for new glasses.



I'll show you pics of the whole outfit soon. I am extremely happy with how it's all turned out. I hope the new owner is too...

... Pam

23 comments:

  1. Pam - The purse is very pretty and elegant. Now I am really looking forward to seeing the dress. :)

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  2. It's really elegant with beads. Never thought of making with beads. Color of the purse is soft and goes well with night dress.

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  3. Wow, it really is stunning, and the seed beads just add the perfect finishing touch! I have yet to try a frame purse, but you are really inspiring me to do one!

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  4. I like it! The beads would be a great touch on any purse with a sewn-in frame. I will have to keep that in mind for the couple frames I have like that.

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  5. You did great Pam! Those beads make it really special! I didnt like the holes in the frame and the beads make it so much better.

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  6. That is absolutely beautiful!!! And the beading! WOW! Great job!!!!

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  7. I love it! The seed bead idea is something new for me and I really like the effect. Is wadding the same as batting?

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  8. I love it! I think it came out beautiful. The frame really suits the purse and I love its delicate fluffy shape and shiny fabric. Another item on my endless to do list: hunt down purse frames and learn how to make these...

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  9. This is so lovely Pam... even Cinderella would be proud to carry this little purse to the ball.

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  10. How elegant ... glad to see you got over your bout of procrastination! It really is lovely!

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  11. I can't believe you made that...it's so elegant! I don't know if I would ever have the patience to do something like that. Great job.

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  12. It is beautiful and I love the polka dot lining!!!

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  13. What a great little purse!

    Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
    Hope you have a great week!
    Jill @ Creating my way to Success
    http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/

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  14. Wow! Such a pretty purse and you made it? That's some talent :) -Jill @ Junky Vagabond

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  15. What a sweet little purse. I didn't know that was the name for these type of purses, and I sure didn't know you could make them yourself. Lovely!

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  16. That is lovely! I should try my hand at making one of those. So beautiful.

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  17. Darling purse, Thanks for sharing.

    ~Mrs. Delightful
    ourdelightfulhome.blogspot.com

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  18. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful! I just love it!

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  19. SO lovely!! Thanks so much for linking up to Things I’ve Done Thursday!!

    Melanie
    Sew Rugged @ bear rabbit bear
    bearrabbitbear.blogspot.com

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  20. I used to love these little coin purses. Very retro. Thank you for linking up to Upcycled Awesome and everything else.

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  21. Such a beautiful little purse:> Thanks for linking up and sharing:>

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  22. Lovely purse to match the dress indeed. I was wondering how you managed to find a frame that had beads in exactly the right colour! Now I know :) Love the inside fabric also, cute detail and really well done.

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