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