Friday, June 27, 2008

Here's a picture of a vintage purse from one of my aunts. She embroidered the motif and then after much use, decided to take the purse apart to make a new lining but never got around to doing the job. I was the lucky recipient of the unlined purse and it's been in my closet for a couple of years now. Yesterday  I was looking for a different project and came across the purse and decided that now was the time!
This is a closer look at the embroidery. 
Step 1. In order to make a pattern for the lining, I pinned a piece of stiff interfacing to the purse and traced the main body piece and the side panels with a marker. The main body of the purse is one piece. I added a 3/8" seam allowance and cut it on the fold.
Step 2.  After cutting out the pieces ,each was stabilized with stitching around the whole piece.
Step 3. I added a pocket to each main lining side.

Step 4. Fitted side linings to main lining and sewed seams.
Step 5. Clipped curves and then ironed.
Step 6. Fit the lining into the purse.
Step 7. Whipped the side linings to the purse.
Step 8.  Sewed the entire lining along the top of the flaps and another stitching line to make a tube for the handles.

Finished project-can't wait to use it. I think I'll use the basic pattern for more purses. It shouldn't be as hard because I'll cut out the lining to match the outside. I'll just have to adjust the handle parts.

10 comments:

cathy gaubert said...

gorgeous embroidery...i adore it, especially the deer! great little tutorial, too. i am so impressed! ;) cathy

suesueb said...

thanks so much-i loved it and am so happy to give it a new life!

mascanlon said...

Purse is fabulous and gosh I love the way you just jumped and and went for it. My pattern drafting skills aren't so good but I learned how to approach the project from your tutorial thanks so much!

Cami said...

ROFL! I actually wore your daughters outfits to clubs to go dancing. I generally didn't wear heels w/ leg warmers though. Usually over jeans!!! ;) Love the music from the 70's and your wonderful embroidery. And tell your daughters they did a wonderful job on their "costumes"!!!

Georgia and David said...

I couldn't believe it when I saw your blog name on Sew, Mama, Sew! My mom used the word "langiappe" all the time growing up. Maybe it is because you're both from Louisiana, who knows!

Such a great term. Beautiful purse, too.

Georgia and David said...

spelled it wrong. All those years of French. Wasted.

Tania said...

What a lovely job relining such a beautiful purse. Now you will have many more years use. Enjoy!

Kim said...

Lucky girl! That embroidery is absolutely beautiful - and the finished project is fabulous! :)K

Michelle Gautreaux said...

hey, love the tutorial!
Now that I found you, I'll be visiting more.

Tracey said...

You are so lucky to have such a charming purse! The lining is the perfect color.

About Me

My photo
south louisiana, United States
I'm a stay at home mom of four adult children. I've always been interested in creating and have been sewing since I was a young girl. Everyone loves lagniappe. It's the little extra things in life that make it special, whether it's a sweet, sticky kiss from a child or a great cajun cup of coffee.