"Make it Your Own" Purse Project

Hello Y'all,

I can't wait to share this project with you. I had a lot of fun putting this bag/purse together and I absolutely love the results. I hope you do to.

Remember, if you want one of these yourself, but you don't have the time to make one, this one will be listed at http://www.etsy

.com/listing/90339606/beautiful-floral-handmade-pleated . I will soon have many more up there to choose from and I can even custom make a bag just for you, using your choice of fabric and pattern!

So here goes the tutorial: Yesterday I posted the list of supplies which I do need to add one more item --- A sewing machine!! Haha, although you could sew this by hand it may

take you quite a bit of time to do so :o)

Step one: Prepare your pattern by cutting the following pieces out of paper (you may have to tape some paper together, like I did).

Pattern Piece A: 20" x 10 1/2"

Piece B: 16" x 4"

Piece C: 24" x 4 1/2"

Optional Pocket: 5" x 6"

Once you have these cut out, trim the corners on piece "A" by using a small bowl (cereal size) as a guide.

Place out your pattern pieces on the fabric you have selecte

d for the exterior. You will need to cut two of piece A, B, and the pocket. You should double up the fabric and cut both pieces at once if

possible.

Repeat with the lining material adding piece C, which you will also cut two of.

Repeat again with your fusible interfacing.

Iron on the interfacing to all pieces of the fabric, except the pocket. This interfacing is needed for all lighter-weight fabrics. It is not needed for heavy-weight fabrics such as twills and denims.

Once all the interfacing is applied you will need to prepare both the exterior and lining piece "A" with the bottom darts and side pleats. I made 1" darts in the very center of each bottom corner on the "A" pieces. I also placed my darts 6" over from each side . They are also 1" in width.

Prepare your sewing machine with the coordinating thread for y

our bag.

Match piece "A" with piece "B", right sides together at the top as seen in the picture and sew the pieces together. I used about a 3/8" seam on most of this purse, you could use 5/

8" if you are more comfortable w

ith that, the main thing is to stay consistent so that all the pieces will fit well together.

Repeat with both exterior and lining pieces until all four are complete.

If opting to include the pocket, now would be the time to sew and place it on the lining. You will need to sew both pocket pieces, right sides together, leaving a small two inch opening on one side. Clip the corners and turn inside out at the hole that you left. Iron flat and pin to right side of lining. Pin the pocket and make adjustments for what you want it to hold when complete. I made one additional stitch to separate my pocket into two sections, one for my iphone and one for a pen.

Part One complete - see my post tomorrow for Part Two!