When I bought this sweater, I was only looking at it as 100% wool - good for felting. But after it came out of the dryer, the yarn and beaded pattern remained and still looked great.
So I stared at it for a while, trying to decide what to do. The first two things I made were wrist pin cushions (posts coming later). Then I was thinking purse, so I deconstructed the sweater.
I just cut along the seam lines and took out the zipper - which I kept. It was a nice separating zipper. In the future, I will remove them before felting, though.
Then I trimmed the patterned pieces into two even rectangles. (8.5 x 5.5").
I cut three pieces from the plain red. (2-3.5 x 5.5" and 1-8.5 x 3.5").
Then start assembly of the box. Because it is wool felt, I decided to do external seams for a little extra texture. This means sewing 'wrong' sides together. And I also think it helps the purse stand up a bit better.
At this point you can start work on the lining. Cut the same size pieces as the outer purse. Back each piece with a heavy weight iron-on interfacing and assemble those pieces into a separate box. This time I did right sides together for hidden seams. (In hindsight, I would have lined with black, I think it would have looked a touch nicer)
Next are the handles. I cut two long rectangles from the red felt. About 9 x 2". (It was as much as I could get from what I had left). Fold the strips in half the long way and sew a seam. Then pin the handles on the RIGHT side of the bag - UPSIDE DOWN. (It took me three times to get this right. It was late and I was tired.)
It should look like this, but on the RIGHT side |
Next, put the two boxes right sides together, pin and sew, leaving an opening to turn. Make sure the handles are tucked inside.
I top-stitched around the top, to help keep the lining down. I also tacked the lining to the outside at the bottom corners.
And....Cute Felted Wool Bag for Fall/Winter!
I posted this on Sew and Tell Fridays. You can check it out here.
love it... looks like it'd be a good Christmas present? Hint, Hint, (JOKING - sort of )
ReplyDeleteYour purse turned out great.
ReplyDeleteTurned out really cute
ReplyDeleteI love this idea! Now I have to search the thrift shops for a sweater as cute as that one!
ReplyDeletethis is so clever and pretty...great finish
ReplyDeleteYour purse is adorable and very clever.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great idea. The little purse turned out lovely!
ReplyDeleteGreat purse. Very clever! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteSo making at least one, maybe 5 or 6.....!
ReplyDelete