So I decided to experiment and make a bigger one! I found a lovely double pocket clip frame from U handbag which arrived in no time at all...then I had to work out how to to create a purse that had all the little pockets and sections I needed.
I'm really trying right now to use up stuff that I have already...I like buying new fabrics, trims, ribbons, buttons...(I could go on)...as much as the next craft fiend but sometimes I forget how lovely a lot of the stuff I have already is.
So I had a rummage...last year when clearing out my parents loft I found a huge basket of leather cut offs which my mum kindly gave to me. I managed to find a bit of navy blue soft leather big enough for the frame I bought.
.....Then I choose this Liberty print I've had for a while which I thought went well with the leather.
I stiffened the cotton with some interfacing and picked out some flowers to appliqué onto the front with my machine (feed dogs down).
I made up the lining in the same liberty print with pockets for my cards....
....added my name on the bag...(a bit geeky - I know)....and found a scrap bit of lace that was luckily just the right length to finish off the back.
I really pleased with it and felt really chuffed when the guy who served me in Anthropology complimented me on it and said 'you could sell them in here you know'....shame he's not a buyer! Maybe one day.....a girl can dream!
If you like the look of this purse...fear not...it will be on the workshop programme at my craft venue and haberdashery shop...opening later this year in Moseley, Birmingham.
Laurens guide to making a lovely stocking your family will treasure for years to come!