Picky Purse Purchaser

[kjh9835]

I am very picky about my purse. I do not change styles unless I have to, it works, I like it, that's what I carry. I prefer leather as it wears well and I carry it year round. The most recent one was over two years ago but of course they no longer make that purse. I've looked everywhere even the company that manufactured it. Not to be found so I did buy one in the Bahamas on vacation, paid cash, tossed the receipt, can't remember where I bought it, the zipper is busted. By far the cheapestly made leather purse I've ever bought. I'm on the hunt again!

So, why don't I just make what I want? How hard can it be? Lots of people make them and sell them at flea markets, craft bazaars, etc.

It won't be leather but I can make another when the mood strikes (or the season changes as the girls are always razzing me about that). If for some reason, I don't like the first one I make after I carry it awhile, I'll know what to change for the next one. Have yet to find a pattern I even somewhat like but who needs a pattern? I can sketch it out on butcher paper and make my own pattern too!

Kathy

[Mule]

LOL -- I'm the opposite with purses. I want one in every possible shape and color, and switch them out several times a week! I often purchase clothes based on how they will look with a certain handbag.

[Bama]

I usually pick a purse based on how they feel when I "try them on". It drives DD crazy when I say a purse doesn't feel comfortable. I prefer carrying quilted purses that I make myself, but haven't had time to make a new one in a while.
You can find lots of free purse patterns online.

[lendube]

Beth, your purses are accessories. I think that's cool but it's not me. I'm picky about the features and have been very lucky at Kohl's. I have one now that I like. It's dark red and sturdy but attractive, not too big but not too small. I usually carry a purse for two or three years. I only switch out when I get dressed up.

[Magot]

Try here - I have many handbags that match different outfits - but not as many as my daughter - I wanted a bag to match some shoes and she leant me several red bags so I could find a match - who knew there were so many reds??


http://www.allfreesewing.com/Bags-and-Purses

[DorothyL]

I'm a bag lady too. I make them and buy them. I used to change them daily but not that often any more.
I like Vogue patterns for bags. And try home dec fabrics.

Dorothy

[Pudge99]

Kathy,

I am very much like you. I carry one purse until it dies. I am also picky. I can't just buy any old purse. Last year I finally got up the nerve to just make one. No pattern, just an idea of what I thought I wanted. Here's the post where I show pictures.

[kjh9835]

Very nice purses. I have not yet started but did find a free pattern online at the previous link. There's no finished measurements so I printed it off and cut it out. Looks a little "deep" for me and is just a small simple bag so I may make it in a Christmas fabric just to see how it turns out, I can always "shorten" the depth before I make it and take it to Joe's Christmas party for work.

I've made alot of tote bags out of holiday placemats bought on clearance and have 6 to do for a work holiday bazaar along with some pillows and whatever else I can make quickly. I just don't like all my stuff in one section.

I like one outside pocket for my phone, deep enough it doesn't fall out but not so deep I can't get it out of the pocket. I also want an outside pocket next to or on the other side for pens. For the inside of the purse, I like it to be divided into two sections and I'm not quite sure how to do that unless I use something to keep the divider piece upright as I don't think heavy interfacing will do the trick, maybe thin plastic of some sort or encased in fabric? Cardboard will just bend so that won't work. An inside pocket in the lining for my lipstick, mirror and feminine stuff and a strap that fits me without falling off while walking because it's too short or having to tie a knot in it because it's too long. Both sections can zipper together along the top so that shouldn't be too hard. Joe is used to making bags from a previous prison sewing factory supervisor job so he's going to help me out.

I use two wallets, one for misc. shopping cards, ins. cards, business cards, etc and a snap close change purse for cash, debit card and drivers license. I also put appointment cards in it as I will see them and not forget even though they are entered in my phone. I could only find the change purse in black and the lining in my purse is black and the purse is too deep therefore I'm always digging for it and my keys. I'm going to get another one when I go back to town as they told me a new shipment was due to come in and I want one in yellow or orange or bright green so I can find it quickly.

Joe had to work on my machine last night so I didn't get much done but I'll post pics when finished.

Kathy

[Pudge99]

Plastic Canvas works great for the divider. I've known many people who use that.

[Mule]

Kathy, take a look at this site. They sell handbag frames, hardware, patterns, etc. You may find something useful there.

http://www.ghees.com