1940's Blue Corduroy Handbag and Coin Purse

I love this set. They were finished probably 5 years ago, but I'm not sure.

I found a pattern book in the library years ago called Making Vintage Bags: 20 Original Sewing Patterns for Vintage Bags and Purses by Emma Brennan and I loved all the patterns included. Only a month or two ago did I finally get around to buying my own copy. The purses are inspired from different eras ranging from the 1920s to the 1960s.

This model is called Nancy and is 1940’s inspired. It is a little small for me personally, but oh so adorable.

The main fabric is a light blue corduroy gifted from a friend, I think, and the lining is a quilting fabric from Joann Fabrics, years ago. Blue, I decided, was a pretty color while being neutral enough to coordinate with many outfits. As the pattern suggests, I appliqued felt flowers and leaves with a zig-zag stich on the front of the bag, and on the matching coin purse (this was also a pattern from the book). After some hemming and hawing, I decided not to use green and pink as the pattern suggests, but went with a dark blue, for a sophisticated monochrome look. Then, I sewed blue buttons over the leaves.

The dark brown rattan handle was from Joann's, as well. (What else is new?) I like that they have a nice selection of hardware and handles, since it’s so convenient to get there. I could order online, but sometimes one just wants to finish the project and be done with it.

The pattern wasn't too difficult, and I definitely plan to make others from this book fairly soon. I’m wanting to wear more vintage styles, and this book will help me with that goal. There is another book for accessories

Comments

Reconstructing History RH017

This is review of RH017, 14th Century Kirtle or Cotehardie. (Link to buy this patten at the end) I ordered it to make a new dress for the 2015 Medieval Fair of Norman. I had been playing a princess for many years, but decided on changing it up this year. I wanted to be a Bard, a poet/singer/general performer. Naturally, I could not wear the Princess gowns of years past. It came in a timely fashion. I knew it had a booklet of historical notes, I didn't know it was going to come with a textbook! Seriously, this booklet is 15 pages long (including historical notes, bibliography, actual construction, and a section on period stiches) and is in an easy to digest format. The pattern is on regular paper, not the usual tissue paper, which I appreciated. I had trouble with setting the sleeves, but it was my own fault. I made it oversized purposefully to adjust down to my exact size, and didn't quite adjust the sleeves to match correctly the first time. My own fault. I will pos...

1900's Set of Drawers-Unmentionables Through The Decades Project 4

Link to my associated YouTube video The first item I sewed for my 1900's project was a pair of drawers. To be precise, French Drawers. This is made from the Edwardian Undergarments pattern from Truly Victorian. I made the shaped hem version, and that worked well. Essentially, it is two wide, flared legs attached to a waistband. It swishes and flows quite nicely on the body, especially when made in a soft cotton. This year, I am trying to make due with what I have in my stash as much as possible. Since I have no experience in sewing for the Edwardian period and no event to wear such costumes, I didn't buy new fabric. White, very fine linen would have been more historically accurate, but I like colors! And I happened to have a soft green bed sheet set. Parts of it have seen better days, hence it being in the stash and not on the bed. But there was still plenty of good fabric left. There should be enough for the whole set of undergarments. As of this writing, I have fini...

Pirate Belle, part 2

YouTube video associated with this blog The base pieces for this costume are not complicated. I used Simplicity 3677 for the blouse and the pants. The fabric I bought at Joann Fabrics and was exactly what I was hoping to find. It's a light and airy cotton gauze-type fabric. Also, I am in love with the delicate lace I found at Hobby Lobby that I used to trim the wrists. The blouse has elastic bands at the cuffs and a drawstring neckline. It is incredibly over sized, but the fabric gathers under corsets and pants nicely because it was so soft and light. The pants are a tan corduroy and also have elastic in the cuffs. (Did I mention Historical Accuracy TM was not a priority for this costume?) I still think it's beautiful. And now, for a few accessories. These make or break a costume, especially for a pirate. So many little things must be present for the costume to really say “Pirate”. This little hat was such a blast to create. I used a Yaya Han pattern, McCall's 7643. It ha...

The Singing Costumer

Search This Blog