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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








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