Prissy Purses

Materials:

1/2 yard of 45-inch wide fabric - velvet, cotton or silk
small bits of fabrics and trims (the more outrageous the better), beads, gems or fur
cording or beaded trim for purse handles - 3/4 yard
purse handles
scissors
fabric stamps - Hot Potatoes
fabric paint
interfacing - Steam a Seam
fabric glue

Steps:

2. Cut two pieces of interfacing nine inches square.

3. Stamp the fabric with fabric stamps and fabric paint (figure A).

4. Iron the fusible interfacing to the two purse fabric pieces to give the purse more body.

5. Apply decorations to the front piece of the purse (figure B). Use fusible interfacing to attach braided trim, making sure to go all the way to the edges of the fabric (figure C). Use fabric glue to attach any beads or sew beadwork on.

6. Cut two pieces of cording twelve inches long for the handles. Tack the ends of the handles to the top edge of the purse, with the handles facing down.

7. Sew three sides of the purse, right sides together, leaving the top open. Repeat for the lining.

8. Turn the purse fabric right side out. Slip the purse into the lining, keeping the lining right sides together (figure D). Sew the purse to the lining around the top edges, leaving a two-inch opening. Turn the purse inside out and slip stitch the opening to finish (figure E).

Tips:

• If you'd like to try making a velvet-embossed version of this purse, find instructions for embossing velvet in the Hot Potatoes catalog.
• Vary the size and shape of this purse for different looks or make the handle a shoulder strap.
• To embellish, add an antique button clasp and some lace.