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Carol Duvall Show : Episode CDS-654 -- More Projects »
PHOTO
Poodle Purse

Materials:

three 10-1/2" x 13-1/2" sheets of plastic mesh - 7 count
1/2 yard 45" fabric for lining and handle
1/2 yard fabric for outside of tote
large-eyed needle
yarn for joining pieces
ruler
marking pen
scissors
optional - piece of vinyl for photo pocket

PHOTO

Figure A
Steps:
  1. Two of the plastic sheets will be used in their entirety. Cut the third so that you have two 3-1/2" by 10-1/2" strips for the side panels and one 3-1/2" by 13-1/2" strip for the bottom of the tote (figure A). The remaining small piece can be saved for another project.

  2. Cut two pieces of lining fabric 12" x 14-1/2" for the front and back panels, two pieces 4-1/2" by 12" for the side panels, and one 4-1/2" by 14-1/2" for the bottom. Cut two more pieces measuring 4" x 14" for the handles.

  3. For the outside, cut front, back, side and bottom panel pieces measuring the same as those for the lining.
PHOTO

Figure B
  • Line up the front mesh piece with one of the side panel pieces and using 4-ply yarn, stitch the two together along one edge with an overhand casting stitch (figure B).
    • PHOTO

    Figure C
  • Repeat the procedure with the bottom panel, sewing it along the edge of the front mesh piece and joining it at the end to the side panel. Add the second side panel in the same way then add the front panel. Note: The sequence in which you join the pieces is arbitrary. Whatever is easiest for you. The end result will be an open topped "box" (figure C).

  • With right sides facing, stitch the five pieces of the lining together in the same manner taking a 1/2" seam along all stitched edges. Repeat this procedure with the outside fabric pieces. Note: If you will be adding a photo pocket to the front of your tote, be sure to stitch the vinyl pocket in place before joining the fabric pieces. Using the zigzag stitch, stitch it along the two sides and along the bottom edge only so that the photo can be slipped in from the top. The vinyl should be cut just a fraction of an inch larger than the photo.
    • PHOTO

    Figure D
  • Fold the handle fabric pieces in half lengthwise with right sides facing and stitch the length of each piece taking a 1/2" seam. Turn right side out and move the seam to the center.

  • Turn the outside of the purse right side out. Position one end of one handle along the top edge of the front panel of the purse (figure D). The seam should be facing up and the length of the handle should be hanging down. Bring the other end up and position it in similar fashion about 5" away from the first. They should be approximately 4" in from the side edges of the purse. Stitch to hold.
    • PHOTO

    Figure E
    PHOTO

    Figure F
  • Slip the purse cover over the plastic mesh body and adjust so that all sides fit smoothly (figure E). Fold the top edge down over the top and take some basting type stitches along the edge to hold in position.

  • Slip the lining into position (do not turn right side out). Again smooth out along all sides. Fold the top edge back onto itself and neatly hand stitch around the entire purse joining the lining to the outside fabric (figure F). This joining should be just slightly on the inside of the purse rather than directly on the top edge.
    • Also in this Episode
    Carol Duvall Show : Episode CDS-654
    •Velvet Dyeing / Embossing
    •Dyed Velvet Table Runner
    •Fun and Funky Totes
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