Elizabeth Chandler Designs » Everyday Purses

New Gallery Images

Beth — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 19:17:22 +0000

Not only have I been knee deep in a Kitchen Remodel, but due to the recession I’m now the only full time accountant at work. Grateful as I am to still be employed, I’m not enjoying the long hours. Longer hours means shorter sewing time. Instead of sewing I’ve been doing some maintenance on my website and learning Photoshop. My site is now utilizing WordPress instead of Blogger. I was reluctant to switch, but more options and the simplicity of WordPress won me over. Even though I still have a LOT to learn about Photoshop, I’m pretty proud of my pictures so far. Check out all of my images on my Gallery page, but here’s a sneak preview:

Laura Ashley Travel Bag

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Large Quilted Tote

Beth — Sun, 31 May 2009 10:30:00 +0000

For mother’s day I just had to make bags for my grandmothers. One of my grandmothers is very southern, so I tried to pick fabric that looked like her personality:

Here is the fabric I chose. I’m measuring out the fleece so I can quilt it.

I use a yard stick to measure out my quilting squares

I like to use my machine to quilt the fabric – not the old fashioned way.

This is the outline of the bag. The bottom will be square.

The painful process of turning the handles inside out -
it really is very painful on your fingers

And this is the finished tote. I think it captures my grandmother’s personality perfectly.

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Laura Ashley Purse

Beth — Sun, 17 May 2009 10:00:00 +0000

My latest project is a cute purse pattern from Laura Ashley. I found some pretty blue paisley material and added brown suede for decorative appliqué.

Here I am sewing the appliqué.

And here’s the finished product! I added wooden handles and a
blue ribbon closure. The inside is lined with light blue broadcloth.

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Metal Purse Frame 2

Beth — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 10:00:00 +0000

Here is another example of a purse with a metal frame.

For the interfacing, I sometimes like to use fleece. Here I have quilted the fabric.

A Little Coin Purse

This coin purse matches a purse I previously made

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Everyday Elegance

Beth — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 10:00:00 +0000

When I think of everyday elegance, I tend to think of Toile. So why not make a purse out of fabric with a Toile pattern?

Using canvas fabric in Toile, I plan my purse.

Sometimes I take the basic shape from an existing pattern.
For this purse, I used Simplicity 9949.

Instead of using pins, I used canned
food as weights to help me cut out my pattern.

Here is the basic shape of my purse.

The purse is lined with cotton and I added a plastic bottom.

Here is the inside zippered pocket.

I also added two velcro pockets to the inside.

Finished product!

The purse consists of 9 pockets: 6 pockets on the outside and 3 on the inside.

If you like pockets, then this is the purse for you. If you would like to buy this purse for $55.00 (plus S&H), please contact me.

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Quilted Fashion Bags

Beth — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 10:00:00 +0000

This week I decided to make a quilted purse. I started out with basic cotton fabric, and I used lightweight fleece for the interfacing:

Using a ruler, I drew lines on the fabric measuring 2 inches between them. I turned the fabric clockwise and marked perpendicular lines to make a grid.

Using the machine to quilt the fabric.

Constructing the purse.

I decided to construct a zippered pocket for the lining.

The inside pocket.

Using a hammer I attach the handles.

Here is the Black and White Purse.

And the Blue and Brown Paisley Purse.

Please contact me if you would like to buy either of these purses. They cost $55 (plus s&h).

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Sweater Series: Cosby Sweater

Beth — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 00:05:00 +0000

I had a Cosby Sweater…

… So I decided to make a Cosby purse.

Some really cool snips found at a sewing expo. These allow you to clip really close to the seam.

Sewing the purse.

The perfect Cosby Sweater Purse!

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Sweater Series: Blueberry Hill

Beth — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 16:16:00 +0000

To continue with the Sweater Series, here is a cashmere blend hooded sweater. When I first bought the sweater my husband was so intrigued with the little sleeve pocket, which is no bigger than a quarter. Obviously that is what has always been kept in the pocket – the quarter even survived multiple washings. The pocket and the quarter just had to be incorporated into the lining of the purse.

Supplies used: Yarn to cover the wooden handles, 12×12 inch

sweater cut out, and cotton fabric for the lining.

Sewing the purse straps.

The Quarter Pocket

Finished Product!

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Sweater Series: Snowbunny!

Beth — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 15:34:00 +0000

After some much needed fall cleaning, I found several old sweaters. They are some of my favorites but after much love and wearing they have each shrunk considerably. I decided to see what I could do with the wool fabric. Here is a step by step of my creative process.

A picture of the sweater before I started the transformation.

To begin, I cut the wool into a 9 x 12 inch rectangle and cut out lining to match. I will use some wooden handles and yarn, as well as the cute fuzzy draw strings.

To add a more decorative touch I covered the handles with some fuzzy yarn.
Super glue is a must!

And finally the finished product. A perfect accessory for those cold winter days.

Be sure to check back for the following two pieces in my Sweater Series.

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