You may have noticed all the adorable handmade bags online lately. What you most likely have not noticed is that I am carrying my black leather purse this summer. And I'm getting tired of it. So on Sunday, I sewed this bag (view in bottom right corner with bamboo handles). Halfway through assembly, I decided it was going to be my knitting bag for the car because I don't like the way the bamboo handles hinder entry into the bag. (That's why there's no picture posted - it wasn't finished off as well as I'd usually like.) So I sewed a zippered pouch, following this tutorial, and filled it with scissors, a tape measure, etc. Now there will always be knitting handy in the car!
But the purse dilemma was still not solved. Yesterday I got back to the sewing and followed Autum's basic purse tutorial. Problem solved! I am so excited about sewing this purse and having something more fun and less cumbersome to use this summer. And I enjoyed getting back into sewing.
So now I have another dilemma...do I sew more purses or get back to my knitting?
Wow! That bag is amazing. I'd be sorely tempted to start sewing bags. We all need a little break from knitting now and then.
Posted by: elizabeth | July 10, 2007 at 09:25 AM
I love the purse! The big wooden button is perfect!
Posted by: Randi | July 10, 2007 at 10:09 AM
That purse is soooo cute! I love the fabrics. As for the dilemma...I don't think there's any reason you can't have a knitting project OTN, and a purse waiting to be stitched, and maybe a papercraft set aside, and... Or you can leave the knitting in the car...and have the sewing for when you're at home. I for one need to have a simple knitting project (stockinette in the round with no shaping, or simple hat, or a plain blanket) in a basket for when I need to veg out. I'm not much for TV and sometimes other knitting requires too much thought at the end of a long day. Happy Creating! km
Posted by: Kristen | July 10, 2007 at 10:23 AM
Oh, how stylish! You should sew another bag... for me! :0) Seriously, though, that is an awesome bag. Just right for a sock project?
Posted by: Michelle | July 10, 2007 at 10:40 AM
SEW MORE BAGS! And then give one to me! Ha. Just kidding about the last part. But seriously, that bag is gorgeous, Beth! It is so, so great! And the button really is wonderful with it--perfect. I really do need to make myself a purse. I don't know why I haven't. Just another thing in the queue, I guess.
Posted by: Katie | July 10, 2007 at 10:43 AM
Wow!!! Here's what I'm thinking: While the bag mojo is working, make more. If you can bear to part with them, tuck them away as holiday gifts! Even the non-knitters would love a stylish bag or tote as a gift. Especially one that is so beautifully made.
Nice Job!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Sheepish Annie | July 10, 2007 at 10:58 AM
I love it! That is one awesome looking purse. Hmm, might have to try those 2 tutorials. Thanks!
Sheri in GA
Posted by: Sheri | July 10, 2007 at 11:49 AM
I think making some more bags and putting them aside for CHRISTmas gifts is a great idea!
The bag is so adorable and I love the button, too.
Posted by: patti | July 10, 2007 at 12:02 PM
I love it!!! I have made a couple of my own. I love fun bright purses for summer. And I don't care if they match!
Posted by: amyN | July 10, 2007 at 01:25 PM
I really like that purse! You did a wonderful job choosing fabric and the pattern.
Posted by: Jessica | July 10, 2007 at 01:39 PM
Don't you wish there were more time in the day? I find myself in the same situation, wondering what to do next: knit, sew, or spin? Tough choices.
The bag you sewed is perfect! I love the fabric, but most of all I love the big button closure. It works so well with the colors. What fabric did you use?
Posted by: Rachel | July 10, 2007 at 01:56 PM
The bag is adorable! I'm betting you can find a way to balance your sewing and knitting.
Posted by: Carole | July 10, 2007 at 02:54 PM
Your bag is gorgeous! I have been wanting to get more into sewing...but I just can't seem to find the time. I think that if only I had a few more hours in the day, oh the things that I could do!
Posted by: Stacey | July 10, 2007 at 03:45 PM
That is one cute purse! You could probably sell them (1 to me) and make money for yarn!
Posted by: Marti | July 10, 2007 at 06:23 PM
You go, girl! The purse is beautiful. I'm getting the "sew a new purse" bug also.
Posted by: Leslie | July 10, 2007 at 06:34 PM
Beth, it's fantastic! I love the fabric choices and that wonderful button. Careful...it is very easy to get addicted to sewing bags!
Posted by: Lynne | July 10, 2007 at 09:49 PM
Gorgeous bag!! Fabulous button.
Posted by: Ruth | July 11, 2007 at 06:45 AM
Love the bag! It's beautiful!
And thanks for the wristlet tutorial. I've been looking all over for that exact pattern!
Posted by: Leah | July 11, 2007 at 10:34 AM
That is so pretty - what a wonderful job you did! The fabric and pattern details are just perfect!
Posted by: keri | July 11, 2007 at 11:28 AM
Oh wow, I love that bag! I need to learn to sew.
Posted by: Restless Knitter | July 11, 2007 at 10:13 PM
Your purse is so pretty. I agree with everyone else, the button closure and the fabric you used for the straps really finish it off perfectly. Great job!!
Posted by: autum | July 12, 2007 at 09:03 PM