For my 2nd post in my quest to sew at least one project from every sewing book I own, I’ve sewn another purse. I didn’t have a choice as to what to sew this time – the book I used is “Making Vintage Bags” by Emma Brennan. “Making Vintage Bags” was published in 2007 and contains instructions and patterns to create 20 original purses. This handbag sewing book is unique because the purses are vintage-inspired. The styles are reminiscent of bags from the 1920s through the 1950s, with 5 patterns representing each decade.

I chose to make the “Grace”, a 1940’s inspired wool bag with a leaf shaped applique. One of the reasons I chose to sew this particular bag was that it’s made from wool. I have a tan wool sweater I accidentally machine washed and shrank. I thought a wool purse would be a great way to put this unusable sweater to good use. Yes, I’m ridiculously thrifty, I know.

In order to use my stash fabrics as much as possible on this bag I changed the felt leaf applique to a cotton print from Alexander Henry. I purchased the fabric, “Japanese Geishas”, so long ago it’s now OOP (out of print). But since the frog closure gave the purse an Asian feel I thought the geisha fabric would be appropriate. I also used the same fabric for the bag strap and lining. But I ended up adding narrow black bias tape to the outside of the strap in order to tie the handle fabric in with the black frog and trim.

I changed the bag trim from black gimp (didn’t have this in the stash) to black cotton which I used almost like giant bias tape around the top of the bag. The only thing I purchased (besides the book in 2007) to complete the purse was the extra-large frog for the closure. So this bag was a success in terms of stashbusting, but my problem with sewing bags? I’ve used the same handbag (a gift from my husband) for years and I’m too lazy to switch from purse to purse like more fashionable women do. But then again, once my current purse dies of old age and overuse, I’ll have plenty of spares to choose from!