That Dang Purse

 The purse is done. Yay!!🥳

I bought this pattern probably about 8 years ago. It sat in the cupboard for another couple of years. Then Lauren, Rugs & Pugs, invited me to attend a rug hooking camp with Caroline Twigg as the teacher. I had no idea who that was, but I sure wanted to go to a rug camp. The pattern is Animal Purse from the Woolley Fox.

Throughout the years I'd pull it out and work on it a bit, then tuck it away. Two years or so ago I decided to finish it. I did finish hooking it, but then was uncertain on how to make the lining and the handles. So it sat some more.

Last year I started asking folks how to finish it. Connie Bradley (Wool Yankers) and Paula Schultz (A Primitive Past) advised me on various techniques. I ended up making the lining using the same odd shape as the actual purse pattern. I had saved a certain fabric to make the lining. But when the time came I couldn't  find it. So I used what I had, a bit more beige than my original plan. (After I made it I found the first fabric. Figures.) I felt it was a bit sloppy, Connie said go with it. I made loops with the lining fabric. That didn't work out, the color stood out too much. Then I made the loops from wool, inside is a thick nylon strapping material. The handles were from a purse I got at the thrift store. 

I could see that a little bit of linen was going to show between the purse backing and the purse lining. I sewed in little patches. 

Then sewed the loops into place. It's a good thing the lining was a bit sloppy because the loops were 4 layers of wool + 2 layers of the strapping thick. I needed that extra fabric to allow for that thickness.

I carefully sewed the lining to the actual purse making a stitch between each and every loop. And it's hooked in a 6 cut. Lots of little stitches 

But it's done. TaDa. 

I even added two pockets and a stiff flat piece for the bottom. 

I will never ever never make this shape purse again. 

Sue