Thursday, September 2, 2010

a very special purse









a few weeks back i made a very special bag. my friend melissa asked me to make a bag for her mother, using her grandmother's old scarves and handkerchiefs that she left behind when she passed away. i backed all of the scarves with white corded canvas so it would be slightly less delicate, and mixed in a few hank fabrics, a large vintage wooden button, and a vintage braided leather belt strap to finish everything off. i used the large blue and white scarf for the lining (with an extra layer of heavy white cotton stitched underneath), and used the part of the red one with the "D" embroidered on it for the pockets. melissa even had the idea to sew the two little pendants with the photos of her brother as a baby with her mom into the interior. i was very nervous to cut into them, but i am very happy with the results. i used the hankie with the dark brown background for a zipper purse/clutch, and some of the smaller remnants of the floral print hankies for a mini zipper purse as well.

10 comments:

Caitlin at Salty Oat said...

wow. wow. wow. this is simply gorgeous! what a wonderful gift! i love how you were able to use all of those scarves in an item that will get lots of use.

Amy said...

You are so talented, that is really a beautiful bag! Many of your bags have inspired me to get into sewing, but I need a machine first! :)

skunkboy said...

What a special and touching gift. You really did an amazing job!

Kateri Morton said...

this is so lovely, katie; what a special gift. nice work!

JD said...

Totally beautiful!!!!!!

Holly said...

Wow! You have an incredible gift, and a very lucky friend!

Unknown said...

This is wonderful and so touching! Great work.

Kristi Kyle said...

Thoughtful and beautiful. Good job Katie! I'm normally a silent blog follower but thought this deserved a high five :)

Dennice {Fringe} said...

Not only is this purse extra special to look at, it's filled with memories and made with love. Completely beautiful!

This is my first visit to your lovely blog, and I have to say I'm glad this was the first post I read. You really are a dear person :)

Claire Louise Milne said...

That is so beautiful in every way. thank you for sharing this project! so inspiring.