The Purses

The purses began as a way to use up the odd bits of yarn that were left over from the shawls. Not enough to make a garment, but too much and too good to throw away. What to do? Clutch purses (and a few with optional shoulder straps) were born. The purses, like the shawls, combine a variety of yarns — sometimes a little of one thing, sometimes a lot of another. While the shawls tend toward stripes of color, the purses celebrate variations on a shade of color, usually ranging from dark to light. The outer shell is knit. The inner lining is hand sewn and usually cotton. Each purse is reinforced with a foam interior so that it will keep its shape and yet still be relatively impervious to water should you need to spot clean it. The purses are fastened with a simple elastic around a large and funky button, often vintage, to add interest.

To date, I have sold over 60 shawls and purses at various local venues. These images show how I make the purses. Click on the Etsy Mini Shop link to see pieces that are currently available for purchase. You can also see more examples of my purses in the Purse Gallery.

Construction

After the knitting is finished, the sides are sewn together.
After the knitting is finished, the sides are sewn together

A foam inner shell is cut and placed inside to provide stability.
A foam inner shell is cut and placed inside to provide stability

The foam inner shell is hand stitched to the knitted part of the bag to keep it from slipping out of place.
The foam inner shell is hand stitched to the knitted part of the bag to keep it from slipping out of place

An appropriate button is selected.
An appropriate button is selected

A small backing button is selected.
A small backing button is selected

The button is sewn in place on the front of the purse…
The button is sewn in place on the front of the purse

…through a small backing button inside the foam inner shell. This construction helps to ensure the front button will remain in place for the life of the purse.
through a small backing button inside the foam inner shell

A cotton or cotton blend lining is selected and cut to fit.
A cotton or cotton blend lining is selected and cut to fit

The inner side seams of the lining are machine stitched.
The inner side seams of the lining are machine stitched

The lining is fitted to the knitting and hand sewn in place.
The lining is fitted to the knitting and hand sewn in place

Finally, an elastic loop is attached to the bag flap.
Finally, an elastic loop is attached to the bag flap