another Towne Purse

For many years I carried a special purse with built-in holster and place for handcuffs, plus all the other usual purse stuff. The purses themselves are heavy leather, or in one case, the fabric of which fire hoses is made, plus heavy metal hardware. The operative word here being "heavy." So, since I no longer "pack" I have taken to smaller and lighter bags, especially as age creeps up on me, and a heavy purse makes me ache. My latest is a tiny bag with room for cash, cards, cell phone, a small magnifying glass, tube of lip gloss, a few bandaids, hand cleaner....that's about it. I gave up the wallet since the purse has pockets for driver's license and credit/debit cards. I don't write checks. My credit union writes the checks to pay the bills, and the service is free. I have a checkbook at home for the other items - my husband's piano lessons, the handyman's bills. Shopping is paid by debit, credit, or cash.

I quit carrying my Swiss Army knife, and now have a Bernina tool that is similar, but neither goes with me in the purse. I do carry a tiny flashlight on my keys.

Thank you, Sharon! It was fun to make (forgot to say, it has a polka dot lining).

Doreen in Alabama

Doreen wrote in news:NnDIh.126045$_73.22126 @newsread2.news.pas.earthlink.net:

I used recycled denim for untold number of things. I noticed on the purse that you machine stitched over the seam lines (quilted) and that, I think, is to give it more stability and longevity?

It did give me some ideas for a tote bag I'm about to make, and the reinforced seams will make a huge difference.

But, like I said, it's absolutely fantastic - the purse you made. If Kate doesn't want it, I'll take it ;)

Donna, yes, the machine quilting does add stability, and where it crosses the squares diagonally, helps to flatten out the patchwork seams. I used a 4.0/100 double needle.

And thanks!

Doreen in Alabama

Doreen, What did you use to mark your grid for the machine quilting, Your squares look perfect. Juno

Juno, the denim squares were small enough (2 inches) that I just eyeballed the machine quilting, from one corner to the next. If I had marked the lines, I probably would have used my Chacoliner, since the powder brushes off easily.

I've been seeing ads for the relatively new Slim Chacoliner but can't figure out how it's better than the original. Does anyone here have experience with both?

Doreen in Alabama

Doreen, you eyeball far better than I ;) Juno

Juno, to tell the truth, I had to redo several places. ;)

Doreen in Alabama

Doreen wrote in news:z6ZIh.11587$Jl.7153 @newsread3.news.pas.earthlink.net:

We'll never tell!

Donna, I just checked out your site, frugal sewing. Neat stuff. Juno

I just looked too, I'll go back when I have more time because...three days ago I went through an old pile of clothes and found tons of old jeans. All of them had hole on the inside of the upper legs so I cut off the legs and the idea of a skirt made out of the legs came to mind. What a coincidence. My two cents, AK in PA

Juno wrote in news:kVdJh.61381$as2.20837 @bgtnsc05-news.ops.worldnet.att.net:

It's getting there. I have a ways to go, but it's a pet project of mine I've been wanting to do. One of my friends said it looked like a 'placeholder' site. Sigh. Maybe another design will work better. In the meantime, I'm collecting the projects I've done all over the web and putting them there in one place. I don't work for the other sites anymore :)