Towne Purse -- fun project

Doreen , That is so pretty. If I ever finish these drapes, I'll have time to make something just for me. My problem is always that I'm slow and tend to try for perfection. That's the joke, because I'm so far from a perfectionist I can't believe that I sew this way. Juno

Hey, that turned out nice. I sat down the other night and made me up a pattern, and cut the purse out, with the inside pockets similar to what you made. Haven't sewn up the purse yet. Too busy doing absolutely nothing! Barbara in SC and now FL

well, no. After looking at the pictures, I'm not surprised. There's a lot of pieces and linings and sewing to do.

That's often the way it works out, if only because instructions usually give the least complicated way to do something -- which is not always the best or most efficient way.

Nice looking bag.

jenn

-- Jenn Ridley : snipped-for-privacy@chartermi.net

Drapes...all that fabric, all those long seams! Juno, I feel your pain! The only thing worse would be paying someone else to do it for you. :)

The way I look at perfectionism is...that's how we get better. We won't ever be perfect, but the only way we get better is to aim for it. I don't intend to ever quit trying.

Doreen in Alabama

Thanks, Barbara. Occasional periods of doing absolutely nothing are important, I think. Gives us the impetus to rev up our engines again!

Doreen in Alabama

...which is not to say I probably

Thanks, Jenn. You're right on. The pattern makes zipper installation an absolute breeze...but a recommended finishing step is the one I'm most likely to modify next time; IMO actually an easier way, and neater.

It's interesting to think about these patterns as being written for people who may have sewn very little in their lives, as well as for those of us who look at the instructions and think "there's another (better) way to do that." What a challenge!

Doreen in Alabama

It's like a germination period, and if you dig everything up when things are germinating, you will ruin them. Right?

My DH kept telling me to have them made. He almost made it to the dog house for that one. The long seams haven't been too bad. I followed Teri's advice and marked both sides about every 4-5 inches to have reference points.I then sewed just a short distance at a time to make sure I stayed lined up. The tabs took a long time because I was using short lengths of fabric to make them. It was from the bottom of the length for the short windows.So I didn't have nice long strips to sew in tubes and turn. I've made 36 individual tabs so far and thing I will need about 10 more. Lots of turning and pressing.I also picked out one blind hem because I didn't like the way it went in. That took a long time. 108 inches worth. DH has helped with the cutting and that has made a big difference. I also usually only sew when he goes out for his walk in the afternoon. The house is quiet and I have time to think about what I'm doing. No Walking foot. It's on the wish list. It's just that the ones for viking machines are very expensive. I have a very pretty purse pattern and fabric waiting for me. I might take that to Cape Cod next week to cut it out. Once the cuttings done I feel the hard part of the job is done. I love your purse and might make one like that also. It's so pretty. You really did a terrific job on it. I'd put taxes on hold too for that purse. Juno

Doreen,

That is darling! I really like it a lot. Well worth 2 days' time. :) I love the fabric choices too. Looks like it will wear very well! Great work!!

Sharon

'Zactly!

Doreen in Alabama

I've

Sometimes repetition, like all those tabs, doesn't bother me too much, but usually I hate to do even two of anything!

How nice that your DH helped with the cutting. He'll be referring to "the drapes *we* made"!

Doreen in Alabama

Thanks, Pat!

Doreen in Alabama

Thank you, Sharon! It's going to the grocery store with me tomorrow.

Doreen in Alabama

G'day Doreen

The bag looks great! Well worth the time spent to make it!

Last year (or was it the year before?) I bought a patchwork leather jacket on eBay for $1.....postage cost $9, LOL. I didn't buy it to wear, I bought it to make a bag and had thought about the Rutherford style. It was such a bargain to get so much leather for $10 that I couldn't pass it up. Must get it make it soon.

Bronwyn ;-)

Doreen wrote:

"Doreen" wrote

Doreen - Come on over to the Yahoo group for Lazy Girl Designs - we just finished a "Just for Me" Spring challenge! Joan Hawley - the Lazy Girl designer/owner and listmom is GREAT!!! Its really amazing and inspiring to see what everyone is making.

Thanks, Bronwyn!

Your bag project sounds great. The only sewing I've done with real leather is doll shoes, out of old gloves. That was much thinner leather, of course.

So many wonderful things to make...so little time.

Doreen in Alabama

Chris,

I didn't know about that group--thanks! Sounds like a lot of fun. Will send in a request to join.

Doreen in Alabama

Jean M.