Hi,

Boy am I up late /-:

I have been searching online to find some patterns and inspiration for the plastic purse handles I bought on sale at Joann's.

I bought some really cute giraffe print fabric...not sure what shape purse to make.

I saw a site about making purses from placemats.  That was an interesting idea.

I have a crochet book with some purse ideas using the handles, so I will probably try that too.

Anybody know of online sites where I can find some inspiration??

Thanks in advance

Hi & welcome!  I *love* purses and make far too many of them ha ha!  I'm not a huge fan of plastic handled-purses, but I've been in love with Butterick 4148, the white leather-looking purse on the front.  It closes opposite to the handles, which looks so cool to me.  Here is a link:

http://www.butterick.com/item/B4148.htm?tab=accessories&page=2

As for other places you can find lots of patterns together, try sewingpatterns dot com and type in "purse" or "tote" or things like that.  I've only made one purse that had plastic handles, it was for my cousin to go with her college graduation dress.  Looked cute, a simple purse with a brown garbardine fabric.  If your fabric is lightweight, you may need some interfacing to make it stand up a little more.  Best of luck and let us know what you end up making! 

Hi,

Thanks for the reply and the link.  The white bag is very interesting--the way it opens.  And the shapes of the other bags give me a starting point.  The giraffe fabric I have is somewhat thin so adding interfacing would be a good idea if I want it to retain a boxy shape.  My dad's girlfriend gave me a purse with bamboo handles that she knited and lined with fabric.  It was cute and just kind of 'slouched' when you set it down.

What kind of things do you like to sew.  I just got back into my sewing.  I like to make clothes.  I made a really cute top with Simplicity 3536.  It's sleeveless with a gathered front.  As I tried it on I found that it was too small for me )-:  I made it in a size 10 which is what I am in RTW but according to this pattern (and the measurements) I needed to make it in a 14 to fit me!!!  Live and learn.  I'll definitely read the measurements from this point on...

That pattern looks cute!  I like to make clothes, but my first love is purses and totes and wristlets.  I like working with knits for the clothes and all things fleece.  For the purses, it's usually a cotton something or other.  I wear a small top in RTW and a 10 in patterns.  With knits, though, I will cut the 8 usually.

I usually stay up too late too, so I can relate!  Welcome!

Have you tried looking around at Etsy?  I usually find great ideas for things to make, then go search for patterns that match what I like.

I like to sit at the pattern books in the fabric store when I have time without kids, but their online pattern pages are pretty good too if you'd rather shop from your armchair.

Just a Google search for purse patterns brings up a lot of results, if you're looking for a bargain, add the word FREE to your search!

And be sure to come back and share pictures (or at least your story) when you're done!