For this project (part of a series by designer Janet Brandt), rich wool from Marcus Brothers becomes the backdrop for a variety of beautiful specialty threads, ribbons and more. The luxury continues with the addition of a Marcus Brothers velvet lining in coordinating tones of brown. This elegant looking handbag is surprisingly easy to sew, making it a great choice for your embellishment skills, from beginner to advanced!
Using the pattern above, cut two of the purse sides from the brown wool
Embellish the brown wool pieces with stripes of decorative stitches and stripes of ribbons. Random and wavy lines are best.
Fold over the top straight edge of the sides 1". Press. Fold 1½" at each short end of the brown rectangle. On wrong side of wool, draw a chalk line where the hem meets the back.
Slip one handle under the fold. Pin in place, matching the edge of the fabric to the drawn line. Place the pins parallel to the seam line. Stitch ¼" from edge. Repeat on other side.
Find and mark the middle of each long edge of the brown rectangle. Match marks to the notches of side pieces, then attach sides to the body of the purse.
Lining
Cut 12½" x 18½" piece of velvet
Using the pattern above, cut 2 purse sides from velvet
Assemble in the same manner as the purse. Slip lining inside purse, wrong sides together. Fold under raw edges of the lining and slipstitch to the inside of the purse.
