Monday, August 13, 2007

Pucker Purse


I wanted to design a purse for the purse workshop that was simple yet made a statement...without using fun fur (I know, shocker!)

What I came up with is now called the Pucker Purse! I named it that because every time I look at it I start to salivate and my mouth starts to pucker up. Doesn't remind you of Skittles or Starburst?



Yarn
: Caron Simply Soft Brites...Less than one skein
Hook: H size 8 or 5.00 mm
Lining: 1/2 yarn
Pattern: Coming soon to www.thepurseworkshop.com




I did a basic granny square only I used a long treble crochet (TR) to form the texture

I also joined my pieces together with a slip stitch (SL ST) on the public side of the bag so it gave even more texture. (as I mentioned in the Larger Than Life bag...I really like a SL ST join because it looks really clean)

The sides and bottom are just single crochet (SC) joined yet again with a SL ST to the public side of the bag.


For the lining I did a basic rectangle the size of the bag with a 1 inch seam allowance. Folded it in half then used my sewing machine to stitch the sides and a portion folded down at the top (to make a clean edge at the top of the bag).

I also, accidentally made one extra granny square so I used it on the inside of the bag as a pocket. Again, I just used the sewing machine to stitch it into place.

You can see at the top of this picture that I stitched together pieces of plastic canvas the size of the inside of the bag. I was able to put this between the bag and the lining without it being seen through the spaces on the granny square.

The plastic canvas enables the purse to stand upright without losing the structure of the purse. It is strong enough to withstand the weight of the handles too!


The handles were a little tricky. I just folded some stripes of fabric that fit into the holes on the plastic handles and stitched them to make them long straw like things. Then I thread them through the holes on the handles and stitched them to the lining on the outside (the part directly against the crocheted portion). I made sure to stitch them in two spots to ensure a STRONG hold!


This is the view of the purse from the top down.

Can you see how the handles are able to flop over the side of the purse without having the purse totally collapse? That is exactly what I wanted the plastic canvas to do!

My friend Janene wants this bag and tole me she would be willing to buy it...but how much is it worth?

Another thing...I took it to Knit Knack on Saturday to show my friends (they have watched me work on this bag for a while) and the owner Gerri told me that she wants me to do a class on this bag!

So, it looks like I am doing a class at Knit Knack to make the Pucker Purse if you are in the area...join the fun!

It is really weird that I am going to be teaching people how to make something that I designed. Does that make me official? Am I a designer?

14 comments:

Melody said...

Marly! This turned out really cute. I love the little handbags like this. and the lining picks up the colors perfectly. I almost want to learn to crochet ;)

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh.........I LOVE it!! I wish you were taking orders :) I have a bunch of purse handles to give to you!

Lesalicious said...

I am a purse lover and I love this purse great job on the colors and love that lining :)

Jean said...

Yeah, you're a designer! It's really cute. I love the pocket on the inside. Great job all around!

Throws Like A Girl said...

Not bad for a chick who used to complain about granny squares! :) It turned out totally cool (to quote Lizzie whose favorite new word is "totally")! How cool is it that you're going to teach a class on something you designed!!!

Sunset Knitter said...

I love your bag! The colors are beautiful. Makes me want to learn how to crochet.

Valerie said...

I'd say you're as official as it gets! Your bag is AMAZING! I love it!!! I want to pucker up and give it a smooch, that's what. I really like the way the black sets of the glowing colors or the granny squares. Mwah!

If it's for the Purse Workshop, does that mean the pattern will be available there?

Allegra said...

Marly! Your bag is aweome!!! Great pattern!! And so thrilled for you that you get to teach a course on it at KK!! Hope to see you there tonight!

YarnThing said...

You all are always so complimentary!

And to answer every bodies question...as soon as I get the dang pattern written I will put it up on The Purse Workshop as a free pattern :-)

Marly

amanda said...

Yes, you are a designer! Smile!

kaoticorchid said...

Marly, these are really, really cute! I love love love the blue and brown one posted on the 10th. Nice!

5elementknitr said...

That turned out soooo pretty! Love it! Email me when your pattern's ready for public consumption!

My Little Room In The Corner said...

AbSoLuteLy Luv that bag! I would have to say it is now official!
The outer bag is really fun, and that lining! The word Amazing would apply here.
Oh, and have I said I am jealous? You have a cool yarn store! Us? We have the inernet or a long drive to Denver for coooool stores.

Slicer said...

Did you use the machine to sew the lining to the crochet part or did you hand sew it? I'm trying to figure out what is the easiest and sturdiest way to line a bag. Any links you would suggest?

Thanks,
Amy