Calamity Jane Western Purse- recycled from ugly leather skirts

[rangerbeth]

Again with my western kick, I've gone into cowgirl handbags now. I made this pattern up as I went, so there are some .... irregularities. But for the most part it turned out like I envisioned. I wish it was a little stiffer, but my poor machine was having a hard enough time with the leather, a layer of interfacing would have killed it I believe.





The main panel of the bag is a chocolaty brown sueded leather. Two little inverse appliqued stars are on the front in a vintage looking yellow and white floral. The closure is made from a contrasting camel leather in the shape of a large arrow (kinda hard to turn this). It is clasped to the body with a metal magnetic clasp.
The inside is lined in a sweet red apple fabric. I sort of want a dress made of this.  The front side has a full pocket with three compartments, large enough to hold change, an ipod, or a cell phone. The pocket is a contrasting green and yellow sunflower with red bias finish. The bias was found in a goodwill bag and is TINY. I really like the wide bias tape better.

[threegirlsandaboy]

Very cute!  I love the reverse applique' stars! 

[craftylittlemonkey]

that looks really great, totally original.

[ms.cate]

clever!

[give-quiche-a-chance]

I heart this bag!

[barbolot]

I LOVE this bag!  I make purses from reclaimed fabrics (thrift store clothing) and was thinking about trying leather... I didn't even think about how hard it would be on my crummy machine.  It's a little intimidating to me, anyway...  and you totally rocked it!  Nice.  Love the interior and reverse applique fabrics, too!

[rangerbeth]

Thanks guys! Yay for the three R's.