Purses, purses galore

Yes, it’s true, I’m making excuses for using my gorgeous laces. I do love working with vintage lace, ribbons, silks. Yummy.

I made two small drawstring purses. It would really have helped if I’d had a pattern. Through my mistakes, I can see how it needs to be built. I’m getting there.

This second one is made with a beautiful yellow raw silk, being a dress that I found in the $1 rack at the thrift store. I used a doily, dyed another one, and painted some pearl lace from a wedding gown. The pin at the front and the yellow button at the back are recycled from the thrift store too.

This is my carpet bag, or hobo bag. It’s a drawstring closure, probably not the most useful way to close it! I use doilies around the opening, and a build up of doilies and silky fabric, all recycled for decoration. The big plaque in the middle is a Michael’s special at $2.99. Looks rich, doesn’t it?

And finally, my faithful sidekick, Mr Paul lounging in the middle of the sweet peas, looking mighty serious.