1. Cut a pile of random shaped bits of fabric - between 1 inch and 2.5 inches wide, 1.5 to 4 inches long. 2. Cut a foundation piece 0.5 inches wider and longer than you want your finished size. Cut a lining piece the same size. 3. Cut pockets 1 inch wider and longer than your finished pocket size. Iron double-fold hems 0.25 inches wide. Sew the top edge down. Pin the pockets in place on the lining and sew around the sides and bottom. 4. Place a piece of satin, right side up, in the middle of the foundation. Place your next piece right side down on top of the first and align the edges. Sew a seam 0.25 inch from the raw edges in a straight line through both pieces of satin and the foundation (don't worry if you are not always parallel to the cut edges, just sew straight). Flip the top piece out and iron it all flat. Continue in this manner, always adding the new pieces right side down. You can sew lots of pieces into a strip to add to a long edge if you want. If you have an awkward spot, pick a scrap to cover it, iron all its edges under and applique it on. Continue until the foundation is totally covered. Feel free to add braid, ribbon, fringe, lace, sheer layers,... 5. Set your machine to decorative stitches and metallic thread. Sew over all your seam lines. Use as many different stitches as you can. Layer them on top or side by side to make it look interesting and cut down on the stopping and starting. Now is a good time to embellish further with beads, hand embroidery, chain,... 6. Trim the outer and inner pieces to the same size. If using batting, trim it to the same size as well. 7. Pin all layers together, right sides showing. Attach binding. 8. Attach snaps or chosen closure (magnetic clasp, button and loop, ribbon, whatever takes your fancy). 9. Admire your expensive-looking cost-me-nothing-but-time new purse. 1. Cut a pile of random shaped bits of fabric - between 1 inch and 2.5 inches wide, 1.5 to 4 inches long. 2. Cut a foundation piece 0.5 inches wider and longer than you want your finished size. Cut a lining piece the same size. 3. Cut pockets 1 inch wider and longer than your finished pocket size. Iron double-fold hems 0.25 inches wide. Sew the top edge down. Pin the pockets in ... Read full instructions »Difficulty:
I was making little Christmas gifts and made a big satin crazy patch piece on a foundation, then cut it into smaller pieces for little purses. One got stocked with stationery items (pen, diary, notebook etc), this one became a small first-aid kit. The flap on the inside helps keep things from sliding out.
What are you most proud of?
I love how easy these are to make, for such fun results!
What advice would you give someone starting this project?
Iron all your satin before you start cutting pieces, and be aware that different qualities of polyester have different melting points!
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