PDX Purse

Before my sister moved to Tennessee last August, we sisters celebrated my birthday by going to a local fabric store, dinner and then dessert. A perfect afternoon. While at the store, my sister casually pointed out a few fabrics that she really liked and dropped the hint that a few of them would make a really cute Portland themed purse. So while she was looking at different fabric, I grabbed what I could that wouldn’t draw too much suspicion. I found the cute bike fabric and the Waterfront Park bridges at Hawthorne Threads, then pulled a few things from my stash.

I didn’t use a pattern for this purse, but I did apply a lot of the lessons from the Tinker Tote Craftsy class. I pieced the whole front panel of the purse together before layering it with batting and utility cloth before I free motion quilted the design. I hadn’t found a rain fabric I liked in the color way I wanted, so I quilted a rain motif as well as clouds and sun. Even though most native Portlanders would never use an umbrella, I thought it would be super cute. Then I tried writing and some block letters for the first time. Overall, I am very happy with the result. I added some yellow duck cloth and straight line quilted the bottom for a very sturdy, durable base.

I made a cute little pocket with the paper clip fabric that I am love with. The Tinker Tote class is totally worth the price just for the zipper pocket instructions. I have used it three times now and every time I use it, I am amazed at how easy it is.

It wasn’t all easy. I got really frustrated with the straps and turning the bag. I think ripped and resewed the last seam about five times before I called it good. Even then, I realized I did the straps wrong, but I wasn’t going to rip it again. Sorry sis! Next purse I make you will have better straps, I promise!

I hope you all have a great day!

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