The challenge at my Designer group for this month was to make a handbag from men's suit jackets. Not only should we use the fabric from the suit, but the pieces, such as collars, lapels, pockets., etc. should be visible on the handbag.
The pattern I chose is B5197, View D.
I went to the thrift store and found two suit jackets that coordinated. One is black with a very narrow burgundy stripe and the other is a burgundy/black hounds-tooth. Threw them in the dryer with some Dryel and then cut them apart.
I began by cutting each piece of the bag from muslin. Next I cut the same pieces again out of fusible fleece, eliminating the seam allowances. Fused the fleece to the muslin, which became the foundation for the bag. I used the black stripe fabric for the main part of the bag, and sewed the muslin foundation to the wrong side of those pieces. Then it was a matter of decorating the bag.
Here is one front/back. I made a pocket the width of the bag from the hounds-tooth. You can see the collar and lapel, trimmed with black lace. There's a black lace applique and a ribbon flower on the lapel. At the bottom right-hand side of the bag is a label and a small sequin flower. There's a sew-in magnetic snap inside the pocket to keep it closed.
For the sides of the bag, I made small pockets (cell phone pockets) using the sleeve cuffs. I removed the buttons on the jacket and replaced them with rhinestone buttons. The little tab you see above the cuff is a "zipper pull"--a piece of fabric you hold to make using the top zipper easier. Both sides of the bag are identical.
I'm hosting the next challenge, so for the next month I'll be busy working on that. Also, I have a two day workshop coming up-- deconstructing sweaters and making a handbag from them. I have two yucky medical tests in May. Throw in my babysitting days and running to concerts with my husband (he plays a trumpet in 3 bands) and that pretty much fills up the calendar. Those of you who are working--don't quit. For some reason, when you retire, you get busier than ever!
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Your pictures are great, but the bag in person was beautiful. Yes "girly' and lady-like. I love your style.
That. Is. Fabulous!! I love the way you incorporated the suit elements and the lace is a great touch. My favorite part is the labels though. Great touch!
You are to be commended that is beautiful!
What a fun project and fun result! Way to go!
Gwen, you are brilliant! I love this bag. I love the label, too. Well done.
Cute bag!
I'm glad to know you are "up and running" again. Sorry about the medical tests, good luck!
That is a fabulous bag, great job using so many trims and parts of the original jacket. Have a great time with all your activities.
Gwen, this bag is amazing! Not like I need another project, but this really is an inspiration!
I agree, retirement is something of a joke. I am so busy that I have to schedule my sewing time, just like before.
I hope your testing is not too difficult and the results are positive. Take care. Be well.
What a cute and fabulous bag! So glad you are back to enjoying life again. Oh, and I'm with you on retirement; never enough time!!!!
Oh Gwen, I just love it! It's just perfect!
A perfect marriage of jackets and patterns. It is perfect. Masculine with a very girly girl look to it. I love the use of the lapel with the black lace applique.
Glad you're busy and sewing again. Your bag looks great!
What a great idea for a bag and your execution was unique - you're right, masculine materials turned into a girly bag. Glad you're up and sewing again.
I guess I'll keep my day job, but that 2-day Betzina course last week made it tempting to retire early. Your bag is fanTAStic! I bet people do double-takes when you carry it.
Love it! So creative.
Working interferes with my gym and sewing schedule--so my eventual retirement will interfere too??
Love it, Gwen! You sure made great creative use of your jacket and parts.
This is so creative, I love every detail
I couldn't be happier to see that you are sewing and posting again. I love to see what you are up to. Your projects are always so fun. The bag is adorable, and I really like the fabric choices. I will keep praying for your health to improve.
Now, this is a creative bag! I'm sure that it will get lots of use. Since I retired, I wonder how I ever had time to work. It's a busy life, but I love it.
What fun! I love the way you used the collar as a decorative element.
Super cute bag. You are so creative to come up with this design.
WOW it looks awesome!
I was hoping to have "more" sewing time when I retired :)
I love how creative you were with the parts from each jacket.
This is truly magnificent Gwen. I'm almost speechless at your creativity! I love,love.love it!
This bag is so inspiring! What a creative use of old suits. The bag looks so fresh and modern with lots of fun details.
Its just fabulous! Lace make it more pretty although in customised bags I love red and maroon colour.
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