“When Marrilyn sent me photos of this splendid Jacobean embroidered purse I was intrigued as to how she made it and knew you all would be too, so here is her guest blog.”
I have been machine embroidering for around 20 years firstly on a Husqvarna D1 and eventually upgrading to the Husqvarna Epic after a series of Janome machines of which I still have an 11,000. For years I have had a fascination with Jacobean embroidery and as soon as I saw these gorgeous designs given to us so generously by Hazel to celebrate Graceful Embroidery’s 12th birthday I fell in love and stitched them almost as soon as they were given.
I purchased my bag frame at a craft show last year and thought it dainty enough to use for this project.
I set about arranging the chosen designs on my computer and came up with a combination which would fit nicely into my 200 x 260 mm hoop and sit well in the 14” x 13” rectangular bag front and embroidered it to the front panel using Robison Anton rayon threads on a textured curtain remnant.
I embroidered the design Week 5 No. 8 (GFE-JCB-freebie, GFE-JCB2-16 & GFE-JCB-1-8) on the back panel of the bag.
After the embroidery I backed each panel (including the gusset) with iron-on pellon and stippled the entire background giving the embroideries a raised finish.
I designed a 23 ½” x 3” gusset, piped the edges and stitched it to the back and front pieces stopping 6” before the top of the bag and 1” above the hinge of the frame.
A zippered pocket is added to the lining and the top is finished with a ¾” frill and a casing to thread the rod.
I made a small purse using design week 3 No. 6 (GFE-JCB-2-6) to match and keep my ear phones tidy.
Another time I think I would make this bag 1 or 2″ wider to sit better.
The cost was minimal using what I had in the stash and the handle was about $15.00 if I remember rightly.
“Thank you Marrilyn for sharing this project with us all. I searched online to find a similar handle and did eventually using the term- 1x Metal Purse Frame Clutch Handle Bag Kiss Clasp Arch Lock Bag DIY 15cm”. I definitely want to make one of these!!
Happy embroidering from Hazel
Beautifully constructed and creative purse. Like the very cute layout of the designs and the backside of your purse put a smile on my face.
Thankyou Alh.
Such a pretty little bag! I have the same handles and have made many purses to fit on them, they’re really versatile!
A wonderful creation Marrilyn! Thanks for sharing the purse pattern too. We all love handbags and the zipper pockets too.