The Purse - A gift given

The purse I have been blogging about was given to my dear friend, coworker and one time supervisor, today. She loved it and was so appreciative.

When she opened it she looked happy. Then she looked inside and found the tag. "You made this?!?!" Her mother was there at the retirement tea also. "Mama, look he made this for me." Wow, htat really made me feel good. Then several ladies took it and checked it out.

They liked it also. I may have to make more purses.

After she finished opening her gifts, her sister took this picture of us. Look at that smile on her face. Definitely worth the work.

The Finished Purse

The Finished Purse
Originally uploaded by GeneBlack

The purse is finished and I am actually happy with it. While there are mistakes in it, there was a lot of learning and improvement in my sewing. This is my first successful go at free-motion quilting. It was also the first time I did piecing from a pattern. (my typical is strip piecing)
I didn't take a picture of the back but it is just like the front without the button closure.
I love the colors and general design. I adore the button and loop closure. I had seen it on an item but never seen it done. It was easy and looks nice. I did some embroidery stitching on the straps/handles. I used red thread in the bobbin and gold on top of each strap. I think it is a nice touch. And I did remember to put a label inside. Eat your heart out Vera Bradley!

Most importantly, I met my deadline.

Inside with label
Strap/Handle detail
Close up of the front.

Quilted Purse: under construction

Purse under construction-front
Originally uploaded by GeneBlack

I am making a quilted purse as a present. It is a suprise so I can't mention many details in this public space. I will say that I see that this picture is "wonky" beause the purse front is nice and straight. The band is even too. But I am tired and not willing to re-take the picture. I think this will be a nice purse when I am finished. Oh yes, those faint white lines in the dark sections -don't worry that is chalk and it will wash right out.

The lower black section is heavily quilted. I decided to use red thread to carry the color thru and make it a bit more interesting. If you click on the photo, you will go to my Flickr site. Once there you can see a detail shot of the quilting. I am doing free-motion quilting. Since I have a deadline, this is a VERY brave thing for me to attempt.

So far, so good. I wil keep you posted.