A Foray Into Handbags

So for the first part of this year, the majority of my craft supplies have been packed up tight. My husband and I closed on our new house in mid-February, so of course I started packing in January, and really haven’t unpacked everything at the new house yet. If you’ve been following my instagram (@patchworkaplenty) you’ve seen a few updates here and there about design and organization that’s happening. But just recently, I found a project worthy of breaking out some of my supplies from their boxes in the corner.

A few weeks ago I was shopping around online for a new casual purse. It was time to switch to spring colors and materials, and I’ve grown tired of my handled summer bag I’ve carried for the past few years. But I couldn’t find a crossbody style bag that I really liked that was also in my budget (which is the best quality for the lowest price.) So naturally, my crafty mind started scheming.

For the past couple of weeks I’ve thought a lot about what I wanted. A crossbody bag with an adjustable strap, NO handles, preferably a leather bottom that’s easy to wipe clean, and something pretty and not boring. So I set out to find supplies. Fabric.com supplied me with some beautiful vegan leather options at a wonderful price. So I ordered a couple different ones with different textures.

Next I had to find the perfect fabric print. Naturally I was drawn to Rifle Paper Co. If you know me at all, you probably know I’m a RPC loyalist. Calendars, enamel pins, buttons, fabric, shoes, stationary, wall art, phone cases… seriously, their stuff is beautiful and it’s one of the few brands I’m eternally loyal to. Anna Bond speaks to my soul. Their spring fabric line is to die for. When it was released, the blue peonies on cream canvas stole my heart. But I didn’t buy any, because I rarely have a project for canvas. Like, very rarely. But I knew it was the perfect fabric for this project. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint. The only word I can use to describe my emotions when I opened that box was delight. The texture of the canvas, the colors, all of it… perfect.

Peonies on Cream from Rifle Paper Co. and other supplies

So after a quick trip to Joanns on Sunday for hardware, I knew I was ready to attempt my first handbag. Now I sourced a few blog posts and YouTube videos for advice, because some of these things I had never attempted before, like sewing with vegan leather or making an adjustable strap. And I fully believe you can learn anything on YouTube. I’ll link all of my sources at the bottom.

But because this is what you came for, the final product.

Finished crossbody purse made with Rifle Paper Co. Peonies on Cream Canvas

Click a thumbnail to view a larger picture.

I am truly in love with how this turned out. And I’m a firm believer that good topstitching goes a long way in completing a project. But if you have any questions about my supplies or techniques, just drop them in the comments! I’d love to hear from you all!