Welcome Stampin' Friends!
I am THRILLED with the Ruffled Purse I have to share with you today. It all started with a challenge. That's right at Stampin' Royalty this week the challenge was to create something using FABRIC. Well, I am so tickled at get in the Candy Cane Christmas Fabric for just 99 cents, I totally wanted to make something awesome with it. And this is what I made...
Yeah, it's awesome! I have been saving this bag for years...
It was my oldest daughters bag when she was in preschool and now she is a 2nd grader! I was inspired to ruffle this bag when I saw this one. The bag is 12" x 14", you can find plain canvas bags like these at the craft store, if you don't have one on hand to upcycle.
My ruffles are 2-3/4" x 28", you will need 12 of these strips for this size of bag. I had 4 each of 3 patterns from the Candy Cane Christmas fabric. I folded up the bottom edge 1/4" of an inch and stitched it, forming a simple hem, as well as the two ends. Then I lengthed my stitch as long as I could and reduced my tension as low as I could, I then stitched across the top two times, this is where you will create your ruffle.
Pull only the bobbin threads of the top two rows of stitching. From one side pull and then spread out the gathers to the center of the strip, until you reach the desired amount of gathering. Repeat this from the other end. And the the result should look like the picture above.
So that I knew where to sew on my ruffles, I drew lines on the bag every 1-3/4", measuring up from the bottom. Then you sew the ruffles on the to the bag, starting at the bottom and working your way up. You will need two ruffle pieces for each row, overlapping the ends to make one row. Lookin' pretty cute already.
When you get your six rows done, stitch on a row of ribbon.
I also had to replace the handles on the bag as well, they did not match. The fabric for the handles is cut at 1-1/4" x 22". Fold in the edges at 1/4" and iron and then fold in half and iron. Cut a piece of batting to 3/4" x 23".
Insert the batting into the handle, pin shut. Stitch down the open side and then stitch down the folded side. Repeat making a second handle. Sew the handles to your bag.
For the flower, die cut a 4" circle.
Add a circle of hot glue to the center.
Fold in the sides and then the top and bottom. See how it makes the corners in to little flaps?
Flatten and fold in the flaps, adding more hot glue if needed.
Hot glue on a button to finish it off. And hot glue or stitch the flower to your bag.
Just about the cutest thing!
Now, check out what my fellow Goddessess from Stampin' Royalty did with the Fabric Challenge! And, please feel free to play along with our challenge, find out more on today's post.
Visit my on-line store and get some fabric for just 99 cents, while supplies last!
Carrie this bag is fantastic! Now I have even more reason to learn how to sew:) LOVE LOVE LOVE it!
Posted by: Jenn Picard | August 26, 2012 at 06:17 PM
Just about the cutest thing ever!! I am loving this bag!! Adorable. Great job!! Thanks for the tutorial too!!
Posted by: Alexis | August 26, 2012 at 07:16 AM