Ruched Handbag

May 12, 2015

On occasion, I have to set aside my usual “uniform” of jeans and blouses or knit dresses, and put on something a bit nicer.  These events tend to sneak up on me, and I frequently end up un-accessorized as a result.  This weekend I decided that it was time to at least have an appropriate purse for some of these Summer functions.

Ruched Handbag Exterior

My nicest Summer dress is a grey and beige stripe, so I decided to use a fabric in the same color scheme for the exterior of the bag.  This cotton is a Janet Clare print from her Field Guide line of fabric for Moda.  So far this bag is pretty subtle, and I couldn’t have that!  The main part of the interior is this cheerful green dot.

Ruched Handbag Interior

I designed this bag to be divided into two sections with a zippered pouch in the center.  On one side of the central zippered pocket, I added five card slots and a smaller zippered pouch with a pocket behind it.  The linings of the internal zippered pockets are bright pink.  I didn’t realize how much the interior of this bag looks like a watermelon until I took the pictures!

Ruched Handbag Pocket Interior

The inner lining lays smooth with the outer fabric ruched (gathered) over it.  Then the upper band with the zipper and wrist strap is added.  At about 9″x7″, this will work as a just-large-enough-for-an-evening bag, and it is nicer than my other bag without being too formal.

5 Comments

  • Reply
    Joy
    May 12, 2015 at 9:31 am

    This is a wonderful, thoughtful design. Kudos to you.

  • Reply
    wendy
    May 13, 2015 at 11:43 am

    What a gorgeous bag! it’s so sophisticated but with that delicious lining!

  • Reply
    Kristen Jones
    May 13, 2015 at 4:54 pm

    That came out super cute! Love that outside fabric. I’ve just stared to learn to mess with the whole zipper thing. LOL. I’ve made a few plain zipper bags so I’m going to try something a little harder soon!

  • Reply
    Carla
    May 22, 2015 at 8:53 pm

    And if a green dot is still looking too subtle, add hot pink! With the classy print on the outside, you will get lots of use from this.
    (I have a ‘uniform’ too – jeans in winter and dresses in summer, and cardigans all year round.)

  • Reply
    Brianna Robertson
    June 3, 2015 at 8:42 pm

    Love that pop of colour in the lining!

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