A Few Purses and a Sad Wallet Story

Last year, before our summer trip to New York, I decided I needed a small bag to slip into the big messenger bag I carry whenever we are in NYC.  Whenever the big bag has to be checked (such as in a museum or store) the small bag can hold my wallet and phone.

Both of these purses are from the book Patchwork Style by Suzoko Koseki.  I knew this purse would be small when I started but it was so tiny that it would barely hold my wallet and phone, the strap was unbelievably short, and it hangs wide open in the top when I carry it (making an easy target for pickpockets).

Cute?  Yes, incredibly.  Practical?  Not hardly.  I’m not kidding.  This thing is small. So I gave it to The Girl.  She loves it.

Purse #2 was thankfully usable.  I really like this tiny little thing.  It zips closed, it has a nice long strap, and all it will hold is my wallet, phone and keys.  I don’t use it much now that we are home, but I’m sure it’ll get used again.  I cannot believe I used to carry a tiny purse like this all the time.

Yes, and then I had kids.

Around the same time, I had to make myself a new wallet.  I don’t like a big wallet, and couldn’t find one in the stores that I liked.  I carried the same ratty one for years until I was out to dinner with some girlfriends and the wallet (already full of holes and worn thin in spots) would not open.  The zipper had finally given out.  So I had to cut it open with my Swiss Army knife.  (Always prepared!)

Did I make a new wallet then?  No.  It was a few more months of carrying that horrible thing around until even I was shocked by its condition.

One evening, I decided it was time.  I was so happy to finally find a use for the fabric selvedges I had been saving for a long time.  I pieced them together, slapped in a vintage metal zipper, and lined the whole thing.  I used Amy Karol’s (The Angry Chicken) instructions from her book Bend the Rules Sewing.  I have made zillions of these little lined pouches, but never had I thought to sew the lining in my hand before.  It took no time flat, and it looks really nice inside.

These photos were taken last summer.  I am really missing that green grass right now.

I recently “found” my sewing desk again.  It was buried under the chaos of holiday crafting.  So I am sewing again lately.  For myself! I am determined to make four tops and four skirts in time for spring.  One top is done and the other, the Liberty of London I bought at Purl Soho, has been cut and started.

Spring, I’m getting ready for you.