More Purse Frame Bargains

Oh for goodness sake.... At least I think that's what I said, when the last two boxes of 150mm frames we have in stock turned out to be seconds.

We're expecting a shipment of frames soon, but the order didn't include 150mm frames because, well... we had two boxes full of them.

Purse frame bargain, anyone.....? 5 frames for $5.50. We also have more zipper bundles and long zips, if you're in the mood for some stash-enhancing bargains.

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PLEASE NOTE: Until we can order and wait for a shipment of these to arrive, we won't be able to offer our usual 20% discount on bulk orders of 150mm frames.

My Creative Space

Today, I'm almost certain that I've finalised the shape of the next purse pattern. I thought a scaled-up version of the Shell purse would look good on the 200mm curved frames.

I should know that the sentence "I'll just scale up the pattern" should be said without the "just". The subtlties of shape, line and proportion are tricksy little beggars, and take a bit of tweaking. Sometimes they take a LOT of tweaking.

I got bored with calico around toile #6 and moved on to wasting perfectly good fabric on purses that look wrong, wrong, wrong.....

...and sat up all night beading a frame onto a purse that turned out to be a bit ordinary...lacking that certain something.

And so it was, that with heart all a-flutter (and a little excited squealy thing happening in my head), I pinned the latest incarnation to a frame and thought, "this could be the one". I won't be sure until the frame is on, but I have high hopes. I'm thinking glamourous 50's styling here. I'm excited.

So... in answer to the next person who asks me if you can just scale up a purse pattern to fit another frame, my answer is yes.... but not "just". I think it'd be quicker and easier to buy another pattern.

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Pop on over to the hostess with the mostess to see what's happening in other creative spaces around the globe today.

Introducing......

Like all my patterns, this is a very versatile little purse.

It can be made with silk and synthetic fabrics for bridal or evening wear or with cute cotton, for a daytime look. These two fabric groups require different interfacings, so we have a SILK kit and a COTTON Kit, available NOW! For those of you who already have yardage of the interfacings (and perhaps a frame or two), you might prefer the PATTERN ONLY option.


The kits contain the pattern, instructions, frame and interfacings - enough to get you started with your first purse (and with the pattern and know-how for many more!).

The instructions include how to make a draped layer with pleats or gathers and how make the purse as a clutch, wristlet or handbag. There are a lot of purses to be made with this kit!!

So... (in case you didn't follow the links above).... What's it called?



Shell. Yes... a few of you got the name right. My random number generator (ie. "Pick a number between 1 and 6...") chose Kathy P as the winner of a kit.

Many thanks to my fabulous pattern-testers. You can see some of my testers versions here, here, and here. (Nikki, Adele and Alison, if you have a link, please send it!).

Meet the new girls....

I'm in the final editing stages of the instructions for the new purse... getting ready for the final round of pattern-testing (yes, I test and edit and re-test...).

It's a versatile little purse, with the options of a smooth, gathered or pleated finish. It can sit flat like a fan or rounded and barrel-like. It has a 100mm (4") frame but is roomy enough to carry all you need for a special occasion (or coffee date).

You can also choose to add (a rouleaux or flat) wrist strap or handle and there are even instructions for making the strap detachable. The possiblilities for variation are endless and the design is multi-purpose.

I'll introduce you to my crew.

Meet the wedding girls..... all silk and stylish simplicity. The cute and clever crafty chicks.... in a colourful splash of quilting cotton.

The uber-cool urban gals in sleek designer silk satin.

And the school formal (prom/debutante) girls, having a riot in a bit of polyester razzle-dazzle.

Now.... what do you think I'm going to call this pattern? As always, I've chosen a state-the-bleeding-obvious single word title for this one. And - as nearly always - I'm running a giveaway to launch it.

Leave a comment with what you think the name is and you might just win a copy of the pattern when we launch it. I'm sure that more than one person will guess the name, so I'll random-number pick a winner from all correct entries. GOOD LUCK!

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Did you know that I give my patterns very basic, descriptive names so that you can impose your own personality and designs on them? I read a comment on a blog once that criticised the lack of flair in my naming of the "200mm Square Frame Purse" and it made me realise that people don't get it.... I leave the space blank so you can fill it with your imagination.

Much cheapness.... and a bit of a clear-out.

What's wrong with this picture...? I mean, besides the dodgey lighting...?
I'm afraid you'll have to look a little closer. See that rough patch on the clasp? (Fingertip for scale reference in bottom right corner)
And can you see....? Some have little scratches in the shiny-shiny nickel plating.Since we quality-check our frames very carefully before we pack and sell them at full price, we're left with a box of seconds.

We can't sell these at full price - and don't suggest that you make purses with them to sell - but they may be a good way for you to practise making framed purses, and would be good enough for everyday use by anyone in your OFM-sphere*.

A bundle of 5 is $5.50 or 20 for $16.50 (that's $5 or $15 if you're not in Australia).

We also have a random assortment of long zips - 60-90cm - with chunky nylon and metal teeth and a variety of colours (but mostly black). These are great for clothing, upholstery and large bag projects and are clearing for $5 for 5 zips.

And we bought in more zips for our 15-for-$5.50 zipper bundles, too. These are bag, purse, dress zip sizes.
While I'm in the mood for bargains.... I'm quite keen to fill the last place on the Better Bags course, which begins next Monday. If you'd like to jump on board, you'll get a free bag pattern (that means 2 free patterns, if you include the freebie one that comes with the class fee already).

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*OFM = Only For Me.... and can extend to OFMK (Only For My Kid), OFMS (Only For My Sister).... and anyone else who will forgive a few minor flaws.

The pretty stuff

I had a lovely time, playing with my new purse-in-development samples today.... A little celebration for finally (several days and toiles later) getting the subtleties of the pattern shaping right.

I played with themed styling ideas....

..detail shots......and super-macro settings....

It was SO MUCH prettier than the bigger picture.

Big girl mess (above). Small girl mess (below).

We must be related.

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Ok, ok.... I'll get back to writing the instructions.....

Purse Frame Class

Six new purses were born today! 

Many thanks for the great bunch of gals who came from near and far to attend the purse frame workshop today. 'Twas grand.

I hope you all went home feeling very clever and that you continue to enjoy your new purse-making skills!

Go on.... give us a kiss!

I began this pattern some time early last year, and it's finally at "testing" stage.  Watch this space - there'll be a new kid on the block soon!

Using the 200mm Chunky frame (or the similar frames with loops), it's a flirty small handbag that can stand on its own.... errr... five feet.

It can also be a wristlet... and a little bit shabby chic.

Or teamed with a silver purse chain and a modern print (like this one from Saffron Craig).



And you know what?  I didn't ask anyone what to call it.  It'll simply be the Kiss purse.

If you've never made a frame purse before, I'd suggest you start on one of the more simple purse kits and then move on to the barrel shapes. 

Alternatively, if you feel you need a bit more help, I'm going to schedule a Purse Frame Class on the 9th October. Make a booking through the website to grab a place.  I only work with groups of 6, so get in quick! 

In with the new...

We thought that the silver ones were so cute, we now have Teeny Tiny swivel hooks in Antique Brass colour.

I'm yet to have a play with them, but we also have these snap-together plastic grommets coming soon. Stay tuned for more news and a shop update with these, folks....

And out with the old..... I cleared out my box of purse frame samples (from the manufacturer)...

...and seconds (slightly scratched, mostly) purse frames. I've bundled them up and bargain-priced them. They're all highly usable for OFM (Only For Me) purses or for test-runs if you're new to purse frame purse-making. The faults are mostly VERY slight - and you can examine before you buy.

Unfortunately it's not worth going to the effort to individually photograph and price them for the website, so I'm just letting you local gals know..... COME IN AND HAVE A LOOK through the bargain basket!!!!

We also have 5 samples of these 200mm Chunky frames WITH LOOPS at $9 each. Just email your order for these (or add it as a comment at the bottom of the shopping cart order).

I'm currently looking into the possibility of making these a permanent supply. If I get these, I may have to discontinue the plain 200mm Chunky frames......What do you think?

The week that was.... the week from hell. (Oh, and a spot of Flickr Friday)

Actually, the week has left me quite exhausted. I'm not sure if I can face re-capping the whole ordeal....

Here are some pretty pictures from the Review Round-Up Flickr page instead.

This 75mm Purse Frame Purse is from the Accidental Crafter. See the review HERE.

And these are from Purses by KP. Lovely Baguettes... reviewed here.

And something that made me laugh this week.... if you haven't seen Gypsy's post about my berets, have a peek over here....

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PS. If you have the time to do a review of one of my patterns, you have ONE WEEK left before voting begins for the Review Round-up competition!!!! See here for details.

Purse Frame Workshop

As I've explained, I haven't been able to schedule courses in the usual way this year, but I can see an opportunity to do a little pop-up workshop....

If you're able to make it on the 10th July (not this weekend, but the next one), we have 6 places available. Get in quick!

Details and bookings are over here....

Mother's Day Special

In Australia, Mother's Day is the second Sunday in May. We wanted to get this offer out to you in time for you to make something special for your mother. If you're in another country and it's not nearly Mother's Day, we won't hold that against you if you want to take advantage of the offer.

We're offering a FREE FRAME with every one of the following kits - that means you get TWO frames with every kit and that means savings of up to $12.40.

The Barrel Purse is a cute little purse that you can hold in the palm of your hand.... but is surprisingly roomy. You will receive a FREE 90mm frame with every Barrel Purse Kit purchase.

The simple square purse frame kits are a great place to start if you've never made a framed purse before.... and with two frames to play with, you've nothing to lose if one of them is a "learning" experience.

The 75mm, 90mm, 150mm and 200mm purses are all included in this offer - an extra frame thrown in for nix.


A handmade case for glasses or sunglasses is a great gift.... and each Spec Case Kit will include a free 75mm frame. You can make one for yourself as well!

The 200mm Chunky purse makes a great clutch purse or a roomy make-up purse. With your spare 200mm Chunky frame you can make one for each purpose!!

The Poppet is a very cute little wristlet or make-up purse, and is the perfect "next step" for anyone who has already tried the basic square framed purse styles. It fits the 150mm frame and you'll get an extra one free with every kit.

And the Puff purse is super-sweet. You'll receive a free 100mm curved antique brass frame with every kit.

If you were thinking of trying something new, making a gift or sharing the sewing love with your mother....or WHATEVER the reason.... you have just over a week to take us up on the offer.

We'll be closed over the Easter break this weekend (Friday until Monday) so we're giving you a few extra days to get in on the deal. We'll be closing the offer next Thursday (8th April) at 5pm.

If you already have enough kits but are looking for some cheap frames*, we're discontinuing the Black Nickel Square purse frames. They're on sale at 30% off until cleared.

*The black nickel frames look lovely, but there may be minor flaws on the plating (although most of them are fine). They make excellent OFM ("only for me") practise purses.