I have a gauzy white prairie dress that I recently bought and usually I wear it with a black shrug and black enamel jewelry. I think the black makes it look a bit dressier and keeps it from looking like a wedding dress. Doing some shopping online, I came across a darling little shrug in turquoise that I thought would look great with the dress, and it does. So having a more casual look is fun, and just begs for a print to set it off. I love this print, and it goes well with the outfit, so I did a purse in a day project. I started with quilting a base 18×24 inches.
Then I bound it just like a little quilt, test fitting the binding so I didn’t end up with seams in the corners.
I sewed the binding on the lining side first, then turned it to the print side and stitched by machine.
Turn the top edge (one of the 18-inch sides) to the outside 1-1/2-inches and pin, forming a channel. Insert the handles under the channel at 4-inches in from each side.
Stitch along the binding edge, catching the handle.
Then turn the handle up and stitch again on the same line.
Next, I made two pockets for the inside. One 4×6 inches to fit my phone, and the other 12×4 inches for keys and little stuff. For both, I put two fabric pieces right sides together with some batting, and sewed around the edge.
Clip the corners and the batting out of the seam allowances. Turn right side out.
Topstitch all the way around, closing the opening for turning. Then place on the base.
Stitch three sides, leaving the top open.
Repeat for the other pocket, then put a line of stitching down the center to divide it into two pockets.
Next, fold the purse in half, wrong sides together, meeting the handles at the top. Stitch the sides next to the binding.
Box the corners on the outside at 2-inches.
Drop the feed dogs on your machine, and set the zigzag stitch for the holes on a couple of big buttons. Stitch these on the bottom of the boxed corner.
Turn the corner up, and hand tack in place. This adds a nice detail at the bottom. Alternately, you could box the corners inside.
Insert a snap frame into the channel. If you don’t have one, you could just put velcro across the top for a closure. Or skip the channel and insert a zipper.
Oh, this is great, it fits my phone precisely. Plus I have two more pockets for keys and lipstick or gloss.
Why, yes, I did in fact make a sunglasses case to match. Thank you for asking.
Purse in a day! Now I have to find a good day to wear the dress and shrug so I can carry this new bag. It needs to be just a bit cooler. So much fun to complete a project in a day. Now I need to take these scraps and make more Cradle Quilts.
Update – the place I bought my hex snap frame is not making them anymore, but Amazon does have them in lots of sizes – link Hex Frames. Mine is a 12 inch frame, with the 18-inch wide fabric gathered onto it.
From My Carolina Home 
Looks like a fun little project. I would love to see pictures of it with the dress when you wear it.
Good for you!
Carole, this is a darling purse!
How very pretty. ! I love that you put a bright color inside. It makes it so much easier to find things inside!
That is a neat project-my favorite technique-quick and easy! Can’t wait to try it!
Love the seams on the outside! They look so cute with the big button. And the way you turned the corners so it lays flat! And love the “snap” bar closure! Thanks
So much fun to make! You always come up with something that elevates your project – as in those button accents.
That is a neat bag you made, and I enjoyed following along to see how you made it! Is the finished size about 12 x 18? And where do you find a snap frame? I have been making my own purses for several years now, and it’s about time for a new one!
The yellow floral is one of my favorite prints! I still have a dab left. The buttons on your bag is a nice touch.
Ive made dozens of purses but unfamiliar with clip. Where can I get one, what size would I need? Do they come with instructions? Love your projects, in awe of your stamina and versatility.🙂 Carolyn W.
What a fun little project! I recently made a ByAnnie’s call me bag and love that and will make more, one with 2 zipper compartments. I hope you get the chance to use it soon!
Cute & smart, Carole. First cool mini-ride and you’ll be stylin’!
You make it look so simple! And it is adorable!
Cute bag! So satisfying to make in a day. Now you need an excuse to wear it on an outing. :))
What a wonderful idea! Who doesn’t want lots of totes, purses, and bags of all kinds?? You are one clever lady, Carole. Great tutorial, too. :o) M
What a cute purse! Love the button detail. The construction is clever. Thanks for sharing!
What a lovely custom purse! So pretty! Thank you for sharing how you made it.
Thank you for sharing such a great pattern. I love it! I see one of these in my future.
Fabulous purse! I may have to give one a try!
Now I want to see your white dress!
cute……lots of pockets which is good…….
Just perfect with the dress and shrug!
Very nice!
Hi Carole,Where do you purchase the snap frames like you used?