Book Purse

Today we are making a Book Purse.  Yes, that is correct a Book Purse.



Supplies needed-
1 book (I really like the covers of Readers Digest)
1 purse handle set
fabric
ribbon or elastic
1 button
fabric glue
cardboard

Cut the pages and binding with an exacto knife.

Measure the book while open flat.

Add an inch to both length and width to make the lining.

Now cut fabric to width and length.

Fold fabric 1/2" under on all sides and iron.

Sew 1/4" seam for a finished look (you don't have to sew).

Cut 2 strips the size of book spine out of cardboard.

Stand the book on its end with the cover open at a 45 degree angle.  Trace around the book and make a line straight across the open end.  To each side add 1/2" and cut out.  Fold fabric 1/2" in and iron flat.

Fold the fabric in half and put long side of template on the fold of fabric and cut.  Rights sides out glue together (the edges do not need to have a clean look).  You will need 2 pieces for each end of the purse.

Cut ribbon into 4, 4" pieces.  Center purse handle.  Slide ribbon thru handle of purse and hot glue to book.  Repeat with other end of handle and other purse handle.

Cut 2 strips of ribbon or elastic to make loop for button, hot glue 1 loop/strip centered between handle.  Thread 2nd strip thru button and tie a knot under button.  Make sure the button can slip thru the looped strip on other side of purse.  Hot glue to center of handle

Hot glue the tips of triangles to the inside of the spine of book (make sure you have enough fabric to cover edge of book).  Hot glue 1 cardboard strip into the spine- covering the fabric tips for support.

Attach the fabric triangles to the sides of the book using fabric glue (I do not recommend hot glue because it will show.)  Let dry.

Now attach the lining with fabric glue starting at one long edge of book and glue down and work your way to the other side.  Press with your fingers to get out any air bubbles.  Clamp while drying.

Cover 2nd cardboard strip with fabric and hot glue into the inner spine.  This will flatten the lining and offer more stability. 

I am sorry that I don't have pictures for all of the directions.  I was so into making the book I forgot to get the camera into gear.

I hope you noticed the "Way to Geaux Meaux"- this is a special purse for my Grand-Daughter's Graduation.

WAY TO GEAUX MEAUX

We are so proud of you!

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Fancy Camera Strap

Katie needed a Mother's Day gift to give to her Mimi.  Asking her a few questions about her Mimi we decided she needed  a Fancy Camera Strap.  The best part of this gift it is another quick, simple and cheap inexpensive gift.

I let Katie go thru the STASH of fabric.  She dug until she hit bottom and pulled a bag that was all but forgotten.  Sad- because it was a special bag of fabric from our trip to New York.  Yes I have to confess I am an addict.  My name is Suzette and I am a fabric addict.  This bag was full of scraps and a couple yards of this beautiful, lovely and dreamy fabric.  HUM...

When purchased I had all intension of making a lovely dress.  But, y'all know how that goes...I will make the dress when I loose a few pounds.  Well a year later and I am on the road to sewing my dress.

OOPS- I got a little side tracked.  Back to the making of the Fancy Camera Strap.

Supplies-
2- fabrics 2.75" x 27" or 1 piece 5.5" x 27"
fusible fleece interfacing (not needed, but I like my straps with a little padding) 5" x 27". 

1 Sew fabric with right sides together.

2 Iron seam open
3 Iron interfacing according to directions (remember to use damp cloth while ironing).  Trim extra interfacing.

4. Fold each end 1/2" and sew finished.
5. Fold each end again 1/2" and sew finished (this give a little polished look).  Sew 3 times to give a refined look.
6. Sew right sides together using a 1/4" seam and trim.

looks like we are in need of a ironing board tutorial

7. Turn strap outside right and iron.
8. Slip onto camera strap.
9. Go out and enjoy your new Fancy Camera Strap. 

I am nosy, so send me pictures of your adventures with your new Fancy Camera Strap.

There are always two people in every picture:  the photographer and the viewer.  ~Ansel Adams

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It has been a very busy week for the Chameleon Girls.  I had jury duty, Sarah sprained her foot and the Internet has been iffy.  But- we are BACK!

I found a wonderful IDEA from Bobbie at I Am Only 1 Woman.  Are you ready to share your "STASH"?

Here is her brilliant idea:
We SWAP scraps!

So here is how it will work :

1. Sign up before the end of Wednesday, May 11th at:  boblyns@yahoo.com
2. Fill a 1 gallon ziptop bag full of scraps.  You choose what you want to include in the bag.  It can be anything from fabric scraps to crafting supplies.  You can color coordinate the scraps or mix and match your scraps.  Have fun!
    This is some of what is going into my bag.
3. Bobbie will let everyone know their partners Thursday May 12th.
4. Then please mail your bag by priority mail within 3 days (hopefully sooner).  Please make sure to buy the mailing confirmation so that we can avoid problems down the road.
5. Now have FUN and complete your stashy projects by May 31st.
6. Blog about your project and link back to Bobbies blog.  She will have the link up around the middle of the month.  If you are really nice you can send me pictures of your projects.

So who is in for the challenge of playing with someone elses stash?  I am so excited to see what everyone comes up with. •