Using Scrap Fabric

What to do with that mounting pile of fabric scraps - those small pieces left over from other projects?

Make small purses!

Having my own huge (and growing) stack of scrap fabrics left over from theater set projects, I've been fascinated to watch a friend turn her own scrap pile into a growing small handicraft business.

She started with just a few fabric left-overs, learning by experiment how to cut, stitch, and glue them into fabric clutch purses. Finding the right hardware and glue. Experimenting with style, color, and decoration.

Here's her brand-new shop: Liz's Whimsies

Naturally she first experimented with an Etsy page, just to see what would happen. This was, at first, nothing much. But friends liked the purses. Another friend commissioned several bags for a wedding party. And those ladies told their friends... The WORD GOT OUT!

At this point (February 2014) she's finishing her fifth set of purses for a wedding and she's selling quite a bit by word of mouth... but still not too many on Etsy. So she just - today! - opened her own independent on-line store where she can have more freedom to display her purses and aprons as she likes. (Here is her earlier Etsy shop Liz's Whimsies still in business.)

It's exciting to watch her business develop. This Lens showcases some of her clever crafty-ness and documents just how much you can do with what you already have plus a good idea. (And a good eye for color and clever fingers.)

My own purse that she made me? I've gotten a lot of compliments on it.

Maybe it's time to look through your own pile of fabric scraps to see what secret potential they hold for you? I'm looking through mine! Hmmmm... This sofa fabric. Could it become a... book bag?

of Liz's Whimsies

Hi, I'm Liz!

I'm a full-time high school special education teacher living in northern California. I love my family, friends and job, but I also have a passion for decorating and crafts!

After many years of hoarding fabric, I knew I needed to find some way to better utilize it. What would be better than purses and aprons!!! It didn't matter that I had never made a purse or apron before - this idea would allow me to play with patterns, use fabric I have, and would be light to package and ship. (On a previous Etsy venture the craft I created was so bulky, heavy, and expensive to ship that I think I paid customers to buy it.)

My first adventure with fabric-craft began with a buddy's wedding. She purchased three purses for the bridal party. We used the wedding colors of black and apple green - green for the purse linings. The purses "wrapped" gift jewelry to be worn in the ceremony. It was really fun, and introduced the opportunity for more weddings, as well as, jump-started my shop. Thanks Gina!

I also found a cute flirty apron pattern that everyone loves, and these have turned out to be a great addition to a baker's gift basket. But that's another Lens...

I sell locally and I have even ventured into Etsy, where my little shop has stayed fairly busy since the first wedding. This September will be my shop's first contribution to a fundraiser, and I will participate in my first craft fair this December.

It's really fun how my desire to keep myself busy, and my love of fabric and pattern, have become a small business!

There are just so many cute fabrics... Colors! Patterns! So much fun.

It's a creative challenge to choose fabrics for the outside - and the inside - that coordinate in an interesting way. Sometimes the lining is a treat - the owner's favorite color inside a sober, serious purse. Sometimes it's a surprise - the bride's maids' pick for the bride!

Sometimes it's a mother-daughter pair of purses.

(BTW the purses shown here are only examples, for what's actually in stock at the moment, check Liz's shop: Liz's Whimsies)

Made using this rich and unusual black fabric, this purse is elegant enough for any dressy occasion from a nice cocktail party to a formal dinner or dance.

Maybe for a bridal party?

Sometimes all the purses match - at least on the outside, because the inside can be customized to each owner.

Each clutch purse is unique - hand-made for THAT person on THAT occasion. A sentimental (and useful) keepsake.

But a set of purses don't have to match! A coordinated set is a charming way to celebrate individuality among a close group of friends.

(Doesn't this seem perfect gift for a group like a sorority or Red Hat Society or book club?)

Maerials Liz uses in making (and shipping) her one-of-a-kind purses.

Here it's a stunning brocade. What especially rich fabric do you have in your stockpile?

Sourcing Vintage Fabric

Liz has been experimenting with antique fabrics too.

One of the best sources Liz has found so far is thrift stores. Vintage evening wear can be made into elegant raw material for purses - even if part of the fabric is damaged. (That only lowers the price!)

This vintage sequined jacket will become several stylish sequined evening clutches. If you look fast, there's a purse made from this vintage sequined fabric in Liz's shop... Liz's Whimseies (Oops, sold. But there may be a new/old purse available.)

As you can see below...

A small selection of interesting how-you-too-can books!

I love the cool colors of this chevron-patterned bag.

And the wonderful fish-scale effect of this glimmering purple!

Adding just a little something extra.

The Finishing Touch

Finding just the right finishing touches can be a lot of fun. A single element can add a lot of style!

Here it's a costume jewelry "diamond" brooch.

A few sources for sewing patterns for bags and purses.

Interested in a truly one-of-a-kind purse? (Or those cool aprons?) Check out Liz's site!

Purses are fascinating bits of fashion. Vintage purses are fashion history. Collecting... Making...

MAKING?

What are your reactions to this purse idea? Have you tried something similar?