Saturday, September 17, 2011

Purse swap




The online group I belong to had a framed purse as our latest swap challenge.

And it proved to be more of a challenge than I had bargained for. I ordered a purse frame kit from the wonderful Nikki   in Melbourne and set to work.

The instructions were impeccable and all went well until it came to crimping the frame after the glue had set.

I got a little carried away with the hammer and the frame wouldn't shut - oops. I emailed Nikki for advice and she was so encouraging - she even offered to try and fix it if I couldn't. Wasn't that lovely - thanks so much, Nikki.

Normally if I stuff up I give up, but because I had committed to the swap that wasn't an option, so I ordered another frame and had another go - and this time everything was fine (maybe because this time I used pliers to crimp the frame, with cardboard in between to prevent scratches. )

The purse was for Kerry in Nundle, and the one she received (pictured bottom left) is in the same fabric as the bag I made her for Christmas.

And she made me the one at the top - it's in soft green wool with a pretty bowl of roses on the front - so gorgeous. Kerry's much smarter than I am - she chose a sew-in frame. She also sent a cute tape measure and little scissors and wrapped everything in pretty pink fabric.

Thanks heaps, Kerry. And thanks, Sarah, for organising another fun swap.

And speaking of swaps - I've signed up for Fiona-Marie's Great Global Christmas Swap and have a partner in the US, and for Chookyblue's Christmas swap (not telling you where my partner is from). Which means I will have to make more stuff, but before I do, I will have to clear up my sewing room. I started a tidy last week and just made a worse mess. At least I found some stuff I was glad to see again... Better get to it. Hope everyone is having a great weekend.

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12 comments:

Peg - Happy In Quilting said...

Oh Jan how good was the swap...love what you made and also what you received from Kerry...

Allie said...

Both of the purses are gorgeous - I've never tried using one of those frames, they really intimidate me! Good for you on persevering. You did a gorgeous job!

Christine said...

Both purses are lovely. Good on you for overcoming your problem .. well worth the effort.

Anonymous said...

Great purses, Jan. Good on you for not giving up and giving a second on a go!!! :) Wow... lots of Christmas Swaps for you then!!

Vicki said...

The purses are both lovely, Jan and Kerry. Well done. Was a great swap - going to take my newbie out tonight to show it off :) You'll enjoy the Great Global Christmas swap again Jan. I'm doing Chookie's this year as I am still in contact and swapping with last year's GGCS partner!

Roseanne said...

I love both these purses very nice. This was a great swap.

Leanne said...

Hi Jan, the purses are lovely.

Anonymous said...

both purses look great, I think I would have bashed it with a hammer also not knowing better, I chose the safer option of one with holes so you stitch it on

Anonymous said...

Jan i love the purse that you sent and received,they are both so cute.I am from your way as well,nice to find neighbouring bloggers,lol.

Kerry @ Cottage on the Hill said...

So glad you like your little wool purse - I love working with the wool.
I love my little purse - it will travel with me to the USA in a few weeks
Thanks heaps

JB said...

I was excited to see a photo of Lions tail...on of my favorite flowers.
Well done for persisting with the purse. It is always easier the second time around. These swap things seem like a good way to maintain focus and share the creative passion.
JB

Chookyblue...... said...

the purses are gorgeous.......great idea to match the bag you made........lucky you persevered.......

welcome to the SSCS.........