Hi friends,
I missed my August newsletter deadline. Here’s what happened: I planned to finish a little purse project and have photos to share with you but, best-laid plans…
A few days ago, I remembered that somewhere in my stash I had a small metal kiss-lock purse frame. Like a lot of slow stitchers, I’m often wondering what to do with the pieces of fabric I’ve stitched. Making a clasped coin purse seemed like a perfect project and I had a bit of time this holiday weekend (since my birdies have officially flown far, far from the nest — but that’s a story for another time).
Things started off well, when, miracle of miracles, I actually found the purse frame amongst the chaos of my craft supplies. A YouTube search led to this pattern from JustynaTHandmade with instructions for the 3.5-inch frame. The burnished color of the frame called for something softer than my usual bright color palette.
Inspired by Kate in the Nest, I pulled a couple vintage linens and handkerchiefs to cut up. I drew the outline of the pattern piece on the fabric to help me keep the stitching inside the lines so it wouldn’t slice through it when I cut out the pattern pieces.
Things were going along merrily. The colors were working. The stitching was simple (running stitch and Colonial knots). A salvaged pair of pants offered the perfect striped fabric for the lining. I hauled out my machine and followed the instructions for putting the outer pieces and lining together. Easy peasy mac and cheesy.
Then it was time to sew on the frame… Screech.
The videos make it look super simple. Just baste the frame in place, then follow the little holes and sew it on.
Hours later, my fingers are cramping as I try to get a needle up from the back side of the frame, hiding the stitches under it as well as possible, while digging around in metal to find the hole in the front. Why is this so hard? Maybe because I had too many layers of fabric? Maybe my needle should be heavier? If you have used one of these frames do you have any advice?
I’ll give it another go (or maybe give up and try to put in a tiny zipper?) when my mood improves. Online, there are frames that glue in place and some that you crimp on with pliers. Maybe those would be better?
Sigh. This is not at all the happy place I like to visit when slow stitching.
In the meantime
Do you get ads in your social feeds for Domestika, too? I enrolled in three of their embroidery classes with a trial subscription. I’ll let you know what I think in my next newsletter.
Meanwhile, here’s to projects and stitching that feel pleasant and peaceful. Have a gorgeous September wherever you are.
Happy stitching!
—Janice