Book purse

This is a book purse. My library was having a special promotion which included getting a book purse kit for free, so of course I grabbed one. The kit included the empty book cover (Shakespeare) and the instructions. It’s all glued… very little sewing for this one. I just had to
sew two pieces together instead of “cutting on the fold” to get the most out of my fat quarter (nothing left over), and then did a little hand sewing to make the side pieces tend to tuck in when closed instead of flail out. The handles are made from an old tie, the button was from a suit coat, the elastic was a stretched out dead headband. I had to buy Aileen’s tacky glue to get the job done, but it was about time. How did I go so long without buying Aileen’s?

This purse would be impractical for me, because I tend to carry around diapers and kids books. I think my wallet alone is bigger than this purse. Don’t fear – I was able to give it away to someone who admired it. The teacher said she was giving a presentation on ways to bring books home, or something like that. Plus she would actually use it. She loved it. I loved getting it out of my house. :)

No-Sew Thanksgiving Treat Bags

My brother's family is coming for Thanksgiving. They have four children. I'll put these treat bags at their place settings. I don't know what I'll put in them yet. They would fit a fun-size candy bar or tiny bag of candy.

I simply cut the fat quarter on the fold lines making four rectangles, used my pinking shears around the edges, and tied them up with ribbon. The ribbon came from an old bridesmaid's top that I hacked up this morning. I already used the skirt for part of my Princess Amidala costume at our recent Star Wars party.