Poppy Pattern Purse
I found a pattern for a Sweet Seasons purse in Simply Stitched with Applique by Yumiko Higuchi and a Poppy Garden Embroidery pattern at Purl Soho. Inspiration struck when I realized I could combine the two and make a poppy pattern purse.
First I by cut out two purse panels from natural colored linen.
I covered the edges with masking tape so the linen would not unravel while I did the applique and embroidery.
The Poppy Garden pattern was meant to be a larger wall hanging so I selected part of the design to use for the purse.
I ironed the pattern onto the front side of my fabric, filling in a couple of empty spaces with more flowers.
When I was happy with the result and ironed the same design on the second panel.
Next I ironed the applique cut-outs onto my wool felt making sure to label them.
I cut out the applique pieces and I was ready to begin.
Since I am new to embroidery I tried a practice flower to get the feel for it. This helped me work out a few of the techniques before starting the actual bag.
The Poppy Garden pattern called for a beautiful array of wool felt and embroidery floss. As I followed the applique and embroidery instructions, I closely followed the color chart as well.
I began by embroidering all of the stems and leaves that would not be covered by the applique fabric.
Next I started the flowers, attaching the felt pieces with a whipstitch before adding the decorative embroidery on top.
Some of the flowers were in two pieces so I attached and decorated the bottom before doing the same with the top.
Others had detailed decorations including padded satin stitch centers and tiny french knot seeds.
I enjoyed stitching the gorgeous poppies.
Making good progress, I completed the first side of the purse. Beautiful!
I repeated the process for the second side and the embroidery was complete.
Now I returned to the Sweet Seasons pattern to sew the purse. I removed the tape from around the panels and pinned them right sides together.
I sewed the bag starting and stopping 6" from the top, leaving the rest open.
Then I repeated these steps with white linen for the lining.
I turned the purse right side out and inserted it into the lining,
with the right sides facing each other.
I pinned the purse and lining together along the top 6" of the bag.
By laying the bag open, I stitched along each side in a single seam.
Through the remaining opening, I turned the purse/lining right side out and re-inserted the purse into the lining.
Next I folded the top of the bag over 3/4" and pressed it on both sides.
I repeated this folding it one and half inches, then pressing.
The bamboo handles were inserted through the folds and hand basted in place.
Finally, I machine stitched the folded edges to complete the handle casings and removed the basting stitches.
Turning the bag right side out, it was complete.
I made a beautiful and satisfying poppy pattern purse just in time for Spring.
Enjoy!
