Large Hippie Bag

IMG_2009IMG_2011Thank you to Pam from Plant City, FL for allowing me to create the pictured Hippie Bag for her. It is a flat purse design made by knotting the material, then forming it into the purse you wish.

This is a larger version of the one made in June 2012. Three years ago, I made an 8 inch square Hippie Bag  as a replacement for another customer.

This design is knotted using 4mm Ivory macrame cord. It measures 10 inches from top to bottom and side to side, with a strap length of 21 inches from shoulder to the top of the purse. There are 4 wooden beads on the strap, 5 more beads on the outer flap of the purse and the liner is white with three pockets.

IMG_1977IMG_1993After you make the strap, the body knots are added in between. It is then made to the length needed. Fold the material in half for the desired purse size and stitch the sides of the purse with pieces of cord left over to form the body.

Stuff the purse with tissue to get the effect of contents.
IMG_1995Continue knotting rows until you complete the front flap length. Remember to add beads or any other decorations before reaching the end.

The liner is then hand sewn in place. This and other macrame designs made completely with cord, are very easy to maintain. Just remove purse contents and launder. Remove from your machine and gently bring the liner to the outside and it will dry in no time.

Information When Ordering a Purse

I receive many people requesting a special order purse. I have a form that you should initially fill out to start the process.

Name:
Email:
Comment on additional features:
Delivery City and State-to determine shipping cost:
Shipping Preference-UPS, FedEx USPS or other:
Gallery picture ID # :
Purse Body-Length x Width-do not include strap length:
Flex Frame opening size:
Cord Thickness- macrame cord (6mm 1 inch sq knot) (4mm 1/2 inch sq knot) :
Color(s)-refer to Available Colors page for macrame only:
Strap Type:
Strap Length-shoulder to purse top:

There are two items on this form that I would like to take a little time to talk about. One is the difference between the cord thicknesses. In the case of macrame cord, the higher the number, the thicker the cord. This means that it will take less knots to produce a specific size or if the same number of knots are produced, the item will be bigger than a smaller millimeter cord.
54404965
The strength and durability is the same but the item has a slightly different texture when you use a smaller cord.

The smaller cord  allows a tighter and smoother look, but does need a style that will help stabilize a larger item. The larger cord has the same uniformity but has a thicker look to it and has the ability to stand on its own when the item grows in size. You can take a 6mm cord purse and give it a little push down from the top rim and in most cases the bottom will hold the purse upright without help.

The second item I would like to address is the Available Colors on the form. This website has a page labeled as such to give you reference to what colors are still around for me to use. Take a look at this page or click the link toward the top of the Order form before ordering. It is best to give me the exact color name that you prefer. If you are not sure of the color representation, let me know and hopefully I can show you a purse in the Gallery that uses that color for reference.

Because these are individually made, I want to ensure that you are happy with the finished piece.  I would suggest that you measure your phone and any other item that you would like a special pocket made and enter this information in the last area of the form.

One last thought. These purses are strong, durable and easy to maintain. I wash my purses in my front loading washer and pull the liner up, setting it outdoors to dry when I can or just in the house during the winter months. They dry in no time. The only difference are the flex frame purses. These should be washed with a towel wrapped around so the frame does not bang into the sides of your washer; wash on delicate. Also remove any glass ornaments before washing like the picture above on the right; they can be reattached after.

If you have any questions, please let me know. I will be more than happy to get back to you.