purse

New Patterns Added

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I enjoy making things for myself. So I have decided to help out those who feel the same way.

I have added four new pattern designs to my Etsy Store Front.

There are two great shoulder purses. These purse designs are the best. Once made, they will last a lifetime. The shoulder straps are worked through the entire purse for durability and strength. Easy to maintain; just toss into the clothes washer and air dry. With macrame cord, the colors do not fade, so it keeps its good looks always.

If you are looking for a project to enjoy this summer, then take a peek at the other two pattens added. They are two  versions of the same hanging macrame chair. One I have made for myself and the other I will be working on soon.

I hope one of these patterns will spark a bit of DIY in you.

Enjoy!

 

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And Believe It or Not, They Are All Unique

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IMG_2657photo 4Here is a great example of the same only different.

This purse has been made so many individual sizes and colors and still each is its only creation.

The black, cactus and white is according to the original pattern with a finished size of  11″ x 13″.

With each size change, the pattern also changes just a little. Sometimes the amount of ribs have to be adjusted for the total length wanted. The color span differs when the desired width is made larger or smaller.6342
The brown/orange combo has a finished size of 14″ x 9″, the blue/oatmeal is 12″ x 8.5″, the black, cranberry and ivory measures 12″ x 12″ and the black, cranberry and zebra is 15″ x 13″. Their interiors differ based on what each customers needs are.
Because of the ribbed sides, the purse is made mostly on its side, fanned out flat. The picture shows the outer edge in the center (black) with the white ribs moving left and right to the front centers. Square knots pull the ribs together to form the bottom.

The strap cords run through the entire design giving it added strength. Notice the black in the four purses above, runs from the strap to the top sides, through the ribs to the center bottom and tied with the other cords to close it off.

Care and maintenance could not be easier; machine wash and air dry. The nylon cord dries quickly and you just lift the liner to the outside until dry. 

It is one basic design with endless possibilities.

Large Hippie Bag

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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.

Something New Update

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IMG_1319IMG_1309I am so happy to share this beaded knit pouch necklace project called The Paulette by Nancy Alison. I first met Nancy in the beginning of September and then purposely looked for her two weeks later at another craft fair.I was able to ask her many questions and look over the finished items on sale. Nancy works in knitting and crochet; I liked all the knitted patterns best, but have not knit anything for many years.

The crochet designs I recognized the technique, but did not want my first project to be a beaded item in a swirl pattern. I decided to purchase this knit kit and give it a try. Nancy made the whole process easy with this complete kit; she includes everything, even the needles.

Needless to say, I started and restarted this pattern over two dozen times. Mainly because I had not knit in so long, but also I had never knit anything so small before and of course I chose black to make it even easier.
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With the help of my avid knitting sister Karen, I got the body complete in two days.

The directions were so clear and helpful; the next morning the fringe and necklace were added.

I still have my gold beaded creation to finish, then I will start another couple in this pattern as gifts.

Look for Nancy Alison’s website link on the right side of this web page for other patterns and styles.

The Same But Different

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photo 15446Can you tell them apart?

Debbie from South Carolina was my first customer on our new Square Market store front called MacramePurse.com.

She purchased the purse on the right. It was included as a stock item on our new store. To my surprise, the purse had already been purchased. I was able to replicate it for her as shown in the picture on the left. It is the same size and features the Berry Knot on the front.

The only difference is the liner. The first purse had a light blue liner with 3 single pockets, where as Debbie’s purse has a white liner with one single pocket and two double pockets.
photo 2photo 3These purses are great for everyday use. I am currently using a smaller version of the Texas Flare purse style. My color scheme is cactus green, black and white; you can see it in the Gallery. It goes everywhere with me. If I notice that the white has a little something on it or maybe the colors look a little dusty, I toss it into my wash machine, let it air dry with the liner pulled up a bit; it will look like new.

Thank you again Debbie for allowing me to make you a MacramePurse.

Enjoy!

Texas Flare

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photo 4photo 5

Jessica from Grapevine Texas contacted me to make this purse for her. It is a little bit different from a black, white and green version you can see on our Gallery page.

This purse uses rust, pearl and almond colored cord; it is fully washable and very durable.  It measures 14″ x 9.5″ with 11″ straps.

 

I hope she enjoys this purse for many years to come.

Enjoy Jessica

 

What three colors would you choose for this pattern?

Finally Back in the Craft Room

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272 273 274 275I am finally back in the craft room with more ideas and actually bringing them into being.
This 8″ flex frame, cross the body shoulder bag was a special order from a family friend Leah.

It is made with black and shadow 4mm cord.
Leah asked for a 60 total inch shoulder strap (30 inches from shoulder to the top of the purse opening. This hangs great across the body and settles at the hip.

The body of the purse measures 9″ across and 9.5″ under the frame and 10″ from the purse top to bottom. It is a great size for quick trip out and back or bringing just what you need for going out with friends.

The inside liner is a creamy gray with black stitching. There is a pocket on either side.

The silver pattern runs down one side and up the back. There is plenty of room for a large wallet, phone and keys.
A flex frame is a strong sturdy frame to build the purse around. There are heavy duty rivets on either side.
The purse is easy to clean. If you have a front loading washer; wrap in a light towel to protect the inside of the washer from the rivets, place in a garment bag and toss into the machine. Let the purse air dry open.

Otherwise, hand wash in a sink, rinse and spin in a regular washer, then air dry. The only maintenance the purse will require is a little WD40 if it starts to squeak when you open and close the purse. This may happen after washing.

The most wonderful feature of a flex frame purse is the freedom of the purse staying open while you look inside and staying shut when you are finished. You can even rummage while it is on your shoulder.
These frames are available in 8″, 10″, 12″ and 14″.

I am in the process of making a book/computer bag using a 14″ flex frame.
Stop by and see how it goes.

Be Creative.

Macrame Busy-ness

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This is how I spent my weekend.
About a week ago, I drew up the sheets showing what I have in available stock. I then made out a list of items that need filling for up coming craft shows.
According to my figures, I would like to create 12 additional purses before the end of August. Here is the start of that dozen and I am pretty pleased with them.


This first one was originally going to be my own personal one. It is a 12″ flex frame made with tan, black and ivory 6mm macrame cord. I have been putting this one off for so long; mostly because I have an 8″ and a 17″ flex frame already.
There is nothing worse then working on something for yourself when you have an extensive plan in the works.

Here is another 12″ flex frame purse; I only have one in stock and these are very popular. They are just the right size for the average women’s personal items.
This one is eggplant on the sides and strap with a center panel of black and white. This and the last one have a 22″ strap length, perfect rest at the hip.

This purse is 14″ and is a clutch or handbag, there is not a strap. I am really happy with the bead and two-tone brown patten.
A great fall into winter purse, it can be used for any occasion.

As you can see these purses are not finished. They are at the set up stage.
I have a few different stages that purses can be at. First there is the cut stage; where all the material is cut and hanging to be set up.
Set up is the stage where all the cut pieces are connected and the body is left to finish.
Lastly a purse will need a lining.

I like this color combination because it is the same as my 17″ flex frame, but this is 14″ in size. I have gotten so many compliments on mine that I thought that I would share a little bit.

Even though I have these to knot up into finished pieces, I just could not sit still enough to start work on the bodies.

I figured with it being the weekend, I still had about an hour to prep a couple more purses.

 

So here is how I ended my weekend. I cut enough 6mm cord for four more 12″ flex frames. They will be solid in color but with a pattern in the weave. When these purses are completed, the pattern will have a ribbed look.
From left to right is pearl for an oatmeal purse. Oatmeal was the color of the first Hippie Bag I made in an earlier post. The oatmeal color is made from a blend of ivory and pearl within the cord. I decided that the strap would be solid pearl with the oatmeal body.
The next color is forest green. Next is the color wine and the last is mauve.
You can be sure that I will be showing you each one as they are finished. For now I am satisfied with a great start.
Until net time,
be creative.