Add More Function to Your Next Purse Project
by admin — 13 Comments » Lazies, Last week we took a look at a few ways to use Handy Tabs and we previewed these two projects. Here’s a coordinating Sassy Bag and Wonder Wallet. I used a Handy Tab to add one extra accessory to each project. I also added a zippered pocket to the back of Sassy. These are easy alterations you can use on lots of purse patterns.
Sassy Bag and Wonder Wallet.
Add Zipped Pocket to Sassy
The Sassy Bag is 1/2″ wider than the Runaround Bag. I used the front of the Runaround Bag, cut to the same width as Sassy for this project. Simply cut the ‘Front Top’ fabric at 2 1/2″ by the Sassy width, cut the ‘Front Bottom’ at 16-17″ by the Sassy width then trim to length needed during assembly.
I added a zippered pocket behind the back pocket. This adds two layers of fabric to the seams so be sure you can handle the thicknesses. To manage thickness of the project, you could leave off the brown pocket. You may want to use a size 14 needle for final construction.
During assembly, layer the zippered piece, wrong side up, on top of the back pocket, then add the back piece and assemble as usual. Decorate the zipper pull.
Add a Keyring
I added a Handy Tab and keyring at the base of a strap, shown above. Simply sew a Handy Tab into place when attaching the strap. Add the keyring after assembly is done. This might be a nice location to clip a cell phone or other small item.
Jazz Up a Wonder Wallet
I added a Handy Tab and swivel clip to the Wonder Wallet. Nice to clip your keys to your wallet. After stacking all of the pockets for assembly, place a handy tab on top, align with the tab with the top edge of pocket #3, keep the ends of the Handy Tab even with the raw edge at the side. Then finish assembly. Note that the Handy Tab and swivel clip will be sandwiched between the cover and the pockets during final sewing.
I used a 1/2″ swivel clip from Leisure Arts and an Oregano Green Handy Tab. Sewn into the seam during final assembly, this handy little swivel clip will increase the function of my wallet. I can clip the wallet to my key ring or to my cell phone. The Handy Tab is long enough that I can even tuck the clip inside the wallet if need be.
Where To Buy
Our purse patterns and Handy Tabs are available at lots of quilt shops and online. Try Sew Thankful and Quilter’s Warehouse to get started. Some other retailers are listed online here.
Enjoy!
Joan
I really love the look of that!! And I like all the new ways of using the tabs!!!
I’m making a few of the yo-yo’s with the tabs for keys and they are so cute!!
Hi Joan, I love your e-mails, it’s as though you were sitting opposite me having a cup of coffee.
Betty Rose
Thanks for the great ideas – I love them! I also love the fabric you used in teh example. Can you share the details?
– – – – –
Hi Alison,
Fabrics are ‘City Girl’ from Benartex. The whole line is scrumptous! It comes in a pink colorway as well. Try Google to see where it is available.
Joan
The Sassy with Wonder Wallet is my everyday favorite bag and you’ve just made it even better! Thanks. Can’t wait to try your new idea. VBG
Love the website and all the information.
Thank you
Thank you so much for the TIME you take to make our LAZY lives LAZIER! You go the extra mile to show us how to make things easier and more functional for our use. What I like the most are all the links you give us along with the “I never would have thought of that” ideas.
Joan, you are a jewel!
Kim
I love the wonder wallet but am wondering if you could figure out a way to close the coin pocket with a small zipper. The coins fall out occassionally and end up in the bottom of my purse. Every purse I’ve made with your patterns gets easier and easier – and lots of fun to make.
THE TABS ARE GREAT!! BEEN ADDING THEM TO EVERYTHING…ON A TRIP TO THE DOLLAR STORE I FOUND SOME “BACK PACK CLIPS” AND ADDED THEM TO THE TABS..THEY ARE LIGHT WEIGHT ALUMINUM, SLIP ON AND OFF THE TAB EASILY, AND YOU CAN HOOK IT INTO ANY BAG YOU MAKE…THE PRICE IAS RIGHT!!! JUDY
I like this so much! I can’t wait to get started. I am thinking of including a clear pocket to put a picture of my grandchild 🙂
Thank you so much for this idea; you are like a muse to me .
THere are so many possiblities with the Handy tabs. Thanks for showing some of them.
Hi Joan, your tabs are such a good idea! I bet you can even fold them in half to make them a little thinner. You amaze me with your organized business!
Denise
I loved the yo yo keychain. Do you have any other qute ideas and easy patterns for gifts.
I love the idea of a tab for keys. I really don’t like digging for them!