In the meantime, please take a look at this tiny pocketbook from Godey's Lady's Book. A the image suggests, it is to be made in velvet or leather and includes two small pockets and a change pouch. The total pocketbook only measures 5 x 8cm when it is completed.
I can't for the life of me figure out what the middle "holder" and "strap is for. My best guess is a skeleton key possibly. Maybe one of my readers knows or has a different guess. If I made this, I would probably put a few pencil ends in there, so I have them when I need them.
This could easily be enlarged or adapted to make a "housewife," or sewing kit for soldiers. I diagrammed the pocketbook out below. It's a pretty straightforward pattern. I recommend using some thick fabric and stiffener under the "fashion fabric" to give it a sturdy shape and a good base for embroidery or beading.
The pieces are cut out and the raw edges are bound with tape. These were popular embroidery items due to their small size. A great collection of purses for inspiration can be found at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Most of these purses are from the 1700s but they are so gorgeous!
This is darling! I have added it to my 17-mile long sewing list... it would be a great way to use up those extra scraps of fabric, and a pretty handy article at a reenactment. It would also be a nice small project to take on the road. Thanks for patterning it, too!
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, I have an equally long list! :)
DeleteBut it would be a good scarp project, especially for nicer fabrics that don't fray so much.
'This could easily be enlarged or adapted to make a "housewife," or sewing kit for soldiers.'
ReplyDeleteI think we should make one of these for everybody in the company, the way we go through buttons and patches. :)
If only that would entice them to sew their own buttons. :D
DeleteI hope you can overcome your image problem...I love the pictures you post. :)
ReplyDeleteI was really bummed out. Unfortunately $30 is a lot right now, especially for something I just do for fun. Right now I'm hosting on flickr, I'll see how that goes.
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ReplyDeleteI'm actually getting a bit irritated with my sewing kit i bought in Gettysburg. the 1$ buttons always fall out and i keep losing needles too. This one has pockets with flaps that can be closed and i could picture the draw string bag as holding my buttons better.
ReplyDeleteMaybe the holder and strap could be used to hold extra blanket needles for wool repair?
DeleteMaybe the holder is for a tube of needles, much like the ones I have. A longish tube of metal with a cap to fill with sewing needles.
ReplyDeleteCould be!
DeleteAs your experience grows, your sewing kit will also grow. best sewing accessories
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