Discussion about machine embroidery, FME or hand embroidery

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by Rettabug on Sat Jan 05, 2008 2:47 am

A couple of years ago, when I first started doing machine embroidery, I saw a placemat purse that Sewing for Sarah made that I just loved. Later, I saw the exact same placemat that she used, on sale at Kohl’s so I bought it & attempted to duplicate hers. I had never made a placemat purse….or ANY purse for that matter. I didn’t do a very good job of placement of the duo font….I thought it was so cool to use the double “L’s” since my initials are L.L. I didn’t put much thought into the handles or anything else. I just bought what I could find & did it quickly. I carried it to a baby shower 2 years ago, as it matched my dress & haven’t used it since.Well, I’ve been so inspired by some of the purses I’ve been seeing that I wanted to try to do a better job, especially after I saw these brilliant pink & silver beaded handles….I love them!

I took the purse half way apart, stitched on some fabric & silk flowers in an attempt to disguise my too low letter L. I also found some pink grossgrain ribbon that had a green quilting stitch along both sides. It matches the purse Perfectly! I know it photographed slightly blue but it really is the same green as in the purse, honest!

I tried to line the purse this time but was not successful & ended up pitching it…I cut it too small, it was very slippery silk, yada yada yada. It will still be okay for me to carry to church. If I was starting from scratch, it would have been easier to do it right.Sooooo, here’s the old version first:

And now, here is the freshened version. It was a fun experiment!

In my usual 20/20 hindsight, I should have let the ribbon loops for the handle show more at the top. I did it right the first time but for some reason thought they should be hidden second time around. I may go back & change them yet again!

Rettabug senior member
  Posts: 727 Joined: Wed Sep 12, 2007 9:02 pm

by shediditagen on Sat Jan 05, 2008 3:02 am

It doesn’t look like the same purse Retta, but I really like them both ! I agree with you about the ribbon showing, it looks good on the original purse. What a difference a few cute posies and a ribbon band make, you’re so clever Retta. That bead handle you found just makes the new purse….but you knew it would. Great job.

Betty

Sewing mends the soul

shediditagen Still Stitching
  Posts: 2846 Joined: Tue Feb 01, 2005 7:31 pm Location: Springfield, Missouri USA

by niener on Sat Jan 05, 2008 3:16 am

Now, aren’t you something?! The “quilt stitching” on the ribbon is exactly the same dimension as the “quilt stitching” on the placemat!! What neat touches you added!! They do look entirely different, but I must say I like both versions. You took great and made it fabulous!

Jerry

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by GamGam on Sat Jan 05, 2008 3:23 am

Retta, I love the colors. Makes me think spring/summer. And the addition of the flowers is such a nice touch. Are they ME or not? The pink handle is a wonderful addition. You’ve taken “recycle” to a whole new level. GamGam senior member
  Posts: 244 Joined: Sat Sep 15, 2007 3:51 pm Location: Home of the National Champion Lady Vols

by Rettabug on Sat Jan 05, 2008 3:29 am

Thanks for the compliments! The flowers are not embroidered, GaGa…I wanted more of a 3 dimensional effect. They are leftover pieces from something I made for Miss C. My DD is right when she says I never throw anything away. Good thing, too!

I used Liquid Stitch to tack them into place then with clear Mono Poly thread in the top of the machine, I used my 4 directional stitching (forward, backwards, left then right) to make a little sq. on top of each one. Can’t even see it. That is such a cool feature. I can stitch sideways & not have to turn my project.

Rettabug senior member
  Posts: 727 Joined: Wed Sep 12, 2007 9:02 pm

by nonie on Sat Jan 05, 2008 5:17 am

Wow! I would not know that was the same purse at all. I love those colors also. All I can say is Wow!!
nonie Super Sewer
  Posts: 7589 Joined: Tue Jun 22, 2004 9:36 pm

by lemming81 on Sat Jan 05, 2008 9:46 am

Just amazing what a few changes will do–I can see sehy you loved the new handles!!!! LOL

Stephanie in MI
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by Linda in NM on Sat Jan 05, 2008 11:44 am

Wow! That purse is just a knockout…especially after the modifications! Love it!

Linda in NM

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by rougealar on Sat Jan 05, 2008 4:34 pm

Really cute both ways! I love your L, may I ask what font you used?

rougealar senior member
  Posts: 385 Joined: Thu Aug 09, 2007 3:04 am Location: Toledo, Ohio

by Hettielynn on Sat Jan 05, 2008 5:38 pm

Wow! What a tranformation! I don’t think there is anything wrong with the original but what a jazzed makeover! The beaded handle, ribbon, & flowers made it into an entirely new purse.

Hettielynn senior member
  Posts: 473 Joined: Tue Jan 30, 2007 12:26 am Location: Mississippi

by minnie63 on Sun Jan 06, 2008 6:14 am

Isn’t hindsight wonderful??? I think they are great just as they are!

Life is good.

minnie63 junior member
  Posts: 65 Joined: Fri Aug 17, 2007 4:00 am Location: Marrero, LA

by Memmie on Sun Jan 06, 2008 3:40 pm

Your purse is adoreable! How lucky you were to find the ribbon with exactly the same stitching. Maybe I can get a quick “How to” at camp on how you make those. I’m always seeing placemats that would make the cutest purses! I love your little flowers too! They are just right! As Isa would say “It’s stylin!”

Nikki

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