HSM #7 Accessorize: Beaded Velvet Purse

Though I haven't been blogging much, I have been busy sewing and working on my Historical Sew Monthly entries!

Initially, I planned to submit a Medieval veil I finished at the beginning of July for Challenge #7: Accessorize, but then the black velveteen I ordered to create a robe de style ended up being very stiff and even dirty (!!!) in some places. I was so upset about the velveteen that I just wanted to make something small to get it out of my stash so that it could stop mocking me! I needed a small, quick project, that could use the clean areas of the velveteen and the fabric's stiffness to its advantage...like a little handbag!

You may have realized my affinity for drawstring purses, since I made a Harry Potter-inspired one, various embroidered models, and a patchwork design. I decided to make an Edwardian-inspired velvet purse, with a hand-beaded fleur-de-lis motif (as this was a gift to a beloved professor).

The beaded fleur-de-lis motif is done in the same antique bugle beads as on my 1920s dress, and modern small flat sequins. The purse is lined in polyester satin. It fastens with a wide black polyester ribbon.



Expect a tutorial on how to make and bead this bag to be up on the blog in early September!

The Challenge: #7 Accessorize
Fabric: Black cotton velveteen, black polyester satin
Pattern: Self-drafted
Year: c. 1900-1912
Notions: Thread, antique bugle beads, flat sequins
How historically accurate is it? Fairly accurate, except that period examples tend to hand much more beading.
Hours to complete: About 9
First worn: Not sure, as it was a gift
Total cost: About $5

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