Feather Inspiration...

I thought my latest sewing project would be the perfect follow up to last week's bird post. I'd been planning to make a new purse all Summer.  Then my husband picked up this blue jay feather in our yard and inspiration finally struck.

My Webe purse did not have enough pockets.  And you can never have too many pockets I say.  Plus it didn't survive the wash.  But I used it as a pattern of sorts.  And I used the pillow shams from my old denim love seat for fabric.  We gave away the love seat when we redecorated our house.  But the pillow shams were brand new and had never been used.  My denim pockets rug is the backdrop for this post! Of course, I didn't do this project on my own.  There is never a shortage of help.  The feline variety.

Making pockets.

I used a piece of fabric that my Mom gave me a long time ago for the contrasting top.  I sewed the two pieces together for a purse front and back.

Pockets.  I drew the loop pattern on the denim with colored pencil.

I painted my inspiration feather on with fabric paint.  Then ironed it to seal the deal.

Then I sewed the pockets on the back.

I sewed on the feather emblem.

I sewed the pockets onto the lining fabric.  I had this fabric on hand from some curtains I made a long time ago.  In fact, I didn't buy one thing for this whole project.  Not even the zipper! 

Here I'm sewing on the strap. It is also made from an old curtain.

The inside.  I used the zipper from one of the pillow shams.  

So far I LOVE this purse.  It is so light weight and handy with all those pockets.  Now I just need another feather to inspire a Winter purse.  I'm thinking cardinal...