Willy Wonka Loves This Purse....adventures in record purse making

 

This week I finally decided to take the plunge and try to make a record purse.  I have been wanting to do this for years, yes, literally years since I first laid eyes on a Beatles record purse.  I have collected records from friends, thanks DeNise.  I came across the most awesome Paul McCartney album cover but have been too chicken to even try to make the purse...what if I would mess up with Paul...totally unforgivable...lol.

Last week I decided to take the plunge and so off to Hobby Lobby I went.  I was searching for just the right fabric and settled on three different types.  I then looked through some albums that I bought at a garage sale over the summer and decided to use one of those first...rather than precious, Paul.

Monday, I went to town and got the bag part of the purse made.  I also decided on to use a vintage necktie as the strap.  I had it in my stash in the art room.  For the album I picked a Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory vintage album. 

I learned in making my first record purse some do's and don'ts. 
  The Do's List-

1. Decide on the fabric for the purse and a basic pattern for it.  (I just measured out a square and the sides for mine).

2. Find an album that you like but don't love to make your first attempt.

3.  Handstitching is the key for getting the album attached to the purse.

4. Make sure you have a bobbin filled and an extra needle for your machine (those are my grandma's tips before sewing anything ...so I'm passing them on to you).

Don't's List-

1.  Sew the album with your sewing machine.  Although I did this with the Wonka bag it was a nightmare to try to sew around the corners and get it adjusted without bending it in the machine. 

2. I wouldn't cut the album cover....that is part of it's charm but you might need to based on your purse pattern.

3. Don't try to make one if you are rushed, have less than a few hours, etc.  You have to allow for time to plan on trim, where to place the button for closure, etc.

Ok, those are my pointers.  Here is a pic of my completed purse:

As always make bold decisions in your creativity!  Make choices & take action...nothing lost or gained if you never try, peeps.  Please ask me any questions you may have over making an album purse.  Currently, I'm making a Wizard of Oz one for my daughter.

Blessings dear souls- Sherry