My latest blog post -- lining a reticule (OK, not actually a reticule)
- Thread starter Better Dresses Vintage
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Rue_de_la_Paix
VFG Member
Liza,
Good job! You have made it into a purse, and now it can live a new life. The flowers are charming.
Good job! You have made it into a purse, and now it can live a new life. The flowers are charming.
Better Dresses Vintage
Alumni
Oh, it was always a purse. It was just a bit delicate for carrying the modern necessities to various events (cell phone, camera, etc.). I wanted to "toughen it up" a bit for modern use : ).
Problem is these smaller reticules don't fit a hand fan. So I'm on the hunt for a taller model. Alternately, if you have a chatelaine ...
Problem is these smaller reticules don't fit a hand fan. So I'm on the hunt for a taller model. Alternately, if you have a chatelaine ...
BonniesVintageClothesLine
VFG Member
You did a spectacular job, Liza!!!
Rue_de_la_Paix
VFG Member
Liza,
While it is beautiful, it is not a purse (well NOW it is thanks to your beautiful work). You have actually repurposed it to be purse. What you have is a circa 1910 Arts and Crafts era linen bag, whose original purpose was to hold some delicate or small lingerie that was awaiting laundering, stockings, or to hold collars (although the collar bags usually had hidden cardboard bottoms, or used to hold some small personal vanity items, etc. More for storage purposes or for tucking into a drawer, hanging from a doorknob, sitting on a vanity table, etc.
These are often mistaken for purses. I used to make the same mistake. However, I have myself used a few from my own collection as purses. It really doesn't matter, as long as it is now used and has a new purpose.
While it is beautiful, it is not a purse (well NOW it is thanks to your beautiful work). You have actually repurposed it to be purse. What you have is a circa 1910 Arts and Crafts era linen bag, whose original purpose was to hold some delicate or small lingerie that was awaiting laundering, stockings, or to hold collars (although the collar bags usually had hidden cardboard bottoms, or used to hold some small personal vanity items, etc. More for storage purposes or for tucking into a drawer, hanging from a doorknob, sitting on a vanity table, etc.
These are often mistaken for purses. I used to make the same mistake. However, I have myself used a few from my own collection as purses. It really doesn't matter, as long as it is now used and has a new purpose.
Better Dresses Vintage
Alumni
It does, Melanie. Yes. That's a good idea. I normally just slip it over my wrist (by the ribbon, I mean).
But I still want a chatelaine : ). Should have kept bidding on "the one that got away."
Better Dresses Vintage
Alumni
Yes, Barbara, I know exactly what you mean. But wow, that would be a tiny bit of lingerie, indeed. Perhaps stockings? They take up no room.
I suppose it's similar to the mid-century fold-over satin numbers. They still make those, come to think of it.
I suppose it's similar to the mid-century fold-over satin numbers. They still make those, come to think of it.
Better Dresses Vintage
Alumni
Linda, I completely understand your linen obsession.
Better Dresses Vintage
Alumni
Next up... creating a carry bag to protect and transport my antique folding parasol. Sticking it under my arm isn't going to work.
And if anyone has a suggestion as to how to fix a split (see photo) of the exterior silk, please let me know. It's plain black. I can't patch from the bottom (the obvious choice) because, oddly enough, the entire interior layer is perfect. No holes or flaws of any kind (for now, at least).
And if anyone has a suggestion as to how to fix a split (see photo) of the exterior silk, please let me know. It's plain black. I can't patch from the bottom (the obvious choice) because, oddly enough, the entire interior layer is perfect. No holes or flaws of any kind (for now, at least).
BonniesVintageClothesLine
VFG Member
The underside caught no rays and probably suffered less damage from the sun. It will be interesting to see the sleeve or bag that you come up with, Liza. I know it will be just as nice as what you did with this lovely linen bag!
Better Dresses Vintage
Alumni
Your faith inspires me, Bonnie. As you know, I have a love/hate (OK, fear) relationship with the sewing machine.
Better Dresses Vintage
Alumni
I've added a "full disclosure, it wasn't originally a reticule" statement, and a link to Barbara's shop, to the blog post. Live and learn. That's what we do here, right?
Rue_de_la_Paix
VFG Member
Liza,
Aw shucks, you did not have to do that. As I said, I made that mistake myself, for years, before I discovered the actual original purpose. You can still find many of these being sold on Etsy and Ebay as purses. And why not use them as purses? It seems a fine way to use them indeed!
Aw shucks, you did not have to do that. As I said, I made that mistake myself, for years, before I discovered the actual original purpose. You can still find many of these being sold on Etsy and Ebay as purses. And why not use them as purses? It seems a fine way to use them indeed!
Better Dresses Vintage
Alumni
Oh, that's OK Barbara. I agree that they're fine to use as a purse. Why not? But I'd rather say what I learn along the way than never share it and spread partially incorrect information. I feel a responsibility to be as accurate as I can. And I'm not so egomaniacal as to be devastated by a small mistake, LOL. Slightly embarrassed, perhaps, but that never killed anyone.