'Tighten the Purse Strings'

Hope you are all having a great week. I've been spending my time sewing and creating, so the new stock for my website is slowly coming together. I'm excited by what I have produced so far, but am finding each item is taking longer that I would like. I have a vast array of fabrics to choose from, so narrowing it down each time takes a lot of effort on my part! My on-line shop has been re-edited with a new cheerful colour scheme and I look forward to launching it when I feel I have a enough stock to refill the shelves!
In the meantime, I thought I would update my blog, inspired by the credit crunch and tightening those purse strings! ;-))

I have collected vintage bags and purses for many years, but have only ever added to my collection when I have discovered a bargain! This little Dorothy bag is one from my childhood. I bought it at a jumble sale for pennies. It reminds me of the tiny brightly coloured zip-up purses that you used to be able to buy during the 1970's. (Do you remember them?) They had plastic beads glued onto them in wacky designs. I was always very tempted to pick them off and inevitably they always ended up with bald patches!
This version is slightly more grown-up.

And this little clutch purse has a beaded design too, but amazingly has had each bead stitched on by hand. These intricately crafted pieces were often made in France or Belgium, but can still be picked up for under £10 despite the hours of work involved in producing them. (Roll-over Monsoon Accessorize!)

It even has a little strap on the back to slip your fingers through.

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Another beaded bag, this time slightly larger. I image the darker coloured beads would have been shiny silver metal when new, but over the years have tarnished, but still ooze glamour.

My latest addition is the tiny coin purse with chain handle bought at a vintage textile fair late last year.

And this one could almost be its mummy! I love the little glass stones set into the clasp - such attention to detail makes collecting these vintage treasures so interesting, as there is something new to discover all the time..

A metal purse similar to chainmail, which would have had a bright silk lining when it was produced during the 1920's. The flash of colour would have shown through and also softened the inside of the bag to safely hold its contents. They can sometimes be found made from pure silver, but these obviously command a high price tag.

I have found that once friends or relatives know that you enjoy collecting a particular item, they will also look out for additions to your collection and give them as gifts.

My neighbour very kindly gave me the gold brocade bag and one made from silver lurex - they had belonged to her mother-in-law during the 1950's.

And my Mum gave me this black fabric bag with the beautiful deco inspired clasp. I do use this one if I go out, as it has a handy little coin purse attached to a bar inside.

She also gave me this one which has sparkly diamante stones smothering it and a glorious silver satin lining.

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Finally, this is one of my favourites, still in its original box. Another beaded example in lovely condition. Ideal for an evening out playing bridge perhaps?!

Funnily enough, I'm not the 'dressy' kind of girl, but I do love to search for the beautifully made accessories from a bygone era which promote sophistication and glamour, including adding to my shoe collection, vintage costume brooches and of course millinery. Taking time over the years to add to them, bargains can still be discovered to make the prize even more rewarding.

OK, I better get back to the sewing machine now...Hope you all have a lovely weekend,

Niki x