Two things about me: I love old lace, and I have to keep my hands busy when Richard and I watch movies. It’s easy enough to keep up with the movie, unless it’s challenging to keep track of characters and plot twists. For me, busy hands mean I’m less likely to talk during the movie and hand out spoiler alerts. To avoid that particular faux pas, I like to stitch lace together to create fabric. I have a great deal of vintage lace, so it costs nothing to keep my mouth closed. (Yes, it’s possible! Who knew?!)
Eventually, I turn the lace fabric into something useful, such as pincushions, rosary bags, and needle books. You can find posts about some of these HERE and HERE. I’ve given my sisters a few and have a few more to give to the Marcotte girls who want them. A few nieces have also expressed interest, so I need more. They make nice little gift card holders, also. A few Sundays ago, we went to mass with Rory and Meggan. While waiting (we had arrived early to get seats for Confirmation) Meggan pulled her rosary out of a little coin purse. One like ladies used when I was young. I was impressed and immediately began plotting my next venture.
From start to finish, I have probably six hours of handwork in this little bag! I love the little clasp closure, buy stitching the fabric on is a workout for old fingers, especially when you don’t have a pattern. But I fought through the struggles of pain, ripping, mathing, and whatever else, because I am a determined gal and I wanted to make that style purse.
Hours later. Yes, hours later, I was happy with my little rosary bag. Isn’t it just adorable? I decided to add some embellishments. Digging around in all the tins, and jars, and boxes, and drawers, I chose the tiniest buttons, a soft flower, and a gray flower to add. Perfect little crop de gras for a little purse that finishes at 3″ X 3 1/2″ and is as darling as this. It’s the perfect size for my everyday rosary.
I have more of these clasps, so I’ll likely make a few more of these little purses. However, it will take time, despite having ready-made lace fabric. I can’t use the same pattern, but I know how to draft one. This clasp is only about two inches at it’s widest part, the other clasps are 3 1/2″ wide. But they have the same basic shape, so that will make drafting another pattern easier.
I hope you have a wonderful, prayer-filled, Holy Week.
