Welcome to the Smart Handbag. These are
original handbag designs I created because I got tired of making an entire
handbag every time I wanted to try a new embellishing technique or machine
embroidery design. Thus the Smart Handbag was born. With
this simple technique, I could make a few basic handbags (black, denim,
tan), and then have fun making covers.
The Grace Smart, the Eliza Jane Smart, and the Julie
Smart handbags are
all complete stand-alone handbags. Then the look can be changed
completely by simply slipping a "slipcover" over the bottom of the handbag.
The band at the top hides the top edge of the cover and the method of
attaching the cover. No one will ever know that the cover is removable
unless you tell them.
The Cookie Smart handbag is smaller and has a removable
flap for embellishing. It has an outside pocket on the back which
hides the buttons that hold the flap on. I felt that other sewers and quilters
would enjoy this idea, so I wrote the instructions, along with
illustrations, and packaged the pattern. I
began showing it to sewing/quilt shop owners and it has been very well
received. It is now carried in over 170+ shops.
These shop owners recognized that this is the perfect small palette for
experimentation. Cover
ideas include: applique, needle punching, machine embroidery, monogrammed,
bobbin work, couching, quilted, patchwork, Seminole, chevron, photo transfer, and on and on.
The original Smart Handbag, Grace Smart, was introduced
in June, 2005. Our second pattern was introduced in March, 2006, which
is a larger tote bag
named Eliza Jane Smart. Our third pattern is a smaller bag
named Cookie Smart, and was introduced in March, 2008. Our forth
pattern, named Dolly Smart, is a multi-sectioned bag and was
introduced in March, 2009. Our fifth pattern, Julie Smart, is a clear
vinyl tote with a reversible cover, and was introduced in October, 2009.
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