Shopping List Hard Bound Book with an interesting cover Purse Handle Set (2) Coordinating Fat Quarters, washed and pressed Ribbon 12” (depending on size of purse handles) One piece of chipboard the length and width of the book spine less 1/4” Sewing Machine Double Sided Tacky Tape the size of the book open Craft Knife (to remove pages)

Instructions

1. Choose your hard bound book. Try to find an interesting cover as this is the outside of the purse and will not be covered.
2. Cut the insides out of the book leaving the face paper in the front and back.
3. Open the book and measure the book open. Take this measurement and add 1/4” seam allowance to each side. Cut inside fabric using this measurement.
4. Measure the width of the spine of the book and add 1/2” for seam allowance. Measure the distance between the spine of the book and the opening of the covers . Take this measurement and draw a pattern on a piece of paper. Allow only a 6” opening on the top.
5. Cut 4 pieces of fabric using this pattern.
6. Take 2 pieces and place them wrong sides. Stitch the long sides and the spine end together and flip to right sides and stitch the top opening. Repeat with second set of fabric.
7. Cut Ribbon into 4 equal lengths
8. Apply the Double Stick Tacky Tape to the inside surface of the book leaving release paper on.
9. Press 1/4” seam allowance on all 4 sides of the inside fabric
10. Sew gussets to each of the open ends of the purse using only 1/4” seam allowance. Do not sew the spine width, leave it open.
11. Place each of the ribbon pieces through the hole on the purse handle that will secure each one to the purse.
12. Remove the release paper from the book surface and place each ribbon evenly on the book being careful to position the handles exactly where you would like them to rest.
13. Attach fabric to the inside of the purse. You may need to add additional adhesive to the ribbon tabbed areas of the book to secure.
14. Place double stick adhesive on both sides of the chipboard. Wrap in fabric so that raw ends are on the bottom. Place in the bottom of the purse.

Additional Options and Suggestions

• Use a beaded handles or macramé rings.
• Use multiple fabrics for different sections for a patchwork look.
• Add Pockets to the inside by trimming a piece of fabric. For credit cards add 1/2” to both the length and width for seam allowance. Stitch to inside prior to adhering to the book.
• Shop for old textbooks they have interesting, colorful covers and are nostalgic.