Monday 10 September 2012

Before and After: Metal Purse

gave the exterior a quick shine, too! Before/After.
This Makeover was quite close to my heart.  Not only is this metal purse one of the absolute coolest things I own (seriously, just look at it.  So awesome), but it's a piece I inherited from a family member who was dear to me, my great Auntie Pepi.  On Sunday it would have been her 70th birthday, so I thought it was an appropriate time to finally replace the horrible lining in this bag, so I can start enjoying this incredible vintage bag (given the state it was in, Pepi definitely enjoyed it!).

The lining was a deep purple velvet that had just had it.  I'm talking leave-dusty-residue-on-everything, puff-of-dust-when-torn kind of had it.  It was gross.  I ripped it all out, and sadly discovered it was too far gone to be used as a template for my new lining, which is why I ended up with some inaccuracies! Over all, I am very happy with the results, though there are a few hiccups.  Most notably, some of the old barge cement that had been used reactivated with my glue, and bled some colour through my new lining! Of course, I know the purse is only going to get dirty anyhow, and the spots are not so terrible.  I love the colour of the lining, I used an old scarf I thrifted! It was 100% wool which I can't wear, but I always loved the colours and pattern.  It feels good knowing that I could eliminate a little bit of clutter and find a use for the things I have, instead of buying something new.  All I bought to complete this project was some glue, I had the scarf, interfacing (and of course the purse) already!

I'm looking forward to taking this little guy out for a spin! I love how bright and fresh the new lining feels, and now I know it's not such a daunting task to replace the lining if I ever decide to convert it back into a swanky little evening bag (you know, some day when I have swanky little evening plans). 

--Erin

6 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Thanks MC! It was a messy job, but somebody had to do it? I guess?

      --Erin

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  2. Replies
    1. Thank you Sarah!! I know the lining is only seen when the purse is open, but with an exterior that's so badass, I felt the lining had to rise to the occasion. Plus, it's super fun now. Yeah!

      Thanks for stopping by!

      --Erin

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  3. Wow! This bag is so beautiful and you did such a great job restoring it- your great aunt would be proud! You chose the perfect fabric for it!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Lisa. I think the bright and positive look of the bag now is a perfect tribute to her spirit! I fell immediately in love with the scarf when I saw it, now I don't have to suffer itching to get use out of it!

      --Erin

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