A Homemade Life ~ September 12

Here are a couple of homemade items to share. First, a fall-themed placemat purse. Several years ago, I found a pattern for a purse made from a placemat and these lovely fall placemats. This is very simple, just fold the placemat right sides together and stitch up the sides, then attach grosgrain ribbon or whatever you like for handles (I cut mine about 17") and, if you like, some sort of button, snap, etc. for a closure at the top. If you like, you can line the purse by adding another, thinner placemat or a coordinating cloth napkin. If you leave the lining unattached at the top, that serves as inside pockets.

This shows how the purse can sit flat by means of simply folding and stitching across the ends of the bottom seam on the inside.

This is not new, but I've never used it or shown a photo of it, so thought I would. I made this several years ago. It's a fall-themed tote using different leafy fabrics. I love the dark red patches on the corners.

This tote will sit flat too, owing to a piece of fabric-covered plastic canvas (for washability) in the bottom. This photo shows the lining fabric better and also the ribbon ties that hold it closed at the top if needed.

That's my simple homemade life post for today. If you would like to see other homemade ideas, be sure and check out Life on a Back Road. You will find lots of inspiration there!