Sandra Schmitz Designs

I believe that a brightly colored handbag complements an outfit as well as black or brown. It just says that the person carrying it is having more fun. Nearly all of my handbags are knit in one piece from the bottom up. After knitting the base I pick up stitches around the edges and begin to shape the sides as I knit. The wool usually lets me know if the bag wants “hips” or “wings” or a “tummy”, as well as how big it should be. Many of my bags are finished with handles that allow the bag to be used as an over-the-arm bag or a shoulder bag depending on whether the handles are doubled or single. These handles are knit in one piece, finished with a Kitchener stitch, which mimics a stockinette stitch and eliminates having to sew the ends together. After the knitting is finished, I felt the bag in my washing machine or in a pot of boiling water, removing and stretching to shape every half hour or so. It takes about two to three hours to felt sufficiently, as I like a sturdy fabric that will hold up and not stretch with the weight of purse contents. A pattern must be made for the lining before it can be cut. Then a bottom is cut to lie between the wool and the lining and give the bag form when it is full. The bottom is sewn to the lining and the lining is sewn together once its pockets have been attached. The button closure and decorative stones are sewn in place with fishing line, and the knots are glued. Then the lining is hand-stitched into the bag.