how to create a purse of sorts for 1 yr. old

[mimi!]

Does anyone have any ideas how I could make dd a felt purse or bag? She's going to be 1 and for her birthday I'd like to make her something she could fill up, dump out and carry around. You know, the usual, simple and lovely pleasures of a one year old!

[Jenlaana]

I made a crochet'd and felted purse, but thats about it. I actually just crocheted a soaker and felted it and didnt like how it looked so cut it up and resewed it into a purse.

Started out as this: http://s189.photobucket.com/albums/z...t=DSC00048.jpg

I felted it, cut out the crotch and turned it sideways and sewed it back in and it became this:

http://s189.photobucket.com/albums/z...t=DSC00012.jpg

http://s189.photobucket.com/albums/z...t=DSC00011.jpg

http://s189.photobucket.com/albums/z...t=DSC00010.jpg

Its pretty durable. I had 2 kittens in it carrying them around (we rescued some and they were really into enclosed spaces when they first came), my DD also has used it and stuffed it full of blocks and hard plastic balls and all of her other random smaller toys.

[KariM]

If you're working with felt fabric, I'd just measure out a rectangle and a long strap. Fold the rectangle over and sew up the sides to make a little pouch. Then sew the strap onto the sides of the pouch - instant purse!

You can sew a straight stitch (or zig-zag or whatever fancy stitch you want) around the edges of the cut pieces to help them wear better with use.

[mimi!]

Those are great ideas! Thank you both!

Jenlaana: that is a really ingenious purse! So cute. Thanks for sharing.

[Jenlaana]

Thanks! most of my "creations" are the result of an oops