Karma

Yup, I'm nuts. I have almost no sewing experience (nothing this complex, that is) and absolutely no experience with sewing machines, except for being able to identify one, lol. So, I'm trying to find some free patterns for making a purse with more than one compartment (equally sized) and zipper closures, maybe even smaller inside zippered compartments. I've checked About.com and decided they didn't have any that suited my needs. (OK, I'm picky, lol)

I want to be able to use the large external pockets from men's work type jeans (not quite carpenter pants, but similar) and I want to have plenty of room inside, so I've got plans for a couple of long strips (about 3 or 4 inches wide) to go along the sides and bottom.

Am I just being overly cautious (translate as "a ditz") about this, and should just dive in with measuring and cutting, or would it be best to follow a pattern or tutorial? Thanks in advance! (Translate as "please let me know if you have found anything that would be helpful in this!")

__________________
Insert witty saying here.

ElleGee

My friends mother made one before

all she did was chop off the legs , sew the bottom added a zipper across the top and used the legs and made the strap..

__________________

Karma

Yeah, I have found a few patterns and idea pages for that type, but I need something a bit more practical. I usually end up being everybody's catch-all, and need to be able to keep things separate so I can find them again. I have plans for a small pair of overalls to make that kind of backpack for my 3 yr old.

I think what I basically need is something to tell me the right steps to make it look right. Also, if I'm going to make something, I want it to be exactly what I want, or at least as close to it as possible, KWIM?

__________________
Insert witty saying here.

Surfergal

with the jeans you have at least 4 pockets on the outside of the purse - some jeans will give you more -
you can add a lining with additional inside pockets for organizing - this allows you to size the pockets for what you need to put inside -zippered pockets for change and makeup, small pockets for your pill box or medicine, coupon size gathered elastic pockets for coupons, long thin pockets for pens, eyeliner, nail files, etc. or even add elastic loops for some things



http://patternsthatfityou.com/FrPurseCl.htm

http://henriettashandbags.com/old_je...e_pattern.html

http://www.quiltpox.com/Patterns/jean_purse.html

or insert a removable purse organizer instead of or with a lining

http://thegivingflower.de/?p=920
or pdf: http://www.thegivingflower.de/patter...ecipe18_11.pdf

or
http://belladia.typepad.com/bella_di...organizer.html

if you do not want to buy a pattern you can make your own out of newspaper or cheap muslin first to see if everything goes together - use a purse you have for the measurements if unsure.

lots of tuts at craftster too
http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=175550.0

Karma

Thank you! Those are very close to what I'm looking for. By combining some of those with some other things I've found, I think I can manage. Thanks again!

__________________
Insert witty saying here.