As you can see from above, it's actually beginning to resemble a purse. I realized while sewing that purses are supposed to have a semi-sturdy bottom to be able to set it down on the floor. I took some cardboard from the recycling and cut it to fit the bottom section of the purse, and sewed it in. The side section was difficult because of the curve at the end of the patchwork portions of the purse. I had to torque my hand around to keep the fabric from buckling with the turn. I brought home some jeans that I need to cut off into shorts, so I'm thinking of making the handles out of the left over long sections of denim.
In relation to class, the cardboard and jean denim is definitely frugal. It is sort of like the trashion-refashion theme. I'm realizing that without a sewing machine, there is no way any purse I could possibly make would be even close to as strong as one you would buy...or create with a machine. I think this is just human error...let's face it, I can't put my stitches as close together and I can't fit as many as a machine could. Therefore, this purse can NOT be used for heavy duty lifting. I'm really looking forward to having this done...it's been a weight on my mind for quite some time. After a weekend involving an 8 hour drive and a music festival, I can safely say I'm too tired to work on it tonight, but I will obviously have to have it finished by thursday when I present. I don't think I'll bring in the final project...probably just the powerpoint images to avoid it being messed about with too much.