Introducing my Owly Purses!

Last weekend my friend Kate asked me if I could make an owl purse for her fellow brownie leader as she wanted one to keep keys in for her brownie group.  This got the old brain in gear and I was very soon coming up with ideas, looking at pictures of all the different species of owl and the differences between them.

Tawny Owl Purses

 I found some pictures of owls on the internet and went with the tawny owl first as I loved its little beardy face and the oval shape lent itself to this style of purse.  I designed the owl face, cut the pieces from felt and then used fabric and a zip to make it into a cute little purse.

Original Tawny Owl

This was my prototype attempt which I am pretty pleased with.  I went with natural colours (which I have now run out of) and used this zipper lined purse tutorial which I have used before.  I wasn't sure if it would work with an oval purse, but thought I would try it and it worked!  This stitching on the zip is not quite up to scratch but I am getting better as I go on.

Blue Tawny Owl

I wanted to make this particular owl pattern again to test it out and to try and refine my late night zip sewing.  The colours are a little more intense than shown, I don't really know which one I like best, I like the different feels.

Both are backed with sturdy black cotton and have a pretty cotton lining.  I am a little worried about the lining catching in the zip but it doesn't seem to be too bad. I have been thinking about using patterned fabric and buttons but that might be a later development.  I am also going to look at different kinds of owls and will do some different designs.  I am hoping that by the end of next month I can try out my first craft fair so for now I am building up my stock.  Due to interest in these purses they are now in my shop :)  If anyone has any suggestions then I am happy to hear them :)