I got a request to make a small version of my Lucky the Elephant and it turned out so cute. I decided to make smaller versions of the owls for my show in a few weeks. I set the printer to 65% and it made a really nice size. I made 6 different owls the regular size and 6 corresponding owls smaller. I realized that didn't have enough polyfil to do all these owls without having to go back to the store and with all we had going on, I could make it there for a few days. I wanted to finish those owls!! I decided to try the small owls as little purses instead. They turned out so cute!
Anne chose her favorite bag and put her wallet (a gift from my sister from Etsy shop needlings) and a couple of her favorite books in the purse. It's a really nice size for a little girl.
The fabrics are mostly from Amy's fabric shop. They are so bright and fun for spring.
I usually mix in my thrift store and sale fabrics too. The red gingham was a 100% cotton men's shirt from the goodwill & Max owl in the picture below was a Land's End Jumper the girl's never liked. Sometimes clothing has much better quality than what you buy at the fabric store and for these types of sewing projects, they fit in perfectly!
The max style owl was harder to make into the purse since the top opening is smaller but I love the shape of it! To make these, change your printer setting to 65% and print out your owl pattern. Follow the pattern instruction, including the flannel lining. (I did not do a pocket on the back of these smaller owls). Sew a 10" piece of ribbon loop onto the front. The loops should be sewn on facing down toward the body. Then cut out 2 more owl shapes from cotton fabric that will be the lining of your little purse. Use fusible interfacing on these 2 pieces to give it more shape. For the lola owl, I used a piece of 3" velcro & for the max, I used only 2". Sew the velcro on, centered and .75 from the top edge. Then sew the 2 lining pieces together, right sides facing, but leave the top edge open. Also, leave a 3" gap along the side or bottom to turn the piece out.
Do the same to the outside owl pieces. Sew them together (including the flannel) right sides facing, but leave the top curve open. Turn the owl inside out and press. Insert the outside into the lining. The right side of the lining should be facing the right side of the owl. Use your hand to really get the outside and the lining to match nicely. Sew the top edges together with a 3/8" seam. Trim all your seams down to 1/8". Turn it right sides out through that hole you left in the lining. Press (but be careful of the velcro) and sew a line around the top edge. Finished!
Let me know if any of that confused you. It is very basic bag with a lining instructions but I can try to clarify if you want to send me an email with questions.
If you have been reading the blog for a little while, you know I like to giveaway a pattern to a commenter when I find a new use for it!!! Leave a comment here (with your email in the private section!) and tell me if you want a Max or Lola pattern. I will choose a random winner on Monday, March 28th. GIVEAWAY CLOSED!! You can still leave a comment if you want though :)
P.S. I made it to JoAnn today and saw this on clearance for $.95 a 12oz bag. I bought all 12 bags they had! I also had a 25% off coupon. Call your Joann and see if they have it on clearance too. That is a real bargain friends! Eco friendly and SO much nicer to work with than polyfil.
I've just started following your blog. Our household is full of owl lovers and either pattern would be adored. Thanks for the opportunity.
Posted by: Jennifer Lightfoot | March 24, 2011 at 10:46 AM
I would be very torn over wether to make a purse or stuff the little cutie for major snuggling! I guess if I had to choose I would choose Max since I am pregnant with my 2nd boy.
Thank you for your great site!
Posted by: AnnaPK | March 24, 2011 at 07:36 AM
That is such a difficult choice... I love the Lola for her cute shape, but I would choose Max for his more practical size. Thanks for the chance.
Posted by: Cate | March 24, 2011 at 06:59 AM
I already have Lola and love the pattern so, of course, I would love to have Max join my owl family! Thanks for the chance to add Max to my family - love these little purses.
Posted by: Anne Marie | March 24, 2011 at 06:54 AM
I love them both! But I think I'd like the Lola
Posted by: Robin | March 23, 2011 at 10:05 PM
hard to choose!!! I think Lola!
Posted by: rachel | March 23, 2011 at 10:01 PM
They're both adorable! I'd take either one. :)
Posted by: Skooks | March 23, 2011 at 09:13 PM
Loving Lola - very cute for little party favor holders!
Posted by: Cori | March 23, 2011 at 08:13 PM
Gasp! Those are adorable. I like Lola best, too.
Posted by: Kristi | March 23, 2011 at 07:45 PM
I love Lola - these are awesome!!
Posted by: Hanna | March 23, 2011 at 06:35 PM
These are just the sweetest!!! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Mimi | March 23, 2011 at 06:34 PM
Gorgeous! I would love to win Lola. She looks very like a little quilt I designed last year.
http://the-silverspider-presents.blogspot.com/2010/05/another-little-owl.html
http://the-silverspider-presents.blogspot.com/2010/04/my-giveaway-quilt.html
Arianwen
Posted by: arianwen | March 23, 2011 at 06:26 PM
Came here for the first time from "stitching under the oaks" and loved your owl pattern and new use for it. Adorable! Of course, now, I am hoping I win the LolA pattern to make both the pillow and the purse. :-)
Posted by: Judi A. | March 23, 2011 at 06:13 PM
Those are so darn cute!! I just have Lola but they both are adorable.
Posted by: Jeannie | March 23, 2011 at 05:59 PM
Ooh, my sister (now in her late 20's) would adore a Lola purse. I can already picture the fabrics I'd use....
Posted by: Shawna | March 23, 2011 at 04:10 PM
Her name was Lola, she was a showgirl
With yellow feathers in her hair and a dress cut down to there ;)
-Stefanie
2ndChanceCreations.etsy.com
Posted by: Stefanie Gott-Dinsmore | March 23, 2011 at 04:06 PM
I love Lola! She is a cutie!
Posted by: A.J. Dub | March 23, 2011 at 03:40 PM
I love the Lola Owl. I would use it to try to broaden my sewing skills and make Easter purses for my girls!
Posted by: Jill | March 23, 2011 at 03:19 PM
What a cute idea! Hmmm...wonder if a zipper would work too?
And thank you for the Joann's tip! I have that 25% off coupon too and was thinking about heading over to Georgia this weekend to stock up. I bet they'll be sold out of that eco-filler by the time I make it there but I'll keep any eye out.
Posted by: Vanessa | March 23, 2011 at 03:19 PM
These are great what a fab idea. Think Lola is super cute!
Posted by: Fay | March 23, 2011 at 03:13 PM
These are just so cute!!! I think any little girl would love one of these!
Posted by: Mary Jo | March 23, 2011 at 02:50 PM
I like Lola the best, but are both super cute. My daughter would love this little purse!
Posted by: Julie Weaver | March 23, 2011 at 02:47 PM
These are so adorable! So awesome!!!
Posted by: amy dunn | March 23, 2011 at 02:47 PM