Chiffon Purse DIY

My first DIY project! I saw this idea on another fashion blog – thanks
…love Maegan for the inspiration!

This is the original inspiration piece – The Christian Louboutin Satin Petal
Bag (retails for $1,495).

Here is my before:
An ex-prom purse I picked up at Goodwill for $2. Nothing extraordinary.

Okay, now to turn this into something special! It’s very easy, just time consuming.
Perfect project for a day off.

I used a roll of black chiffon that I found in the remnants bin at Jo Ann Fabrics
for $1. I bought the fabric awhile back thinking I would find a use for it someday.
So glad I did!

So first step: Cut a strip of chiffon. The size of the strip will affect the size of the flower.
My strips were approximately 4″x8″. By my picture below, it’s pretty clear to see
that perfection is not necessary.

Next, fold the strip into an accordion-style fold.

After, cut all of the corners off. I pinned my folded strip first to make it easier.
A general idea of what it should look like after it’s cut:

And un-fold. Again, perfection need not apply …

Now start a running stitch down the center of the strip simply weaving your needle
in and out of the fabric.

Once you’ve reached the end, scrunch up the fabric and tie off the string creating
a flower.

Now find a good placement on the purse for the flower and attach with string.

Continue until all areas that you want covered with the chiffon are complete
… this takes time. If you need a break, take pictures of your pets.

Shanty.

Epworth.

Yeah, they’re cute … now back to work.

Cut, fold, cut, stitch, flower, attach, repeat, repeat, repeat, complete!

I placed my flowers on the lower half of the purse and all over the back. At the
magnetic closure, I placed one flower and a button in the center … I love the results!

What do you think of my $3 purse compared to the Christian Louboutin version?
Is this simple enough that you think you could make your own? I’m sure many
of you have old un-used clutches laying around from school dances. Give it a shot!

-Kayls.