tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post6968792421151887705..comments2024-03-14T03:43:02.583-04:00Comments on EPBOT: Jen Yates and the Quest for the World's Best Book PurseJenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11888187687405622408noreply@blogger.comBlogger130125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-32322724403147843662013-08-16T21:37:22.890-04:002013-08-16T21:37:22.890-04:00I have the best adhesive in the world. Sail makers...I have the best adhesive in the world. Sail makers double sided tape. I've used it on game board purses that I made. I love your idea of the spine being wider. Have you tried buckram, a very stiff cotton mesh instead of plastic. One advantage to the buckram is that you can use iron on webbing on it and then to the fabric. It keeps everything smooth. You can also sew it if you'd like. The pocket on the inside is funny. I did the same thing the first time. I hope the sail makers tpe works well for you.jennie wallickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02699962015681326595noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-81048318225733232352013-07-19T18:41:14.682-04:002013-07-19T18:41:14.682-04:00I love the purses! I like the leather belt handle,...I love the purses! I like the leather belt handle, myself. Dumb question: what are the brass rivet looking fasteners called & how did you put them on? Grommets?<br />Thanks!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-82447361235044105352013-07-15T13:06:29.591-04:002013-07-15T13:06:29.591-04:00A great glue is E6000 it is like the mother of all...A great glue is E6000 it is like the mother of all craft glue! Also in response to the closure I have seen some put the magnet closure on the outside of one side of the book with a fabric piece that has the other piece of the magnet so it closes in the outside. You could make the fold over piece the length of the book with a magnet closure on each end. I have also seen some that used a closure like the old school coin purses with the ball on top. They were either sewn into the lining or glued I am not sure which.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-88688773941187972822013-01-22T23:16:03.017-05:002013-01-22T23:16:03.017-05:00 What about a sort of mini messenger bag, where th... What about a sort of mini messenger bag, where the book spine is at the TOP of the purse? Amanda Perlnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-54861188357570786532012-08-12T23:06:01.356-04:002012-08-12T23:06:01.356-04:00Have you tried liquid nails or construction adhesi...Have you tried liquid nails or construction adhesive? We built an upholstered tile headboard and it managed to attach fabric covered squares to spray painted plywood.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-16134926244565824722012-04-13T22:09:54.365-04:002012-04-13T22:09:54.365-04:00For the single strap idea. I'd put a large gro...For the single strap idea. I'd put a large grommet and ring in the folded part of the purse? maybe that would pull it out too much?<br /><br />I also wondered if you cut the belt in half, attach the cut side to the purse (as you did), but then used the belt buckle & latch portion as a way to adjust the straps as needed & provide a decorative accent?<br /><br />I think creating a purse that the book cover slides into would end up being cheesy and not have the organic feel of the book purses you already created.<br /><br />I like the Tyvek idea for the spine for reinforcement, bonus is that it is weather resistant and you can glue or sew fabric to it easy-peasy.<br /><br />And I 2nd the idea for PVA - the adhesive bookbinders use. It is pretty tough. I'm an antique book collector and spent many years mending books in a library. Another good binding item is linen tape which you can get in practically any color to match the purse and use it to reinforce the connections between cover and spine. Use stitchery on top of it if you feel the need or desire - but it holds up pretty well.<br /><br />-=CeceAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-87820158914264264872012-03-09T04:57:58.294-05:002012-03-09T04:57:58.294-05:00I have stitched through some pretty thick material...I have stitched through some pretty thick materials and my best tip is to use a pair of pliers. It´s still hard and time-consuming work, but easier on your hands.Malinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-20466049311341379822012-01-12T04:46:41.448-05:002012-01-12T04:46:41.448-05:00For the closure you could use magnetic tape - run ...For the closure you could use magnetic tape - run a strip of it (underneath the fabric) on each side, along the edge. http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=LM1608 <br /><br />Have you tried decoupage glue for the fabric? e.g. Mod Podge? <br /><br />...aaaand now I want to try this project myself! They're lovely creations you have here. :-DAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-73210202317712451122012-01-10T21:12:32.772-05:002012-01-10T21:12:32.772-05:00wow! how did i miss this post originally?! or if...wow! how did i miss this post originally?! or if i did see it, forget that i saw it? coz this is exactly what i've been wanting to do. gah!<br /><br />anyway, the reason for my comment is that i am trying to make a cute version of the book cover bag and no clue how to go about it. i'm terrible at making things from scratch unless i have step by step guides or a drawing to go by. anyhoo, my idea is a handbag that is made from gorgeous material in a burnt orange type colour or what ever takes my fancy at the time but have PLASTIC POCKETS on the outside bag so the book covers can be interchangeable!!!!!! just 'unzip' the plastic pocket on the side, slide out cover and slide in new cover and rezip! this means that one bag can have a zillion different looks if the pockets were made large enough for different sized covers, but would also be spill/rain proof. i had a book cover handbag that got drenched in a downpour. i tried so hard to keep it dry but partially failed and it warped on me. :-( and having everything lost to flooding, i'm a big fan of the waterproof thing.<br /><br />anyone know how i may go about it?MissRonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15037268961320809313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-20683355227387448522011-10-04T13:19:25.433-04:002011-10-04T13:19:25.433-04:00i know you wrote that sewing is something you are ...i know you wrote that sewing is something you are not especially good at (although i have a hard time believing that, seeing how you are so talented with almost every other craft), but i agree with everybody that said: make a purse or messenger bag where you just attach the book covers to the bag without them having to hold the weight of your bag's content.<br /><br />more suggestions for straps: either sew them yourself, using whatever fabric you use for the bag/lining and use heavyweight interfacing (thermolam by freudenberg for example) to give them stability and make them softer and more comfortable to wear at the same time,<br />or use old car seat belts.<br /><br />you can either sew them to the sides (you'd have to sew them on really good to support the weight though, best sew a rectangle with the diagonals), or make a closed loop that you run all around your bag and that you can just stitch on along the edges or even glue on if you find a good and durable fabric glue. (i'm including pictures of bags where you can see the strap going all around: http://csimg.shopwahl.de/srv/DE/0000081319468/T/340x340/C/FFFFFF/url/lassig-lmb10101g.jpg<br />http://www.nice2shop.de/xtcommerce/images/categories/243.jpg<br />http://media.wickeltaschen.com/media/catalog/product/cache/7/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/l/a/laessig-square-bag-wickeltasche-vintage-grau-stones-grey-kollektion-2010-g_2.jpg )<br /><br />also, if you need ideas on how to sew bags without lots of sewing experience i can recommend the tutorials found on sewmamasew - i've found them very good explained and easy to follow, with lots and lots of pictures. the first bag EVER i sew was from one of their tutorials, and it came out perfectly on first try. here is the link:<br />http://sewmamasew.com/tutorials.php#i5 <br /><br />hope i could helplisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-39531467856138439192011-10-04T09:59:15.398-04:002011-10-04T09:59:15.398-04:00In reference to the above comment, there is also a...In reference to the above comment, there is also a fabric Mod Podge that might help.Jen_in_Kansashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13698358157914354123noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-44055415202511245982011-09-15T00:30:40.630-04:002011-09-15T00:30:40.630-04:00Have you tried Modge-Podge yet? Done properly, it&...Have you tried Modge-Podge yet? Done properly, it'll dry clear, and the outdoor formula is more durable than the standard. (Though, that's still pretty resilient, if you can't find the outdoor version.)selunesmomnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-29755582587544953292011-08-25T23:47:46.540-04:002011-08-25T23:47:46.540-04:00In order to get around the problem of securely att...In order to get around the problem of securely attaching the fabric to the spine, I am punching holes on the bottom and sides of what will be the purse-covers. I intend to make the new "spine out of plastic/masonite layers as suggested, but I'll be able to rivet the spine and sides directly to the covers. The rivets should give it a pretty sweet look, too.ErisDiscordiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16787718419350772813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-26607464034240778192011-08-12T12:54:04.740-04:002011-08-12T12:54:04.740-04:00Okay, so I read the first 50 comments and only sca...Okay, so I read the first 50 comments and only scanned the rest, so I might be duplicating here...<br /><br />But for the handles, how about looping them under the book covers and across the "spine"? Kinda like this one: http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRrzsNpTXNGXNlrcXxKOeTFlaJEZmt8J7EB06TtzHJR7UowjRQ5Og but without (or with) the metal pieces. You could use leather or fabric for that. Might even be able to eliminate the stiff spine.<br /><br />Instead of a zipper, how abot a drawstring closure? Would require some sewing, but I'm sure John's up to it.<br /><br />And while I'm at it, I'll add another vote for the messenger bag style.Miltonhttp://justpale.tumblr.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-29680794746699460622011-08-06T15:26:23.789-04:002011-08-06T15:26:23.789-04:00yes you need a cropadile, they actually make an ev...yes you need a cropadile, they actually make an even larger one than the cropadile, I can't believe you don't own one already, you will not be dissapointed and it will be an asset to your too arsenal.Beaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15163971011578792009noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-2888917168199398972011-07-22T07:55:57.528-04:002011-07-22T07:55:57.528-04:00Really late and long answer, but I just found this...Really late and long answer, but I just found this... <br />I once made a book purse decades ago as a gift, so I can't show pictures.<br />The approach is radically different to yours, but without any sewing at all, so I thought I share it.<br /><br />I glued the whole thing together with double-faced adhesive tape left from our roof isolation - very sturdy, waterproof and will not ever come off again (german stuff called Isover).<br />I replaced the spine and reinforced the sides with the sturdy black plastic foil that is used for lining ponds (Can't find the english word, sorry - I needed it waterproof).<br />I used the pattern for paper bags - sides and front one piece, with extra pieces overlapping to the back and "spine" for glueing. I made it larger than the book cover. The front and back side doubled over ~ 2 inches and glued together over a slim metal rod for extra strength at the top. <br /><br />Then I took fabric and constructed the lining centered from the inside bottom, all sides elongated to cover the outside too, meeting on the outside bottom forming an x.<br />On the inside front, back and bottom I ironed padding (Used for jackets)<br />I couldn't sew (or handle drippy liquid glue) back then, so I used ironing hem tape, figuring the plastic would take all the weight anyway.<br />All seams on the inside fit the inside perfectly, the outside seams were relocated to be hidden by the book covers ... ironing the last open side was a real pain!<br />The plastic bag was then inserted into the lining from the (still open) outside bottom.<br />Since now the bottom was the weak point, I had to use the straps for reinforcement. <br />I took an old lunge line and riveted one end on the inside of the front near the side, keeping the carabiner inside. The rivet was sitting just beneath the metal rod passing 2 times through the leather.<br />The strap went outside all the way around and was riveted on the back opposite to the first rivet, then crossed over to the other side (keeping the excess leather for a handle, because I needed the carabiner on the other end). The process was repeated on the other side.<br />I cut the leather near the front and riveted an old belt buckle on both ends to vary the length of the strap, and D-rings on the leather opposite the carabiners to close the bag (using small pieces of spare leather).<br /><br />Since I didn't like the bottom now, I riveted a piece of leather on the bottom, the rivets serving as feet.<br /><br />Last, I glued the book covers on front and back using tape.<br /><br />I never made inside pockets since my friend uses a pocket organizer anyway... and she still uses the bag, so the tape adhesive seems to be good.<br /><br />- katskatsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-58628347720265412652011-07-13T00:47:08.553-04:002011-07-13T00:47:08.553-04:00I just wanted to second the recommendation for Sob...I just wanted to second the recommendation for Sobo glue. It's great for mending book bindings because it dries slightly flexible and holds better than similar glues from the craft store.Rachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10970215919800378248noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-34872819185748159092011-07-05T18:56:45.434-04:002011-07-05T18:56:45.434-04:00Are you selling these on Etsy? Somewhere else? Ple...Are you selling these on Etsy? Somewhere else? Please do! I would like a Harry Potter, please. Or maybe The Hobbit.~Alissahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10029661451372100544noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-14078404980567292962011-07-05T12:38:24.780-04:002011-07-05T12:38:24.780-04:00These are so cool! Not a clue about your glue iss...These are so cool! Not a clue about your glue issue but how about a toggle closure?Elizabethnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-7155102682322272622011-07-03T20:31:54.300-04:002011-07-03T20:31:54.300-04:00Leathercrafter cement. You can get it through Tan...Leathercrafter cement. You can get it through Tandy Leather or some craft stores, it works as well as barge cement, and it's not toxic. Also, dremeling holes through the covers before sewing will make your life 6 bajillion times happier.Narahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18417310122593849219noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-80195325862282836462011-07-02T21:28:06.263-04:002011-07-02T21:28:06.263-04:00I didn't read all 109 comments, so if someone ...I didn't read all 109 comments, so if someone mentioned this already...well...great minds think alike :)<br /><br />For a closure, how about folding the lining fabric (that was cut 1" longer on each long edge) over by 0.5", and gluing/sewing/ironing with hem tape down, leaving a narrow tube lining on each long edge. Then you can put a strip of bar magnet in each, the length of the purse. (But make sure to align them properly so when they come together they grab). That way the purse actually closes, but is easy for you to open. (Small fabric or ribbon tab on each side you can pull apart).Jenniferhttp://www.jeloca.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-20679755935110896362011-07-02T02:15:51.269-04:002011-07-02T02:15:51.269-04:00I imagine a simpler assembly by taking fabric to m...I imagine a simpler assembly by taking fabric to make the entire purse itself, meaning it is a traditional fabric purse of sorts, and then attaching the front and back covers to the bag via glue, maybe rivets. It would give greater freedom over the structural issues of the bag, be it attaching a zipper on the top to close it, or simply being able to sew the entire thing first and then adding the stiff cardboard elements.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04277698591259706524noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-38451090051226059552011-07-01T23:37:38.269-04:002011-07-01T23:37:38.269-04:00LOL the flexing makes it more manly because it'...LOL the flexing makes it more manly because it's the book of Knowledge! And everyone knows Knowledge is Power!<br /><br />As far as one strap, I don't know. Usually the purses I carry that have one large strap have them attached to the sides, which doesn't seem like it would work because it would damage the fabric on the fold and it wouldn't carry right. Another idea that I've seen is to have two large straps, one a TEENSY bit shorter than the other so it can go underneath it and they double over like two straps. I've a purse like that and I adore it.<br /><br />Stitching is a good idea, and like some of the previous ideas have said, pre-hole the material and stitch with a VERY strong material. Vinyl, waxed thread, or a strong leather might work well for it, and you could match the color or contrast it. Good luck!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-51232020292661313142011-07-01T21:54:14.090-04:002011-07-01T21:54:14.090-04:00I haven't read any of the other comments, yet,...I haven't read any of the other comments, yet, but here are a couple of thoughts I have:<br /><br />1. Where the inner lining pulls up on the top corners: If they're loose enough, try attaching the fold over corner protectors over both the book cover and the fabric lining.<br /><br />2. I remember that you have mentioned that you like to swap out art and this just kind of jumped into my head. I'm not sure exactly how to do it, but I think you could work it out: Use a fabric that matches a couple different book covers to create the purse body with clear vinyl side "pockets" where the book cover would be. I think this would make it easier to get the purse design you want and also makes it so that the book cover could be swapped out as desired.Ketrynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11603292542102220261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1724594058209899258.post-1409861383784988632011-07-01T19:31:27.121-04:002011-07-01T19:31:27.121-04:00Could You make a Harry Potter Book Purse?Could You make a Harry Potter Book Purse?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com