DIY Network

Book Purse Learn how to transform an old book into a fun purse. From "Stylelicious" episode DSTY-104

Host Karly Hand demonstrates how to transform an old hard cover book into a "hip" purse.

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	Karly turns the page of an old book and creates this studiously hip purse.
	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E

Materials:

hard bound book
straight edge knife
1/2-yd. fabric
small piece of clear vinyl
2 prefab plastic purse handles
extra strong fabric glue
painter's tape

Book Purse

1. Open the book up to the first page and use a straight edge knife to cut at the seam. Do the same thing on the last page of the book (figure A). Then remove the pages of the book.

2. Cut a piece of fabric 1/2" smaller than the open book (A).

   Tip: Window curtain lining is great to use for this project. It is easier to sew than vinyl, it is nice and durable, and it doesn't fray.

3. Cut three pieces of fabric 4 x. 1.5" rectangles (B, C, D).

4. Cut two rectangle pieces of fabric to be used to hold your purse handles (E & F).

   Note: Size depends upon the handle size.

5. Cut one rectangle piece of fabric 2" smaller than half of rectangle A (G).

   Note: This piece is slightly smaller than the face of your book, and will be used to make the pouch on one side of the book.

6. Cut one piece of fabric rectangle three times the width G (H).

   Note: This will be the flap closure.

7. Cut two pieces of fabric triangles two times heights of G ( J and K).

8. Cut one 2.5" x 3.5" clear vinyl square (L).

9. Tape piece B, C and D long edges vertical on top of each other stacked 1" apart on piece A to create credit card holders (figure B). Tape and topstitch around three edges one at a time.

   Note: Piece A is lying horizontally along the long edges.

10. Tape the vinyl piece onto A with the long edges vertical and topstitch around three edges. This creates a clear pocket for your drivers' license (figure C).

11. Tape long edge of triangle J to the widthwise edge of G overlapping and sewing at a 1/2" seam allowance.
    
    
12. Tape long edge of triangle K to the widthwise edge of G overlapping and sewing at a 1/2" seam allowance.

13. Tape pouch vertically on to piece the triangles along the straight edge and topstitch sides to create the sides of the pouch.

14. Tape piece H above the pouch open to create a flap (figure D) and topstitch onto piece A.

15. Attach pieces E & F centered on both ends of the widthwise edge of A for the strap. Place handle on top of the fabric pieces fold them over and tape to create a loop. Topstitch to secure handles (figure E).

16. Paint the glue onto both the book and the vinyl lining.

17. Place the lining into the book, and let it dry for 24 hours.

Tip: If you have an 11 x 17 open book your measurements for Rectangle G will be 5 x 9, Rectangle H will be 3 x 9 and Rectangle J & K will be 2 x 5 x 5.

Note: When you are placing your pieces make sure you keep in mind to face the openings of the pockets toward the nearest handle separated by the bookbinding. This is prevent your items from falling out when you use your purse.