Protecting the Perfect Purse

Sewing

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This perfect purse inspiration has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser.
All opinions are mine alone. #CollectiveBias
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Guys! I’ve been looking for a new bag forEVER and even though I keep telling myself it’s ok to spend some decent money on a handbag I use day in and day out, I just haven’t been able to pull the trigger. Beautiful designer handbags from brands like Chanel and Louis Vuitton are just too expensive for me to make myself invest. I almost made the decision to purchase a replica of Designer Handbags; some look like they’re excellent quality, and it’s definitely nice to have a brand on your arm! However, I didn’t make the leap. Instead, I finally decided to see if I could DIY one that fit all my criteria (i.e. big but not huge, pockets but not super segmented, room for a billion diapers and lipsticks, etc.), and I DID!

I’ve only bought one bag pattern before (the super tote from Noodlehead) and I loved it so much that I decided to see if Anna had another tote pattern that might work for this project. I snatched up the Explorer tote pattern this time and love it just as much! It was a lot of fun to make using this southwestern-y home decor fabric and some vinyl for a sturdy bottom and straps.

I’d been meaning to make a bag out of this black and white geometric print for months (years??) and now that it’s done, I’m so happy I used it! The only problem being, it’s mostly white. And I have kids. Like a a whole passel of them.

Enter, Scotchgard™ Fabric & Upholstery Protector. When I was a kid, my mom used Scotchgard™ Products on everything. I’m the oldest of 5 kids, so my mom knew all about never having nice things. Since I added the vinyl to this bag, I knew throwing it in the washer wouldn’t be an option, so I grabbed some Scotchgard™ Fabric Protector at Lowe’s (in the cleaning supply aisle) and gave my bag a once over! You can learn about all of the Scotchgard™ line of products here.

And it was super easy! I just followed these simple instructions:

  1. Went outside in the yard to avoid spraying anything else (but if you do accidentally, just wipe it off quickly).
  2. Shake the can well.
  3. Make sure your fabric is colorfast: spray on an inconspicuous area and then rub with a white cloth. If any color comes off, don’t use it!!
  4. Hold the can upright, about 6″ from the fabric surface. Use steady, sweeping motions and overlap slightly. Two light coats are better than one heavy one!
  5. Let dry between coats.
  6. Be sure to reapply the product after a cleaning, every 6 months or sooner depending on amount of use.

And that’s it! It was super simple to use, didn’t have any horrible smell and it really did leave my purse feeling exactly the same. No stiffness or sticky residue. It can also be used on decorative pillows, couches, curtains, clothing (!), backpacks, ball caps, upholstered dining chairs, and more. I’m seriously gonna take this stuff to my entire living room since I’m so sick of yelling at kids for eating on furniture they’re not supposed to mess up. #momlife

I’m really happy with how the entire bag turned out and can’t wait to put it to good use. I’m also dreaming up a more colorful version in the near future!

If you’re tired of cleaning up the messes of life, get your buns over to Lowe’s and grab some of this Scotchgard™ Fabric Protector for your nice things. And don’t forget to take along this coupon deal for $1 off!

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2 Comments

  • Reply
    Mary Larsen
    May 30, 2017 at 11:52 am

    That purse sure is perfect! I love this idea – really protecting your purse from anything that comes it’s way with Scotchgard. 🙂 #client

    • Reply
      Bonnie
      May 30, 2017 at 11:55 am

      Thanks Mary! Here’s hoping my kids and their junk can’t trash this one 🙂

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