'Of Wallets and Women'

Okay, okay, so in this country we call them purses but lets not argue over a little alliteration. Anyway, back to the topic in hand. 

I've been doing a lot of travelling this last week for one reason or another. While waiting to pay for yet more petrol my mind began to wander, as it so often does. Since I was holding my purse in my hand at the time that was the direction it decided to take. 

A woman's purse is a curious thing. Every little girl will have one, probably from so early an age they can't ever remember being without one. The type used will change as the years pass, accompanying the various stages in her life. The evolution of womanhood as displayed by her purse!  

Hmmm, so perhaps the petrol fumes had gotten to me :o) but it's an interesting theory don't you think? Since I haven't had much time for making I thought I'd have a look on Folksy and see if it could be substantiated.


I'm not sure if they prove anything but I just had to share some of the fantastic examples I found. First, a selection that I'm sure every little girl would adore.

Beautiful felt purses from babyjanes , a distinct improvement on the pink nylon coin purse with plastic seed beads  I remember from my childhood

Better yet , a personalised purse from the piggy bank made from recycled materials

Who wouldn't want this furry friend from Pidgeon Stitch  looking after their valuables

Or a monster purse from The Linen Cat to keep lunch money safe behind its teeth while securely clipped on to a bag

Inevitably there comes a time when we feel the need to put away childish things. Something a little more grown up is called for.

This simple coin purse from Wardrobe Surgeon  offers a perfect transition from childhood to teenagerdom

And this one by Leanne Wood Designs has a separate pocket for the ever important first bank card

This zipped purse  by Jenny Gale, with space for cash, cards and a phone, is the perfect teenage accessory.

And for something a little bit different this clever pouch by Lynn Fisher has a  zipped pocket and  two card holders inside

Early adulthood arrives, and suddenly we need to acquire space for more cards. But since at this stage we probably still have a social life we don't want a purse that is going to take up too much space in our bag. That's when the wallet comes in to its own.

A simple but stunning card holder from Very Berry Handmade

This recycled comic wallet by Kluck will definitely get you noticed

Then something very strange happens. The size of our purse increases while the amount of money we have to put in it decreases. Instead we need space for more cards. Membership cards, loyalty cards, library cards, donor cards......and don't even get me started on the vouchers! 

A spacious but stylish wallet/purse from Kayomi that provides plenty of space for money, cards and receipts

And this fabulous oilcloth offering from Dianna Jessie's Oilcloth accessories has the advantage of being able to be wiped clean

Of course there will come a time when fingers can't grab a zip pull as easily as they used to and thats when the framed coin purse has its day. Now I can remember my grandmothers purse and I refuse point blank to ever, and I mean ever, be reduced to using anything that even remotely looks like it.  Fortunately there are so many out there we will all be spoiled for choice.

I have my eye on this glorious retro print from Court & Spark

Or this wonderful little tweed number by Jane Coe with its silk lining

How about making a statement with this luscious recycled purse from  make new and mend 

Although to be honest this one from Sew You is more likely to be the statement I'll want to make

And if we feel like bucking the trend and throwing my theory out the door without so much as a goodbye there are always these quirky little cash containers to choose from.

Intriguing leather purses fromYummy Mummy Living

Simple coin pockets by Little Bobbins

And a truly delicious little felt pouch from   Created and Felted by Claire Louise 

Well after all that I think it's about time I made my own purse a little lighter by snapping up some of these lovelies. Look out Folksy, here I come!