The Creative Journey of our Heart Purse

At RefashionPGH, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s at the heart of everything we create. The story of our Heart Purse is no exception—it’s a design born from a challenge to use alternative materials and a passion for crafting something truly unique. In this post, I’m excited to take you through the journey of how the Heart Purse came to life, from its humble beginnings with cardboard to the scrappy, colorful beauty it is today.

The Spark of an Idea: A Design Challenge

It all started as a design challenge—one that pushed me to think outside the box, quite literally. I set out to create something with materials other than fabric, which led me to explore items I had lying around my apartment. As luck would have it, I stumbled upon a stack of cardboard. It might not have been the obvious choice, but it sparked an idea.

I began by cutting out squares of cardboard in different sizes. I stapled them together, and before I knew it, I had created a flat piece of cardboard that I could shape into a heart. I repeated the process, creating two heart-shaped pieces—one for the front and one for the back of the purse.

The First Prototype: Simple, Creative, and Functional

To add depth and make the purse functional, I needed to create a 3D structure. I cut out more squares of cardboard and stapled them to the sides of the heart to give it some volume (this part is known as the gusset in bag-making terms). The result was a simple yet functional cardboard heart purse. I decided to line the inside with fabric and added a strap, transforming it from a conceptual design to something I could actually use.

The first prototype was complete, and I was surprisingly in love with how it turned out. But little did I know, this simple project would spark the creation of something much bigger.

The Second Prototype: A Scrappy, Colorful Heart

I couldn’t stop thinking about the heart purse, and I felt it had more potential. So, I set out to make a second prototype, this time using all fabric. I wanted to incorporate even more sustainable elements, so I raided my fabric stash and pulled together a mix of materials: leftover knit fabric from a college project, an old shirt that I never wore, a tablecloth that had seen better days, and even an old skirt from my grandma.

The fabric choices were eclectic but colorful—purple, striped blue, bright green, yellow, white, pink, and a floral pattern. The randomness of the fabrics felt perfect for this purse, and I loved the scrappy, crafty aesthetic that emerged. I cut out squares and rectangles of fabric, making sure that no two pieces of the same color touched. For precision, I created a paper heart template to cut the pieces, and I added a fabric lining with a single strap that carried the same patchwork feel.

I took it a step further by hand-stitching little heart, butterfly, and floral buttons onto one side of the purse—details that added to its charm. The second prototype was a labor of love, and I wore it everywhere. But, as with any creative process, I realized there were areas for improvement.

The Third Prototype: Refining the Design

As much as I loved the second prototype, I knew I could make it even better. So, I went back to the drawing board and made several key improvements. First, I created a cardboard template to ensure that each purse would be the same size, adding consistency to the design. I also adjusted the measurements, making the heart shape slightly bigger and wider for a more balanced, functional look.

Another major change was the addition of two straps instead of one, which made the purse more comfortable to wear and added a more polished finish. I also added a slip pocket in the lining, with three slots to hold a phone, cards, cash, or any other items—giving it even more practicality. To provide more structure, I decided to incorporate some Shape-Flex, a fusible interfacing, into the lining. This adjustment gave the purse a sturdier, more refined feel.

With these tweaks, I finally felt like the design was exactly what I wanted it to be. The Heart Purse had evolved into a sustainable, functional, and beautifully crafted accessory. And the best part? Every purse is unique, with its own combination of colors, textures, and patterns.

Sustainability at the Core

What makes the Heart Purse so special isn’t just the design, but the process behind it. By using scrap fabrics, upcycled materials, and sustainable production methods, each Heart Purse is a testament to the creativity and resourcefulness that defines RefashionPGH. Each one tells a story—whether it’s from an old shirt, a tablecloth, or a beloved family heirloom—and is crafted with care to ensure longevity and quality.

As I continue to make more Heart Purses, I’m excited to see how each one will turn out. While no two purses are the same, they all share the same core values of creativity, sustainability, and craftsmanship.

Thank you for joining me on this creative journey. I hope the Heart Purse inspires you to think outside the box and embrace the beauty of sustainable fashion.