1. How long have you been making purses out of bras?
I’ve probably been doing it for a little over a year.
2. What made you decide to use bras to make purses?
I was on vacation, probably 18 months ago, in North Carolina. I was at this little shop and I saw these purses hanging there. I’ve always liked unique or unusual things and when I saw it was made out of a bra, I bought it. Then I started looking at it. I thought I could do that, so I went to Wal-Mart, bought a bra and made my own.
3. Is there a certain type of bra you use?
Well, usually you need one that’s unpadded, but really, I just use a plain old bra. The larger the bra, the bigger the purse. I just decide what color I want and go find a bra that color.
4. How many purses have you made?
I’ve probably made about 40 purses. They are all different. I buy the trims and the different fabrics and materials for the handles at Hobby Lobby or Jo-Ann Fabrics.
5. What do you do with them?
Usually, I give them to family mostly. I have sold a few of them. I sold a couple to the high school here — Spencerville High School is just up the road. I made them in the Spencerville colors — red, black and white — and I put the name Bearcat on there, too. The high school girls liked those.
6. Do you get requests?
Yes, sometimes. If someone wants me to make a purse, I just have them tell me the color and the size they want and then I make it.
7. How long does it take you to make one?
It’s according to how large and ornate they want it, but usually it takes me about three or four hours if I stay at it.
8. What’s the process like?
I have a purse in mind, and then I go find a bra that will work. I cut the sides and straps off. The purse is made from the cups of the bra. I sew those together and add the trim and the handle — sometimes, I’ll use fuzzy material or ribbons or different fabrics. It’s really pretty simple.
9. How much does it cost you to make a purse?
It’s according to the type of bra I use, but I’d say the average purse costs me about $30 to make. The trim is really what costs — the more elaborate, the more costly it is to make. I paid $100 for the one I bought in North Carolina though.
10. Do you think this will remain a hobby or are you looking to make it a business?
It’s just a hobby. Anytime I want a new purse for a new outfit, I can make myself one. Normally, I carry them to church.
11. What are people’s reactions when you say you’ve made the purse out of a bra?
Well, they usually say — “A bra?” So, I have to show them the inside — that’s the only way youcan tell it’s a bra. The ones you can find online that show you how to make a purse from a bra — they look like a bra. Mine don’t. You can’t tell it’s a bra from the outside. I was in Wal-Mart carrying one of my purses and this lady said, “What a cute purse.” She couldn’t believe it was a bra, and I had to show her the inside before she would believe me.
