This Purse Was Once a Coat

I wore my red leather swing coat and matching skirt for decades, but the huge shoulder pads were out of style, and the skirt had lost its shape. Although I loved the colour, the coat sat in limbo on a shelf while I hoped for an idea about its future. A friend of mine, whom I hadn’t seen in ages, responded to a blog I posted and told me about her new business. 

All of the purses shown in this blog were crafted by artist Patricia Coulter, who grew up in Rosetown, Saskatchewan and has known me since the early 60s. Pat’s new business is called The Last Hurrah. On her website, Pat says, “Turn your Dad’s jacket into a stunning handbag that you can carry every day. There are endless possibilities for those items just hanging in the closet.” Touring Pat’s website inspired me to contact her about my old leather pieces; the planning began immediately! I selected a funky lining and hoped there was enough leather for two bags so that I could give one to my dear friend on her birthday.  

Pat is a well-established abstract artist who leads a creative, adventurous life. Although she now resides in Alberta, we managed to meet up in Saskatoon. It was one of those conversations where we didn’t finish a single topic. Creative energy bounced between us, and we scarcely had time to sip our coffee. We managed to discuss the size and shape of the bags. I gave Pat the coat and the lining and left the rest to her. It wasn’t long until this beautiful package arrived in the mail. 

Some good has come out of this pandemic. Creativity flourishes during difficult times. Pat’s new business was born after she found herself back at the sewing machine, making COVID masks from fabric scraps. She enjoyed the process so much that she began thinking creatively about her stash of fabric and ready-to-recycle clothing. Before long, she turned an heirloom tartan into several beautiful clutch bags.

I have always loved Pat’s large, acrylic, abstract paintings! I am pleased that after trialling many materials, Pat has found a way to incorporate a painted canvas into a tote bag. Brilliant! I hope to own one soon.

We, at Glamour for Grandmothers, strive to honour the objects in our lives. We aren’t devoted to downsizing; we love our objects or reinvent them. If their time with us is ending, we take a photo, tell their story, and allow someone else to love them. Have fun looking through your closets, and then maybe you will contact Pat. 

NOTE: To learn more about Patricia Coulter’s abstract art, visit https://patriciacoulter.com or watch the video of Pat in action, filmed for Australian television.    

https://youtu.be/JXpLRibbFmU