Purple Camo Purse: Conceal and Carry in STYLE!

Hello friends!  So glad you took time out of your busy day to stop and check out my latest purse.  I'm so excited to share this cutie with you.  You may, or may not know that my sister recently asked if I could make her a conceal and carry purse.  I had no idea what I was doing, but gave it a go.   The idea was to find an awesome purse design and then try to convert it to a conceal and carry purse.

We ended up choosing a pattern by ChrisW Designs called the Bella Bag.  If you like it you can purchase the pattern HERE.  (This is an affiliate link and I will be compenstaed if you make a purchase)

I made the purse first to see if I liked it.  Well, I LOVED it!  Obviously you guys did too because it has become one of my most popular post.  I also received numerous request from friends and family to make them one.  You can see some of those creations HERE. 

Well, a co-worker saw my sister's pink camo conceal and carry purse and wanted one for herself, except in purple camo.  Let's check it out!
 

What do you think?  Is it not so adorable?  This fabric was hard to find, but I finally came across it at Luras Fabric Shop.  When looking for camo fabric, you basically have a choice of green, pink, purple and I actually have seen a blue (which I kind of want for myself).  There are a lot more choices in fleece, but who wants fleece on their purse unless you plan on using it as a pillow too.  (Which I would not recommend if you are carrying a gun).  Of course, some of you might sleep with a gun under your pillow and in that case it would be perfect.

What is wrong with me this morning?  Forgive the rambling!  I think I need more sleep.

THE CONCEALED POCKET

Notice the snaps at the top of the gusset-great feature.

I am SO pleased with how this zipper turned out.  Let me show you my 1st attempt at this zipper.

For the pink camo purse, I used a 9" nylon separating zipper.  I cut the zipper down to size, which ended up being a mess.  If you look at the very top of the zipper you can see it looks sloppy.  This was actually the better side.  My sister says it is just fine, but she did not have to pay for it.  A paying customer wants perfection and so do I.

Zipper opening to concealed gun pocket

For the purple camo purse, I knew that if I did not figure out how to get the zipper in neatly, that I would have to find a taller purse.  There is really just enough room to insert a 7" zipper.  So, this time I went with a metal 7" zip.  I thought it would be tougher and hold up longer.  Plus, I used the metal zipper throughout the bag, as you will see in the next few pics.  I am much happier with how this zipper turned out.

The gun pocket has an ~6.5" opening.

My sister allowed me to borrow her gun (which just happen to be purple!) for my photo shoot.  It was unloaded and the safety was on.

Inside the pocket I sewed in two strips of 2" industrial strength velcro (the soft loop side) on either side of the pocket.  A holster with velcro can then be positioned inside the pocket.  The gun is inserted into the holster, where it will remain secure until needed.

THE CLOSURE

Magnetic snap closure w/ large button for show.

Choosing buttons for these purses has become one of my favorite parts of the whole designing process!  This little guy was only .98 cents!

Conceal and Carry bag with fun fabric and stylish hardware. 

THE STRAPS

Adjustable straps.

One of the best features of this bag is that the two straps are adjustable.  Adjustable straps are a must, in my opinion, for conceal and carry purses.  Each purse owner needs to be able to adjust the height of the purse so that when they reach in to retrieve their gun, it is at the height that is most comfortable for them. 

Straps can be adjusted to a crossbody length.

You can also carry it as a crossbody.  I actually think all gun purses should be crossbodies.  As a crossbody, it is securely around your body and no one else will have easy access to it.

THE INSIDE

Slip pockets with camo lining.

Chris from ChrisW Designs did an amazing job designing the pockets for this purse.  There are three slip pockets on one side panel of the interior (pen pocket, wallet, cell phone).

Zipper pocket and slip pocket in one!

On the other side you have a zipper pocket and a slip pocket behind the zipper pocket (which I did not show well in this picture).

Back zipper pocket is great for easy access items.

On the back side of this purse you have another zipper pocket.  Would you believe there are 10 pockets all together, if you include the conceal and carry pocket!

IMPROVEMENTS/ADJUSTMENTS

1.  Switch back to the nylon zipper.  While reaching in to retrieve the gun, the metal is very scratchy on your hand.  It also is not as flexible as the nylon and did not seem to open up as wide.  I don't think the metal opens up as smoothly, either.  Plus, it will look a little more concealed if I use a matching zipper.  The metal zipper is pretty flashy.

2.  Find a way to tuck in the zipper so it is more concealed.

3.  Add zipper pulls for easier access to the concealed pocket.

4.  Add a GCC label.

5. Add a link on the inside to hook your keys.

Thanks so much for stopping by!  Do you have any suggestions for me regarding this purse?  I'd love to hear your feedback. :)

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Blessings,
Gina


I WILL BE LINKING UP TO THESE GREAT PARTIES.