Alice’s Reticule: A Gilded Age Accessory

This whimsical drawstring purse features an embroidered nod to one of history’s most delightfully unexpected fashion accessories—Alice Roosevelt’s pet snake, Emily Spinach, whom she famously carried in her handbag. Designer Deanna Hall West stitched this serpent entirely in shades of blue, including the iconic Alice Blue named in honor of the spirited First Daughter herself. It’s a sweet blend of mischief, history, and handcrafted style.

Materials

• Wichelt Linen, 32-ct: #65305 Touch of Yellow, 2 pieces 10" × 13½" (25.4 × 34.3 cm)

• Cotton or cotton-blend fabric: light to medium blue, 2 pieces 10" × 13½" (25.4 × 34.3 cm)

• DMC 6-strand Embroidery Floss (100% cotton), 8.7 yd (8 m)/skein: 1 skein each of

  • Blues: #312, #334, #341, and #3325
  • Greens: #986, #987, and #988

• Needle: embroidery #8

• Embroidery hoop or snap frame, 5"–6" (12.7 to 15.2 cm) diameter

• Sewing thread: off-white, 1 spool

• Scissors: fabric and embroidery

• Rat-tail cording: light blue, 1½ yd (1.4 m)

• Tracing pencil or pen, water-soluble

• Sewing supplies: sewing machine, pins, ruler, iron, terry-cloth towel, medium-sized safety pin, press cloth

Design Size: 2½" × 3¼" (6.4 × 8.3 cm)
Purse Size: 7½" × 11" (19.1 × 27.9 cm)