Keep&repair or toss this purse?

I've had this suede purse for ages (prob 10 yrs) but it's still in good condition except for the lining, which is apparently made from some crummy paper thin faux leather that is now peeling and cracking all over. It was not cheap when I bought it so this is annoying!

I don't even know what my options are for repairing it. I assume it would be spendy as the lining is not a simple pouch but has lots of pockets, compartments, etc. does anyone have any experience with this type of repair? I can't use it as is, as the lining is peeling and flaking all over the place.

Do you think it's worth repairing? Is the style dated or boring? I don't use it that often because it's too small for work, and I have another black bag (regular leather, a bit more RATE looking) about the same size and shape.

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8 years ago

harmonica

Veteran

Do you still love it? I think it looks like a great bag and support repairing (for a lot of reasons), but if you have moved on, then let go.

rachylou

I quite like it! I suspect a repair, tho, would mean the elimination of the inside pockets...

annagybe

(website)

I like it, but I have no idea about repairs

Diana

Hmm, some preliminary googling suggests that relining purses professionally is quite expensive and only worth it for, like, a Chanel. But I think I might be able to sew a canvas lining myself and sew it in. I'd lose the pockets, like Rachy says, but honestly I rarely use them anyway. Might be a good DIY project one of these days. I have a while as its definitely a winter bag.

ETA: I do still like it, and it's useful as a dressier winter bag when I don't want to use my clutches. And some things look best with suede.

elpgal

Can you rip out the lining and the inner pockets and use one of those purse organizers? Or rip out the pockets and line it with some contrasting fabric - big time committment though.

catgirl

What about double sided carpet tape and some cute ribbon, like polka dots or paisley? I'm of the "quick, hide it!" school of repairs.

unfrumped

i was thinking along the lines of elpgal--can you just Xacto-knife out the lining and do without or use a purse organizer? Or does the original liner add something structural the bag needs, and you need to "line the liner"?

Anonymous

I would take it to a tailor and ask them if they can just reline it simply, without the compartments. You will probably want to provide the fabric.

Firecracker (Sharan)

I would be sad at losing the cool-looking lining. It looks like metallic leather. I think you could replace the lining, though. Cut out the old one, and use it as a template. You could duplicate the pockets, too, if you wanted to (and if you had the patience and time).
It's worth the time if you really really love the bag and still want to carry it.

eta: If you can take out the original lining by ripping out the stitches, it will be easier to replace, I think. You could sew in the new lining where the old one was stitched in.

The original lining appears to be a thin layer of the orange "leather" glued to some thick tan fabric (which you can see in the photo). It's the orange part that's peeling; the fabric part is fine if a bit sticky. I do think the fabric bit provides structure so I'd probably try to just peel off the orange. This is good as it means I can sew a new lining to the fabric and not to the suede.

There is a large zipped center pocket that goes the length of the bag and divides it in two. So even if I covered over the side pockets I'd still have that compartment. It does mean I would have to stitch in 2 separate fabric linings though, one for each side. The lining inside that zippered compartment seems ok because it's more protected.

Una, I'd totally go that route but I think the affected area is too big. I'll keep the carpet tape in mind though!

Hmm, must consider further. This might be a good summer weekend project. On the other hand I have a history of taking on complicated DIY projects and ending up completely overwhelmed. In the past this had led to the, " mommy, fix it!" solution, lol. But my mommy is 3000 miles away and has better things to do!

tulle

Diana, on my computer the lining looks metallic, like copper. If this is true, and if you're not a perfectionist, but just trying to eke out another Winter or two from this lovely bag, you might consider metallic finish copper tape. You'll find it at a good hardware or DIY/craft store. It looks as though the bag's inner pockets are in good shape, so with luck you could just tape the tattered edges that frame the interior. And if it doesn't work, you're no further behind--just rip it out & head for that tailor or cobbler!

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