CHARMING BLUE NEEDLEPOINT BAG WITH CHAIN HANDLE AND SEQUINS. BY CHRISTINE CUSTOM BAGS. MEASUREMENTS IN PHOTOS.

Location 1940s-1960s:

Christine Custom Bags

Detroit, Michigan

For many years the beautifully constructed needlepoint and embroidered handbags labeled "Christine Custom Bags, Detroit, Michigan" represented an hometown mystery. Grosse Pointe ladies of a certain age, both friends and family, had memories of the company and have provided some history.

After WWII, cottage industry production of needlepoint and petite point canvases in Europe and an upsurge in interest in handcrafts like needlepoint and embroidery among Grosse Pointe ladies provided a business opportunity for an enterprising entrepreneur, who set up shop finishing the bags and creating bags to match ensembles in the exclusive Fisher Building in the thriving New Center area of Detroit.

This item is sold from an excellent, highly rated vintage boutique in Los Angeles.