About Nancy Alison Purses

Nancy Alison is based in Wisconsin, USA

One of the greatest passions in my life is knitting.  I’ve knit everything from jute plant hangars in the seventies to sox in the nineties.  When I worked as a volunteer at a local Historical Museum, I discovered something new – Bead Knitting.  It was actually several centuries old, but after much research, some trials and many errors, I am on a mission to make it new again. 
 
Old reference books and patterns are available and they were helpful in my learning of the old skill, but I have developed my own techniques and patterns.  My specialty is to make Vintage replica purses that re-create some of the old patterns.  Castle, flower or scenic vintage purses are my favorite, and I have created many patterns that mimic these.  But I have also developed many other patterns that take their inspiration from nature, interplay of color, or geometric design. 
 
I create purses for weddings, gifts, displays and décor.  I teach the technique and have written two books about it. 
 
Another great passion in my life is my faith.  I’ve grown up in the Christian faith and it has seen me through tragedies, including the death of a child and breast cancer.  It has also seen me through peaceful times where I can acknowledge that God has given me more than I ever imagined, including the opportunity to use my skill as a bead artist. 

I have been doing Bead knitting for over 10 years.

I love to use old patterns and create new ones

I began Nancy Alison Custom Beaded Purses by replicating old patterns, from old books, or be looking at any analyzing antique beaded purses.  But although I still love to do that, I have created many new patterns, written two books about bead knitting and do demonstration, classes and art shows.