Make a felt pony applique instead.This is one of those make-do projects.
I drew a horse literally on the back of an envelope.
Added felt pieces for the mane, a bead for the eyes, and yarn for the tail.
Sewed it on to the purse. You can see the outline of the kitty that, uhm, “fell off” one day. I’m a big believer in a commercial-free childhood, and I don’t feel too badly because 1) V loves ponies (see carousel ride), and 2) she has a hello kitty washcloth that she plays with at bath time anyways. One hello kitty item in our house is enough.