A Spring Clutch

Recently, I was able to put my hands on some lovely, buttery soft candy-colored skins to make some more clutch purses for spring.  I cut out the first one the other day in hot pink, and sewed it up and glued it into the frame this morning.

It would appear that I haven't gotten over my obsession with these things, despite making four of them for myself last year* (and a few more as gifts).  However, previously all my skins were natural colored - a girl needs little bags in bright colors too, right?  And this one is meant to go with my new coat . . .  These little bags measure about 9" x 5", and are just the right size for carrying the essentials when going out.  I have to credit my dear friend Andrea again for teaching me to make these - Thank you!  If you go on over to her place, you'll see some gorgeous clutches.

The lining is one of the AMH Field Study prints left over from my quilt.  This one is called "Sinister Swarm," but I think it doesn't look  the least bit threatening.  Unless those are wool moths.

Together, I think the pink leather and the butterfly lining make a very spring-like clutch.

I've got two more skins, in  orchid and yellow, so you'll be seeing more of these soon.  And likely more of those tassel keyrings from the leftovers!

Sigh.  Pink just makes me happy!


*If you want to see the other ones, click on "clutch purses" in the category cloud at right!

ETA:  Jenny's comment made me realize that I'd forgotten to link to where I got my supplies.  I buy my purse frames from an Etsy vendor called Upstyle.  The owner, Robin, is in San Diego and is very helpful.  She has several different styles and colors of frames, as well as excellent patterns which you can buy separately or get free with the purchase of frames.  I've found her materials to be of very good quality and reasonable price - these 8" x 3" frames are about $5 each for me because I buy 5 at a time.  The more you buy, the bigger the discount!  Robin also ships very quickly - I usually have my order within a few days.

Etsy is also a great place to look for leather, but these clutches can be made with fabric outer as well, as you'll see on Andrea's blog and in the Upstyle shop.

TIMELY UPDATE!  I just came across this nice little (and free!) tutorial for making these clutch purses.  This is different from the way I've been doing it, and I'm interested in giving it a try - it's a  more squared shape.