Wednesday, February 27, 2013

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.

22 comments:

  1. So pretty! The lining you used is so cute. I'm going to check out Andrea's blog because I really, really want one :)

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    1. Oh gosh! I'm sorry Jenny! I think I worded that a little vaguely. Andrea did teach me to make these, but it's not a tutorial on her blog. However, I had meant to link to the shop on Etsy where I buy my frames: Upstyle. http://www.etsy.com/shop/Upstyle?ref=seller_info

      The seller, Robin, is super nice and has a very good tutorial for making these!

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  2. Oh dear, you know how I LOVE that colour, right? It's going to go so well with your new coat, and your new hat - simply smashing!

    P.S. You had me laughing out loud about the sinister swarm of wool moths :)

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    1. I didn't know you love that color! I always think of cobalt blue as being "your" color.

      It's not quite the right pink for the coat, but neither is the orchid skin! I'm having a hard time defining just what that pink is in the coat!

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  3. so cute! you're right, that color is just screaming for spring. but... when do we get to see the coat?!?! ;-)

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    1. Patience, Grasshopper! But, it IS finished!

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  4. Ooh, very neat! And I love the bright lining!

    Sewing with frames intimidates me. I had a bad experienc with trying to sew a carpetbag with a frame . . .

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    1. Oh yeah - even though I've made a bunch of these, I still get a little nervous every time I do it! It helped that this was a large skin, so I had enough for a do-over if I messed it up!

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  5. Beautiful clutch! And I'm a sucker for tassel keyrings, what a great way to use scraps.

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    1. Thank you! I love the tassels too - I keep trying to think of more ways to use them!

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  6. I love these clutches! So cute. :)

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  7. Oh my god! Is there anything you CAN'T make?? These are gorgeous.

    ...and I have some metallic 'nude' leather sitting in the studio downstairs that has been calling out to be used.

    Curse you Gail! You keep inspiring me to try new things...there are only so many hours in the week, you know!! Cut it out.

    hah!
    (thanks)

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    1. Hehehe, I'm so evil! But you know you love it!

      Oooh, metallic nude! Sounds gorgeous! Make something with that quick, so we can see!

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  8. I'm swooning! What a fab little clutch and the pink exterior and adorable lining is smashing! ; )

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    1. Thank you! I have a lot of different fabrics that go with this shade of pink - it took me a while to narrow it down!

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  9. Another lovely project! You're really turning out some gorgeous items.

    I've just bought a kit to make my first clutch purse, but I'm not sure I like the fabric. I thought a kit would be good for the instructions, as it's my first one, but I can see myself branching out into leather... very tempting!

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    1. Thank you, Sam! That first clutch is so satisfying, but I think better to make it in some fabric you don't care too much about! It will certainly work out, but you won't be so nervous about ruining it!

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  10. This is so cute! Love that pink!

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  11. I find it so cool that you can sew all these different types of projects. The clutch is pretty.

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