Clutch Handbag without Fabric Flower
Knitting? Yawn. Let’s talk about something different, like sewing! I busted out Old Cranky and made something that’s actually usable, with some fancy fabric that I’ve been saving for when I’m a stitching pro. Ha! I finally stopped holding my breath on that one and dove in.
Pattern: Clutch Handbag with Fabric Flower, from In Stitches by Amy Butler
Fabric: Etsuko Furuya Echino exterior, Denyse Schmidt Flea Market Fancy interior
It could use a trip to the ironing board (that fold on the left is a wrinkle, not a pucker), but it’s not bad for my first successful bag! I obviously skipped the fabric flower, and now I’m thinking that the bag needs something…. maybe, say, a flower? What do you think?
I’m especially proud of the top flap - the topstitching is so much better than any of my previous attempts.
Nice!
The pattern instructions were extremely clear, I have no complaints. This allowed me to make a slew of little modifications:
- The pattern calls for 4 layers of batting for the bag interior, two attached to each side of the outer fabric. I cut out two layers and thought that they would be poofy enough. The batting is less three dimensional once you baste it to the fabric, but still, I was going for more sleek, less marshmallow. I ended up fusing medium-weight interfacing to the exterior fabric, then attaching a single layer of batting.
- The pattern creates a massive clutch, so I shrunk the pattern by about 12%. I took an inch off the height, then scaled down all of the other measurements accordingly.
- The pattern called for a velcro closure. Um, no. I used a magnetic purse snap instead. I’m still a bit shocked that it worked out so well given that I fiddled the size of the bag, but the snap is in the perfect location.
- I omitted the interior divider, instead adding an interior pocket from this crafster tutorial. I skimmed the tutorial before starting the pocket and ended up doing step 1 wrong. It’s not very noticeable, but you can see the interfacing on the inner side of the pocket and the zipper isn’t tucked neatly between the layers.
If I were to make this again, I would round off the bottom corners a bit more - they’re pointier than I had expected from the pattern photo. I would also use the main fabric for the top 1-2 inches of the interior, so you don’t see the interior fabric peeking out from the inside. Lining up the fabric pattern on the outer flap and front exterior would be nice, too.
Oh, yeah, I also would be careful not to fuse interfacing to the right side of my fabric. And no topstitching after midnight, since the results will inevitably have to be ripped out the next day!
RSS
That looks beautiful. I love the fabrics you chose.
CUUUUUUTE! Almost makes me want to haul out my sewing machine — almost.
The lining is killing me, so spectacular!!
how lovely. Those fabrics are so fun together. I think you just moved this bag up on my list of “to do” projects. Thanks for the tip about rounding the corners too!
This is fabulous - you got skills!
Love the lining.
WOW! awesome!
very inspiring too…i was just thinking about trying to make something from Amy Karol’s new book, bend the rules…
and love the fabric choices. i’m addicted to both.
:o)ek.
No Topstitching After Midnight is the best rule ever. But that bag is totally adorable. I love the two fabrics together.
I have been playing with the idea of making bags lately too. I have a pattern that has been sitting around for a year, and just printed another from the web. But I have not actually worked up the “balls” to go ahead. You did a GREAT job, and maybe I’ll just have to have a go tomorrow?!?!?!??!? Looks wonderful! Thanks for the inspiration.
It’s a real beaut! Someday I will master sewing. :)
So cute!
Oooooh… I *really* want to learn how to sew. This is SO beautiful! Great work!
Looks fantastic. Very nice top stitching!
Great fabric choices–totally cute.
Iwish I could sew so beautifully!
It’s wonderful. If you still think it needs something one idea would be to find one wonderful button to sew on the closure tab.
I love it. hopefully I will eventually get around to making it. maybe instead of a fabric flower a felted flower?
Great job - I love the fabrics you chose, such great colors. I have a similar rule: no kitchener after midnight. I just end up doing it over anyway.
This is so lovely! Great job!
Fantastic! I loves it. And such a masterful job!
that is so cute! love the polka dots!
Such a sweet bag! I love the contrast between the outer and lining fabric.
Oh My God, so freaking cute.
I have the book, but haven’t done this pattern yet. It just got bumped up on my list. :)