Linen Clutch...Grrr

I found a fun linen fabric at a discount fabric store last year.  You know the type of trip...go for specifics and come out with a great looking fabric with absolutely no plan in mind for the fabric.  Shortly after that trip I saw that ECAB posted a tutorial for a linen clutch.  Perfect. 

I used what I had on hand...purple linen fabric for the outside and inside, orange polka dot fabric for an inner pocket and a zipper I bought from a thrift store.

Have you ever heard the expression, "Instructions are just one man's opinion," or something similiar?  That is how I normally start projects...But, this was not one of those times.  I thought I was reading the directions correctly, but I could only see so much on my phone as I sewed.  As soon as I attached the exteriors and linings to the zipper I realized that I did something wrong.  So I switched directions and used Noodlehead's gathered clutch tutorial to finish the clutch.  I could have made the clutch into a folded clutch if I add a snap, but since I sewed a pocket on the to far down on the inside, I now have a pocket that is useless when the clutch is folded.  Why add a snap to make it a folded clutch when I have a part of the clutch that is useless?

Hence the Grrr...

It is a nice idea...a little clutch for times when you don't want to haul your ginormous purse around...but only if you make the clutch correctly.

You win some, you lose some...I guess I will have to try this one again.

What is your preference?  Purse or clutch?  Or does it depend on the moment?

~Leslie

January Gifts

Hubby and I call the time between September and January the five months of chaos.  75% of birthdays in our families (from parents to nieces and nephews), our birthdays, our anniversary and two major holidays fall in these months.  Birthday presents, Christmas presents, Anniversary presents are given depending on the amount of stress I am feeling during that time.  This year I plan on giving family members birthday gifts. Do you hear that family?  You are at least getting birthday gifts this year.  I have actually already failed at this - I just remembered that our fathers were left out - Oops...  But from this time forward, presents all around.  

I don't enjoy hunting the shops for gifts (unless they are one of a kind boutiques).  And I am a cheapskate I don't like to spend a lot of money on gifts that don't mean anything, so for the past few years I have tried to make gifts for everyone.  Here are the the birthday gifts I made for the January birthdays.

Journal Cover for BIL

My BIL (who is also my first cousin - I know it is a little weird, but nothing crazy is going on in our family) is a fantastic artist.  He can create just about anything.  Since I am not an artist or a guy, I don't know what to give a person with his amazing talent or gender.  I know he is a great writer and he should be writing every day.  For BIL's birthday I made him a journal cover.  I found a journal at the Goodwill, and then I covered the journal with a portion of flannel cotton and a mystery fabric that I found in my house.  (WARNING:  If you leave fabric of any sort at my house, I will use it.)  Anyhow, I used this tutorial and created a manly journal cover for under $2.

Clutch for SIL

My SIL has a great fashion sense and is very creative with every article of clothing she puts on.  This is a little intimidating because I am not like that - my clothes have a function, maybe not so much form.  I helped her accessorize her ensembles by making her a Gathered Clutch for her birthday.  The outer fabric was a napkin that I found at Pier One.  (Hint:  Go to the clearance section and pick up napkins to use for projects).  The lining fabric is a yellow print and the card holder and divider are the same green cotton fabric that I used for the outer band (Sorry, I don't have a picture of the interior).  The project cost me around $3.

Treasure Pouch for Niece

I made this little pouch for my 6 year old niece.  I filled it with embroidery thread and beads so that she can make her own creations.  Total cost $4.

With little you can make great gifts. (At least I hope they were great.)

P.S.  I apologize for the picture quality.  My camera is not the best.