Wow, it is the beginning of May and I already have my clutch done! I was really excited to start working on it, and nothing better than getting something crossed off the list. I really enjoyed working on this one, and it came together really quickly, and honestly I thought it was pretty darn easy, maybe the more Amy Butler patterns you accomplish, the easier they get? I hope so!
I changed a few things with this pattern (and maybe that's why I think it was easier!) I did not use the zipper installation method Amy Butler suggest, after learning a hard lesson with six Origami bags, I knew I wouldn't do it like that again. I used the Noodlehead tutorial, and installed little tabs on the ends. I love this method, and it creates such a wonderful edge and a clean finish. I only made the tabs about 1/4" and then narrowed my seam in that area to about 1/4", so that I would have the same amount of opening space, which worked out perfectly. When it comes time to attach the handle (or baste it) I also did a zig-zag stitch to really attach the handle on the bag, I don't want pulled or ripped seams. Other than that, I didn't change anything else.
Originally, I thought the bag shape was a little weird, but now that I have made it, I rather like it and think it really accentuates the pleats. I love the fact that Amy Butler had you create different size pleats ranging from 3/8" to 5/8", this really made the pleat process easier, because each one didn't have to match perfectly. The only thing I would do differently if I made it again, would be to lengthen the handle just a tad bit. I found it a bit to snug to put on quickly, and honestly who wants to fight getting the strap on your wrist? If I made it again, I would add about 1/2" to 1" in the overall length. Bree over at My Crafty Crap, (don't you just love that blog name) did just that, and added just a touch of length to her strap, and she said it fit perfectly! Awesome!
As a last little touch, I added the little hummingbird broach to it, and thought that it added that "little something extra!" I made the medium sized clutch, and thought it was the perfect size for a night out on the town. Now all I need is a baby sitter!
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