This post is part of Purse Palooza 2013.
For full schedule of guest post pattern reviews and prizes, click here!
AnneMarie of Gen X Quilters always has some great things going on at her blog; did you see the Sisters Ten Block of the Month? Check it out!
Hi there, I am AnneMarie of Gen X Quilters and I am excited to be participating in Purse Palooza this year. Last year, I was unable to participate (new baby chaos), so I was thrilled when Sara contacted me again this year. I am primarily a quilter, but every now and then, I get the urge to make my own pouches and bags. It’s fun to try new things and branch outside of my comfort zone.
I chose to review the Strap Clutch pattern by Michelle Patterns. I have made many of her smaller pouches and such, and love her straight-forward style. Since I had not yet tried any of her bags, I decided to give it a go!
The Pattern. Of the Michelle’s Patterns I have sewn, this pattern was definitely more complicated. Most of her patterns can be completed in 2-3 hours. For the Strap Clutch, I’d allow a bit more. But the reason why it is more complicated are the fabulous details added to the clutch that make it unique. I love the keyhole cutout for the strap on the front, the curves, the strap and pockets. All of these details really make the Strap Clutch bag.
The Supplies. It is clearly called out in the pattern what fabrics and interfacings are needed. This pattern calls for both sew-in and fusible interfacing, and also an interlining. I used leftover 100% cotton batting for the interlining. There are also recommendations given for the fabrics used for the exterior and lining of the bag. For the clutch body, it is recommended to use a heavier fabric, such as home dec, canvas, etc. Here is where I deviated from the pattern a bit. I chose to use a Robert Kaufman corduroy in Charcoal. It makes the body of my bag a bit softer, but it still has good body and looks nice when filled.
The Instructions. Instructions in this pattern are clear, and photos with instructions are included for most steps. I would definitely suggest printing your copy of this PDF download in color. If you do not, it will be difficult and confusing to read the photos, and make sure you are getting it right the first time walking through the steps.
The Pattern Pieces. I really like that each pattern piece is marked with exactly how many of each piece you need to cut and it specifies which fabrics. (i.e. cut 2 of Pattern Piece A with the exterior fabric, and cut 1 Pattern Piece A with fusible interfacing.) It keeps it easy to keep track of your pieces.
I love some of the extra details included in this pattern like the curved front flap and the keyhole for the strap.
I had never tried a keyhole like this before. At first, I wasn’t sure where the pattern was going with the instructions. But I just kept following them, trusting in the pattern even though I couldn’t visualize it. Then suddenly, there was an ah-ha! moment and it all comes together. 🙂 Don’t you love when that happens? The keyhole has some pretty cool construction in my opinion.
The Inside. I can never have too many compartments or pockets in my bags. I typically add more when making my own bags. Even with it’s small size, the Strap Clutch didn’t need more because Michele already designed in a back panel with a phone pocket and pen pockets. There are no zippers here. Some for that is a plus. I don’t mind them…
For my version I used.
-Robert Kaufman Corduroy in Charcoal (exterior)
-Vintage Art Store by Susan Gower of Nifty Thrifty Dry Goods for Leicen (flap)
-Pearl Bracelets by Lizzy house for Andover (lining)
Overall, this is a very nice sized clutch. Perfect for holding the essentials plus a few extras. It is reinforced very well with interfacing to provide the right amount of stability. I’ve already received compliments from non-sewists, shocked that I made it myself.
The Strap Clutch is a fun advanced beginner/intermediate pattern and I enjoyed making a little something for myself!
My pattern copy was provided by Michelle Patterns for the Purse Palooza event.
Nice job, clutch looks like the perfect size
Dear friend, i found this beautiful clutch but is not possible to download the pattern any more, could you please send it to me if you still have it? I´m Alicia from Ecuador 🙂 [email protected]
Alicia, were you able to receive this pattern? I was also not able to download. If you received the pattern could you please forward it to me at [email protected]
Thank you
No luck yet, may be one of the other followers have it??
Thank you !!
Good job, I also enjoy making Michelle patterns, they’re so easy to follow, and they can be made quickly.
hello, i hope everything is well in your part, i just want to ask if you can share to me the pattern of this clutch bag, kindly send it to my email [email protected], thank you so much
Lovethe look of this clutch. Nice size for a clutch too. I think it has to go on the want to make list.
Great job! I love the fabric selection. I have used Michelle patterns and they are easy to follow and great designs.
The pattern is super cute and I love your fabric choices! Great job 🙂
Very nice! I love the closure!
Great way to show off favorite fabrics!
I’ve had this pattern for awhile, but just haven’t gotten around to it yet. I think it’ll be bumped up on my to do list 🙂 Nice job!
Hello Wendy,
I found your comment …..do you still have the pattern for the STRAP CLUTCH. It´s not on line any more…if possible for you, send it to my mail [email protected]
With appreciation, Alicia 🙂
I have probably 90% of her patterns. She is always giving extra information and has the most amazing techniques that she always shares.
Michelle patterns are really awesome. I have tons of them. Your fabric choices are really sweet! Thank you for sharing!
this is fabulous, I always liked this pattern but it was hard to tell the scale from the photo. your review helps with that, it’s so cute!
Your clutch bag is so beautiful! I love your fabrics you chose! I really do like Michelle Patterns! I will have to get this one, too.
Susie
I really love this Clutch bag but was wondering, before I purchase the pattern, what does the “key hole” look like on the other side? Is it finished to look just like the front? Is there a separate piece of fabric that is sewn on to the right side then turned through the opening to the back side? Or must the hole be cut out carefully, both front & back at the same time,then turn the edges to the inside & press so there are no seams showing then have the Top Stitching hold it together? This just looks a little confusing to me and I’ve been sewing for 50 years! There’s always room to learn more!!!! Any information that you can provide will be greatly appreciated! Thank you!!
I love to have this pattern , so would like to know how I can purchase it. My email is [email protected]..
thank you
I was unable to print the pattern, is there another option
Ciao….purtroppo non riesco a scaricare il pdf…puoi aiutarmi?..grazie
Dear friend, i found this beautiful clutch but is not possible to download the pattern any more, could you please send it to me if you still have it? I´m Shanu
Hello dear friends,
I too liked this clutch.If anyone has the pattern, please forward to my email…[email protected].
thanks in advance..
Has anyone the pattern could forward to me at [email protected], the download link is broken.
Hola quiero comprar el patrón ! Soy Rosana