A couple of weeks ago, I was browsing on Etsy, looking for either a fabulous clutch or an equally fabulous pattern, when I came upon this pattern by Janelle at Emmaline Bags: the Necessary Clutch.
I thought about it for a few days, and then decided to go ahead and buy it. The price was reasonable and if I didn't like the final result, well, I could always keep looking...
This pattern is simply A.M.A.Z.I.N.G!
It was delivered via instant download to my email- LOVE that! I immediately printed the pattern, and started looking at fabrics. OK, I could have made about ten different wallets in twenty different fabrics, but I had to restrain myself. So I picked a lovely out-of-print Amy Butler fabric in green and chocolate for the exterior and pockets, with eco-friendly brown cotton duck for lining.
The tutorial is extremely well thought out and easy to understand, with pictures galore. Every step is well explained and the pattern itself is pure genius. The only thing I did a bit differently was to mark the credit card pockets in pencil on the wrong side, and in tailor's chalk on the right side of the fabric. It really helped me make sharp and accurate folds- I am not used to working with small items, the bags I usually make for my Etsy shop being much bigger than the wallet :)
I finished the clutch in about two hours- it took me MUCH longer than that to pick the fabrics.
I love this wallet: there is plenty of room for credit cards, cash, coins, receipts, and even a smart phone- OK, I don't have one yet, but I am getting one soon - I think the Smithsonian really, really wants my flip phone ASAP :)
I love the tailored and overall polished look of the wallet. The twist lock gives it a really professional finish.
Now, I am already thinking about Christmas gifts, oh and how about a holiday themed clutch- for me of course- and I know the clutch would look great in this floral pattern that I love, and... OK Janelle, you have created a monster :)
Check out this pattern, you won't regret it. Janelle also has other bag patterns in her Etsy shop, I am sure as well thought out as the Necessary Clutch.
Take a look at the pictures below and let me know what you think of my first- and certainly not last- Necessary Clutch from Emmaline Bags.
Genevieve
