I'm a big fan of Noodlehead and made her Poolside tote last year, I also brought the pattern for the envelope clutch around the same time. I think the pattern for this bag had been updated so there were a lot of pics on social media which had me hooked. Instagram is terrible for my bank balance!
The pattern comes in 2 sizes, with additional instructions to make it a suitable size for an ipad. There are also options of adding an inside zip pocket, credit card slots, straps and 2 flap styles. So plenty of opportunity for making it your own.
Since having my daughter I only ever use large bottomless bag - where many an item has been lost never to be seen again. So I wanted this clutch to hold my essential items within said bottomless bag. The large clutch 8" x 11.75" was the perfect size.
Now for the best bit...fabric choice :). I have so many great quilted cotton fabric designs but I really prefer bags that are made from canvas or a heavier cotton as they feel more durable and have more of a professional finish, in my opinion.
I purchased some of the Cotton and Steel Mustang canvas and was not sure if I would ever want to cut into it. Its so gorgeous and goes out of stock quickly. However, I though I would start a Cotton and Steel theme to my Noodlehead patterns so I got the scissors out and started chopping.
The pattern gives instructions for pipping and I was really contemplating adding a neon pink or gold pipping to the clutch, but I have never done pipping before and didn't want to mess up my nice fabric, so I omitted it. Pipping really does give it a nice finish though so I think I will need to give it a go at some point.
I didn't add the credit card slots as I won't be using them but I did add the zip pocket. The pattern used a magnetic snap for closure which I had never used, but they were sooo simple and quick to use.
Everything went together really quickly and as with Noodlehead patterns the instructions are really easy to understand. I even found some metallic gold thread for the top stitching to match the gold of the fabric.
I absolutely love my clutch, it is the perfect size for a pack of baby wipes and few nappies and some nappy bags (how rock n roll has my life become!). I've been using it for a few months and I'd be lost without it. I haven't made a small version yet, but I brought some of the new Cotton & Steel Mesa canvas from The Village Haberdashery and I think it will look great.
Since making this I have made three more as gifts. For two friends I put their Christmas presents in them instead of wrapping paper. Unfortunately I didn't get any pics as, typically for me, I was finishing sewing them just before leaving the house to see them.
The fourth one I made out of Echino 10th anniversary stag with glasses linen fabric for my bestie who has just had her first baby. I adore this fabric and was so glad they brought it out in different colourways for their 10th anniversary.
As I'm writing this I'm think I could maybe make a small one for myself in the Echino fabric too? A girl can never have too many bags right??
