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Gift: Clutch Handbag

At the end of the summer I shortened a dress for a friend. It was a dress she had worn as a bridesmaid in a wedding. Shortening it meant that she could wear it again and she did - as a wedding attendee. I was left with a pretty good size swath of fabric that was cut off the bottom of the dress. I didn't really have a plan for it, but thought it would be best to hang on to it.

Fast forward a few months....and I turned some of the fabric into a matching clutch:

Clutch Handbag

I drew up the pattern, but copied the shape of the bottom from one of my daughter's purses. The bag is underlined with a pretty heavyweight upholstery fabric. It gives it some heft and stability. The fashion fabric actually has a lot of stretch.

Clutch Handbag

The flap is finished with a bias binding and the bag closes with a magnetic snap. The inside is lined.

I actually made this gift using her sewing machine! She loaned it to me when mine needed some attention in the shop. She's a good friend!
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