Elegance Pleated Clutch

This weekend I finished up the Elegance Pleated Clutch from Bags: The Modern Classics by Sue Kim. I love the patterns in this book! I think the bags are fantastic and her fabric choices are wonderful. I checked this book out twice from the library, which took a while because there was a reserve list a mile long. Neither time did I actually have time to sew anything from it, so I decided to treat myself and buy my own copy.



The only problem I encountered with this project was my own stupid fault. The magnetic snap I first installed was ridiculously strong. Like I had to use a butter knife and pliers to get it apart STRONG. I bought these snaps several years ago when the Joann's in town went out of business, so they've been sitting around for quite awhile. Of course I had trouble getting them apart when I took them out of the packaging, but for some reason I thought they would be easier to get apart after they were in the fabric (better leverage?). Obviously, that was not the case. Maybe I need to revisit second grade science class and get a refresher course on how magnets work (i.e. they don't become less attracted to each other, just because they've been snapped into fabric!). Luckily I found a new set of magnetic snaps that fit in the same holes and I was good to go!



The fabric is from the Parisville collection by Tula Pink. It's another one of those fabrics I've been hoarding for just the right project. I had thought about using another coordinating fabric for the outside flap or side panels, but loved this print so much I wanted to use it everywhere. The lining is another print from the collection. And the button is just something I had in my sewing box- love it when I can use what I already have and don't need to run out and buy something special!





And I managed to finish this in time to participate in Purse Palooza! How can you not want to make yourself a new bag with all this inspiration flying around the blogs?! I have one more pattern in mind I'd like to make before the Palooza ends, but that may be a pipe dream. With so many other things going on in the summer, it's hard to find time to sew. Wish me luck!