Girls' Night Out Clutch: Rocker

For my final clutch this week (see the others HERE, HERE, HERE, and HERE), I chose this black fabric with silver running through it.  By label, it is a "brocade" fabric.  By look, though, it says rocker to me (especially when paired with black jeans, heels, a tank and chunky silver jewelry).

I didn't add piping to this one because I think the fabric speaks enough on its own.  

And the red snap and black sateen lining add their two cents while not overpowering the main fabric.  

I can't wait for my friends' bachelorette party where this clutch will be making its debut in high style!

Now that you've seen Ruby's clutch sewn up in five different styles, which one is your favorite?  Hop over to my giveway page for your chance to win a copy of Ruby's pattern, or your pick of one of my clutches!

Girls' Night Out Clutch: Retro Glam

The clutch spree continues today with a retro glam approach.  It's so hard to pick a favorite, but there's something about this one... (my others are HERE, HERE, and HERE).



 I imagine my grandmother having a clutch like this, circa 1950's.

I lined it with a green sateen fabric.  I love the way the gold fabric reflects the lining color a bit.

And the pops of color - red, turquoise, purple, green and yellow - make this such a versatile fabric choice.

I'll show you my final take on Ruby's clutch tomorrow, and will have a special giveaway for you!

If you're local to Western Mass...

Girls' Night Out Clutch: Glitzy

For today's clutch (see my other ones HERE and HERE, I need some advice.  I found this fabric that, if you look closely, has flecks of metallic running through it.  

I sewed it up with the purple piping, thinking it would draw out the purple tones in the fabric.

It does make for a stark contrast, but...

...would gold have been better?  I think it looks more glitzy (read: '70's disco) with the gold, but not sure if the piping takes away from the subtle gold in the fabric.



Leave a comment and let me know what you think.  I'll count it as one entry into Friday's giveaway!

Girls' Night Out Clutch: Repurposed and Preppy

For today's clutch (see yesterday's HERE), I finally cut into an old skirt sitting in my repurpose pile.  I had just enough fabric from it to cut the pattern pieces.

Here's the before:

...and the after. 

I think I'll get a lot more use out of it as a clutch.  Now, if only summer would arrive!  Doesn't this seem like the perfect "going out for drinks by the ocean" bag?

Stay tuned for more ideas for fabric combinations and Friday's giveaway!

Girls' Night Out Clutch from Zaaberry: five different ways and a GIVEAWAY!

My friend Ruby over at Zaaberry has a new pattern: the Girls' Night Out Clutch.  It's a quick, fun, fairly easy-to-sew pattern, and the options are endless!  She explains how to add piping, insert a magnetic snap,  and accommodate for different weight fabrics.



It's a bit addictive, and I've made four so far (with an idea for a fifth later this week).  This one was a clearance fabric from Joann's.  I love the nod to the ombre effect.



I didn't have any piping I liked with the fabric, but this mini pompom trim seemed to be just the pop the clutch needed.  It adds a bit of whimsy to the bag for a very playful look.



I'll be back each day this week to share a different clutch made with Ruby's pattern.  And...I'll be giving away one free pattern and one free clutch on Friday, so stay tuned...!

Of course, if you don't want to wait for the giveaway, you can always hop over HERE and buy the pattern.  

Urban Haute Apron from Modern Vintage Designs

Just popping in to share this project from last month!

It's the Urban Haute Apron from Modern Vintage Designs.   

My mom and the girls have a special thing with matroyshkas, so I knew this fabric was perfect for a birthday apron.

I love the bit of gathering in this apron and the waistband.  Feminine without being over the top.
And...I'm getting some use out of my dressform.  She's my model for the apron!

 

 

Waiting for Spring: Bird Seed Wreath

For Christmas, my mom treated us all to various bird feeders.  We had so much fun watching all the birds (and squirrels) at the wreath that we decided to make a new one after they devoured the first.

We found this recipe here and had fun picking out birdseed.  Can you see the pistachios and dried fruit in it?  It almost looks good enough for people to eat!
 

After a good amount of drying time, it was ready to hang.  Once the birds discovered it, it was gone in just a few days (the squirrel does help speed the process along).  Time to make a new one for all those spring birds I'm starting to hear.

Hope you are starting to get a taste of spring!