Clutches

My husband and I are taking a road trip to VEGAS soon!

(and I do mean ROAD trip...we are going all the way there in one day. It's a 14 hour drive.)

That's not the point of this post, but I'm really excited about the trip.

This post is about 2 great tutorials that I put to use for the trip. 

I have been to Vegas 4 times, and the last time I went, I was an idiot and carried a purse. Purses are great...they hold wallets, cameras, phones, hand sanitizer, lotion, chap stick (diapers and wipes if you have small people living with you). But they are NOT great for lugging around for 27 miles of walking a day in 112 degree weather. Lesson learned.  Each morning I went through and weeded out unnecessary things, and by the last day, my purse only had about three things in it. And it still seemed to weigh 213 lbs by the time we got back to the hotel.

As soon as we chose our destination, I decided that I better figure out an alternative to the purse.

The solution: a cute little clutch with a wrist strap.

Perfect!

I made these a few weeks ago, and being the bad blogger I am these days, I am just now getting around to posting them.

The first one I made, I used this tutorial for a scrappy clutch from Christine over at From An Igloo. The girl has got mad sewing skills! She has so many cute things I want to make, but I don't quite have the confidence yet.

I had never worked with a zipper, or made anything really complicated before, but I was determined to get it done. If I can do it (and I did!) anyone can do it.

I added a little fabric rosette to it because, quite frankly, I am obsessed with anything that adds texture and interest. I am happy with how it turned out! So happy that I decided to make another clutch!

I used this tutorial for a gathered clutch from Noodlehead. This chick can make anything with a zipper.  Oh how I wish I could do that! Speaking of which, she has a super cute little drawstring backpack tutorial that I am dying to give a try...if my husband would ever wear out a pair of khakis. Sigh...maybe I'll just hit up a thrift store or clearance rack and get lucky.

I adore this little thing! It is a perfect size, and was SO cheap to make.  I used muslin, interfacing and fabric scraps I had left from a camera strap slipcover. All I had to buy was a zipper.

And guess what?  I couldn't resist a fabric rosette. And fabric covered buttons.

I. am. addicted.

Ruffles, flowers, gathers, buttons.

Someone stop me.

Better yet, don't.

 I like being addicted.

Go give these tutorials a try. You will love them! In fact, I'm going to go make another one. A.ddic.ted.

Today I am thankful that my husband and I get to take a week long road trip together! I am looking forward to being stuck in a car-just me and my love!