envelope clutch pattern testing

i was sooooo excited that i got to pattern test the newest pattern by noodlehead. check it out, it’s an envelope clutch!

anna has written a great pattern with lots of options (small/large, pointed/squared flap, wrist strap, zippered pocket, card holder), so you can make it however you like to suit your every desire. the outer fabric is basted to canvas for structure, and the lining is interfaced, so it’s nice and substantial. i also love that anna instructs you to use magnetic snaps to keep it closed – a little scary to install (cutting holes in the almost-finished purse), but the end product feels so…professional! not too floppy and it closes nicely – it’s like a REAL clutch!

i made the large version with pointed flap. the outer fabric is a gray chevron (half moon modern by moda), and i flipped it upside down on the flap for an interesting geometric contrast. on the inside, i used my favorite solid, kona olive.

side note: i really need to buy more “adult” fabrics. this chevron was pretty much the only thing in my stash that would work for date night outfits as well as daytime, but i do love it and love the herringbone effect of the card holder on the inside, too.

i went with the exposed zippered pocket, which i’d never tried before (the pattern calls for a 5″ zipper but i used a 7″ and shortened it by backstitching a few times across the end and pinking off the excess), and the pocket is lined in a cheery gold polka dot.

envelope clutch

please pardon the tarp in the background. we were up at the family vacation spot on the puget sound this weekend and there’s some landscaping to be done! the weather was crazy too – we had snow, rain, wind, and blue skies, all within a matter of hours. as we took these photos, a storm was blowing in and the light on the water was really cool.

anyway, i just love pattern testing. it’s fun to see the background on great new independent patterns coming to market and how they get made (i was lucky enough to test rae’s pierrot tunic pattern last fall). i had a great time testing this pattern, too – i learned some new things and was so happy with how it turned out. look, i even pretty closely matched the chevrons on the sides! don’t ask me how, but this is about as good as it gets for me. 🙂

the pattern is coming very soon, so keep your eye on noodlehead in the next week or so to snatch it up and make your own! it’s so versatile and quick to sew, i’m already dreaming up my next version!  **update: the envelope clutch pattern is now available!  get it here!!**

and be sure to check back here later this week, because a sweet tartan dress tutorial is in the works!

21 thoughts on “envelope clutch pattern testing”

  3. Rachel says:
    Reply

    how fortunate that you were able to test this pattern, I saw it for the first time when noodlehead showed it & thought it looked like my kind of purse !
    lovely background in your photos 🙂

  4. anna says:
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    love it so much!!! you did an amazing job. and I found myself in that same fabric situations a while ago and had to fix it (probably went overboard by now). Anyway, yours is so beautiful. Thank you!

  6. gail says:
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    i love it! you can’t go wrong with chevron, right? it’s great for the clutch, and i’m totally impressed with how it all lined up 🙂 oh, love your new background, too!

  8. darci says:
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    very nice-
    i was also lucky enough to test. Its a great pattern- i love how the flap is inserted into the back panel.
    cant wait to see how all the testers put theirs together- so exciting

  9. Trinh says:
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    that is some great fussy cutting! love the inside too. can hardly wait for the tutorial. also if you could do one for the tulle circle skirt, that would be great. you know, in your spare time:).

  11. cate says:
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    I’ve been eyeing that zig zag fabric, but didn’t know what I wanted to use it for. Now I DO know! Your clutch is really gorgeous, and all those little details really make it special!

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