Clutch-Me.Com

Learn. Make. Sell. All about clutches.

NEW 8×3 nickel-free EleganceLock(TM) purse frame in Perfect Fit 6(TM)

Look what’s come in guys!  These will be listed tomorrow.

Oh, I just listed the 3×1.5 antique brass.  Sorry that took a couple days longer than planned.  I’ve been working on April’s accounting (ugh…) and just got done late Friday night.  I haven’t gotten as much time being a single mom and also having the house be in “show” condition as it’s on the market for rental or purchase.  Raising 3 kids and dog with a house on sale by myself is quite taxing!  On the positive side, once I hit the pillow, I’m out!  No need to have that glass of red wine … I don’t even have the energy to pour one!  🙂

Anywho, I had this frame with my popular Skinny Bride(TM) u-channel.  But after a lot of requests in the last 6 months for the EleganceLock without loops in the Perfect Fit 6(TM) u-channel, I redesigned it.

So for those who have used the purse frames with EleganceLock with loops, these are the same as those but without loops.

Many have sent emails on the pluses of this closure design, such as how the flattened closure design of the EleganceLock allows for older clients with arthritis, for example, an easier time to open the clutches!  I am so happy to hear that, as those of you who have been with me for these years will recall how I designed this with that in mind.  (I got my inspiration from Target’s redesign of all their pharmacy’s medicine/pill containers.)

Take a look!

8x3 nickel-free purse frame with EleganceLock(TM)

Made with my trademarked u-channel Perfect Fit 6(TM)!

No sibling rivalry here!

Hope your Sunday is great!  ~Winn

May 22, 2011 Posted by | WhileBabyNaps General Updates | , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Purse Frame Inventory Status: 10×3 nickel free kisslock with LOOPS back in!

10×3 nickel-free kisslock with loops are back in stock.  THANK YOU for your patience everyone!  I just re-listed them at my Etsy shop.

Sorry about the webstore … I’ve been working on other aspects of the business and haven’t gotten to doing the coding for that!  But, you all know to email me for private orders as needed!

Of course, as always you can convo me for a custom listing as well.  Thy has been doing several custom listings every day – so she’s happy to put together whatever you need!  🙂

10x3 nickel free purse frame(TM) with loops are BACK IN!!!

The make-your-own kits which includes PDF tutorials, pre-cut Pellon fusible interface, pre-cut inner and outer fabric, Gutermann glue, frame, and chain are up too!

"Complete Kit" -comes with everything including PDF tutorials and 6 templates.

A kit for those who already know how to make a clutch ...

Go get yours!  🙂

May 2, 2011 Posted by | WhileBabyNaps General Updates | , , , | Leave a comment

The importance of the bottom seam!

Do it right the first time:  make your clutch with a bottom seam.

I am following up on my previous post about squaring off your corners.

For non-directional fabric, it’s easy enough to make your clutch without a seam on the bottom.  How?  Trace your pattern as normal.  Then double up the pattern (the 2 trapezoids) with the bottom edge abutting each other.  (*”Hey Beavis, she said “aBUTTing”  – hehe*”)  🙂

Your new pattern will look like a hexagon.  I’ll make a quick drawing of what I mean:

You are essentially making one big piece of fabric that is hexagonal in shape and revising step #7 and not sewing the bottom seam.

You would then square off your corners just the same as before.
This is a nice shortcut if you have non-directional fabric – those patterns that do not have an upright direction.  Please refer to my previous post to see examples.

However, and it’s a big however, I am a believer in doing things right the first time.  All my clutches are made as per the PDF tutorial:  they are all made with a bottom seam.

Why?

1. structural stability:  it will not roll over and flop over.  The bottom seam anchors the clutch.

2. structural integrity is not compromised by having a bottom seam.  Every handbag makers double stitches or even triple stitches the seams.  These are handbags that you use daily to get your goodies in and out all day.  You sit your clutch on the table while eating lunch, in the passenger seat as you drive, on your closet shelf in a dustbag… you are not using these as punching bags so having a seam does not and will not degrade its structure over time.

You all know I am a believer in taking shortcuts when you can, but I cannot stress enough about the structural function that the bottom seam plays in clutches.

Look at all the top sellers on Etsy.

Janine King Designs is the #1 seller in the Bags & Purses category.  I have one of her bags and her work is top notch.  Even her bags that carry heavy items have a bottom seam.

These sturdy cross-body bags made in cotton are wonderful for leaving you hands-free!

Let’s look at a well-known and well-respected clutch handbag maker, one who is known for her peacock clutches and one-of-a-kind silk clutches.  Red Ruby Rose commands top price for her clutches and you can tell in the craftsmanship, the original silk fabrics, and the loyalty that she has with her customers.

All directional fabrics are made with a bottom seam! These clutches will stand the test of time.

All her clutches are handmade using a wide variety of finishes such as sumptuous cotton velvets!

So, make your shortcuts where needed.  You can now do my shortcut with no seam, but please do not worry about the bottom seam for the integrity of your clutch!

February 17, 2011 Posted by | Helpful Tips | , , , , | 3 Comments

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