Bridesmaid Style: Fancy Bow Clutch Purse

I've been married for almost 6 years, and from time to time I think about stuff I would have done differently had I gotten married after I learned how to sew.  (I mostly blame Pinterest!)  Even if I didn't sew my own wedding dress (let's not get crazy!  I got my amazingly talented and generous aunt to do that for me), it still would have been special to sew up some stuffs for the special ladies in my bridal party.

Hold the phones everyone . . . I had seven bridesmaids!  Maybe something small would have been in order.  Geez!  Even in my imagination I'm getting stressed out with how much I would have had to make.

Um . . . ANYHOO . . .

Recently, I was asked by an old friend of mine to help her by making something special for her bridesmaids . . . a little thank you gift as well as something useful that they could use on the big day.  We went back and forth a bit on ideas and in the end settled on a swanky looking silver clutch purse (Pardon the late night photo shoot with the less than desirable lighting . . . as usual):

The very thorough (and lengthy!) pattern was written by Constructivism on Etsy.  This was by far the most involved purse I have made to date, but it makes for a very impressive finish.  The bow is not something that is "stuck on" at the end, it's actually a sash that is cleverly incorporated into the design of the bag that when pulled back on itself gives the look of a bow.

A few things I had never used before this project:

• Satin!  I was super nervous to work with it, but it's surprisingly easy to manage.  I'm not saying it's going to be my new "thing", but I'm no longer scared of it.
• Sunken Zipper.  Her method makes it pretty brainless though which definitely helped!
• Ultra Firm Stabilizer.  I think that this might be the thing that most sets this project apart from other bags/purses I've made . . . it really gives the clutch some serious structure which makes for a more professional looking end product.

I've got 4 more of these beauties in the works.  BUT . . . I'm taking a break!  ;)

What new skills have you been working on lately?



P.S.  Just noticed that Gen from Constructivism has featured my purse on her Facebook page.  Go give it a like (that is . . . if you like it!)