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Recycled T-shirt Clutch Tutorial

August 13, 2010 7:53 am

I used this clutch tutorial for the Delish issue I was a part of. But I wanted to re-share it here on my blog because it’s one of my favorite clutches to use and it’s a totally “green” project.

Grab an old or new t-shirt. I thought this newsprint one would be cool.

Cut the part that you want to use for the front of your clutch into randomly sized strips.

Tags: clutch, green, purse, recycled, refashion, t shirt, tutorial, upcycled
Posted in Original Designs, other, refashions | 11 Comments »

Valentino Inspired Ruffle Clutch

January 27, 2010 5:44 am

I’m super excited to show you this tutorial! I was inspired to do this because my husband and I go on a date every 10 days, or so. And every time we go out I carry my big mom purse with us and I wanted something smaller to take out. Then I saw Valentino’s Spring/Summer collection and was blown away buy the texture and movement of all of the line. You should check it out.

So I thought I’d do a clutch inspired by the collection.

Here’s how!

Start out with two pieces of jersey, like an old shirt or sweatpants or any other thick flexible material you have, each cut 17 x 27.

Lay them on top of one another.

For all the detailing, I used some leftover silk chiffon I had. You really could use anything, but I wanted a dressier look so I went for it! You’re gonna need a lot!

Find the center of your clutch, where it will be folded on the bottom. You can mark it with a pen or pins. Begin sewing from down there. Make sure your jersey is doubled and you’re sewing through both layers.

What I started doing is one of row of heavy pleats.

With each row I alternated techniques. I would do ruffles, then more pleats, then heavy stitching over fabric, a few braids, some rosettes, etc… You want it to be random and full. Don’t skimp on the fabric or else it will look really homemade. I also didn’t go in straight lines, necessarily. I worked in different motions.

Don’t worry about making anything look symmetrical. I think there’s so much beauty in the randomness. Do both sides of the jersey piece. When you’re done, you’ll have one large, flat piece that looks like, your won version, of this.

Fold it inside out, in half. Then sew the two side together.

Turn it right side out again.

Now for the liner. I used this fun peacock blue satin. Cut it the same size as your original piece.

Fold it in half and sew the sides toghether.

Insert it into your clutch.

Get some of your extra fabric and make some bias tape.

Pin it all the way around the clutch, making sure that the outside and the liner are in the tape. Stitch it closed.

I added a snap to the center. You could also do a button with some elastic or a zipper.

Then, go out and own it.

Thanks to my sister, Ana for some great modeling!! If you do a clutch inspired by this tutorial, PLEASE go add it to the Flickr Group. I love being inspired by seeing what you do and I’m sure others do, too! Have a great day!