I love using clutches for all sorts of things. I use them as a purse, to hold small items inside a larger bag, for diapers, etc. If you're like me and love clutches and quick projects then I'm pretty sure you'll love this project. It literally took just five minutes to make!
The other day when I was in the fabric store I came across this lonely placemat in the clearance bin. I loved the pattern and the emerald green colour for spring. I was a little bummed that there was only one, but I liked it too much to leave it behind. I knew I could make something out of it and it ended up turning into a clutch.
The placemat was already lined which was a bonus and had some lovely top-stitching all around. To make the placemat into a clutch, I simply had to turn up a portion to make an envelope. I stitched the folded over part along the top-stitching (wrong sides together). I didn't choose to make a traditional seam on the inside (i.e., with right sides together) because I liked the crisp look of the top-stitching.
Oh boy! Could I have used the word "top-stitching" anymore in that paragraph? :)
Here's the finished clutch. I added a few vintage flower buttons to the flap. I think it would look nice just plain too or maybe with a big button on the front.
I'm planning on using the clutch as a diaper clutch. I often just take my diaper clutch with me when I go out on short trips with the boys. It fits nicely into my purse. I also put a small snap on the inside flap to keep it closed and for it to be easy to open with one hand while holding my squirmy baby.
I probably should have a picture of the clutch being modelled, but it would have been too much work to pull out the tripod and for me to stand awkwardly in front of it. Besides, I had this little guy helping me out. Since the clutch is holding his diapers, he made a very fitting and cute model, n'est pas? :)
sharing this project here: 36th ave, inspiration gallery, shabby nest, tidy mom, tatertots&jello, it's overflowing, DIY Showoff, MondayFunday, homestoriesatoz, savvysouthernstyle, gingersnap crafts, HouseofHepworths, iheartnaptime, cozylittlehouse
What a great little clutch! Perfect for nappies etc. I could use one myself as now they are floating free in my big Mary Poppins bag. :D It was a great find indeed as you had all the work done for you except the side seams and and the buttons+snap. I have to remember this for future. :) Have a lovely end of the week Anu! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Ina, I really love using a clutch for the diapers. I hope you enjoy the rest of your week too. :)
DeleteThat is adorable and if we were still in the diaper stage of parenting, I would totally make one of those. Although it would be good for other things. And your little munchkin is even more adorable than the clutch!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! It definitely could be used for just about anything.
DeleteI am just in love with all of your projects and your style! I adore your sweet clutch, it seems like I will need about 20 of these to keep me organized when my little one is here! I had better get sewing! Or maybe shopping for placemats first right?!? :)
ReplyDeleteJaime from Crafty Scrappy Happy
So smart and adorable! Definitely nicer looking than the Ziploc bag I use to store my diapers and wipes in! Great job!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kathryn!
DeleteOh my gosh...so cute! I'm sharing this on my FB page for sure! XO, Aimee
ReplyDeleteThanks for the shout-out Aimee! :)
Deletenice! And good for you finding the perfect project for the lonely placemat. Your model is adorable as always (how does he like the Bumbo, btw? We had one for Gus, but I seem to remember it not getting used much; I wonder if Abe would enjoy one, though?)
ReplyDeleteThanks Gretchen. We actually haven't used the Bumbo that much with either of the boys. I find Co-pilot stays in it for short periods of time only. They are good for pictures though. :) I think Bumbo seats were recalled last year and now have some kind of seatbelt - not sure if that would help them stay in there longer?
DeleteI was looking at them at the store yesterday and noticed they're called "floor seats" now....so you know not to just set your baby in it on a shelf and walk off ;)
DeleteBeautiful...and as always very creative.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Laura! :)
DeleteWhat a great idea. Matter of fact, I do have a couple of lonely place mats. Never thought of making them into clutches!
ReplyDeleteThanks! It was a fun and quick project.
DeleteNow I think I'm going to be on a mission to find lonely placemats...granted, I have a few at home that I could use since my husband and I have NEVER had a meal at a real table in our apartment! (Yeah, we sit in front of the tv...) This would make my placemats much more useful!
ReplyDeleteBrooke - DesignedByBH.com
I love the pattern and the color. This is such a great idea, perfect for a little diaper pouch.
ReplyDeleteWow! Love it! I need to try this now! http://pinkgerberdaisies-kady.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteSuper cute! Love the fabric that you chose ~ and the little model ;)
ReplyDeletexo
Heather
Adorable model! I love this idea... I should use it more often because I am constantly filling my huge purse up with a ridiculous amount of clutter. Would be perfect to store things in these instead. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteKrista @thehappyhousie
You are one clever girl. Such a cute little diaper clutch. And talking about cute....that little model is absolutely adorable! VisIting from It's Overflowing. Have a lovely day!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! Have a lovely day too. :)
DeleteBeautiful! I LOVE that fabric. What a great idea, too. I'm visiting from It's Overflowing.
ReplyDeleteChristy @ Creating a Beautiful Life
Thanks! You could definitely hand sew this one as there is really very little sewing. :)
ReplyDeleteNow, why didn't I think of this? So easy and clever! I need one in every beautiful pattern I can find :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a fab idea, love the fabric too!
ReplyDeleteThis is brilliant! So simple and beautiful! I popped over from Home Stories A to Z--thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete~Abby =)
Adorable!!! Such a great idea...
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Cindy
Thanks! :)
ReplyDeleteI love the way it turned out! Such fun fabric too! Thanks for sharing it at Monday Funday!
ReplyDeleteI am soooooo doing this!
ReplyDeletelovely!!! I adore those buttons :o) your son is super cute too.... would love for you to share at my link party and/or I've got a great cutting edge stencil giveaway going... I think you could use $50 in free stencils :o)
ReplyDeletewww.nap-timecreations.com
This inspired me to make a clutch of my own! Only difference is I made mine a little shorter and added a strap. I mentioned you in the post -- would love to hear what you think!
ReplyDeletehttp://somethingisdone.com/diy-clutch-from-a-placemat/
That's so great! I am off to check out your clutch now. :)
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