clasp hardware love

For YEARS I wanted to make a little pouch with a hardware clasp.  And for YEARS I was kinda terrified of them.  I'd see so many cute ideas on Pinterest, but the assembly was mysterious and scary to me.  I didn't understand how it worked, or if I could do it.

Turns out it's easy as pie!  Really.

I made this one ~ yet another last.minute birthday gift for my daughter's friend ~ in less than 2 hours.  And I wasn't rushing either. 

The birthday girl's favourite colour is pastel green.  I was impressed that my daughter picked this lovely stripe from Scrumptious by Bonnie & Camille a few years ago.  I didn't tell her it was aqua. ;)

I was pretty happy when I found that lace in my ribbons/lace drawer.  And I was even more surprised that my daughter let me use it!  I thought for sure she'd dismiss it as "too old lady", as she's most apt to say with everything I like.  But because the kit cover photo has lace, she was good with it.  I found that lace many years ago on eBay and only use it for special projects.  I was glad I only needed to sacrifice a few inches for this purse.  I always wince just a bit when I cut it.  But it's always for a good cause.  And I believe that beautiful things such ought to be enjoyed.

I sometimes wonder about who made it, when, where, why ... like was it a young Miss making it for a hope chest?  Or a mother making it to pretty up her pillowcases?  Or a Grandma with fading eyes but who could still crochet by memory because she'd been doing it for decades and had made miles of it?  Was it made on the other side of the globe or just a stone's throw away?  What was she thinking about as she made it.  (Is it sexist of me to assume that it was made by a woman?)  And what would they think about how it came to be in my sewing room via the internet and all that?  LOL!  I'll never know, but it's fun to imagine. 

Now, these projects do require attention to detail.  But there are templates with seam lines and matching up points to help you cut all the fabric pieces accurately, and sew them together accurately to ensure a perfect fit.  And the instructions are very easy to follow.  This one ~ the Bauble Clasp Purse ~ even has a nice gusset to make the pouch roomy, and also pretty. ;)

I get mine from ZakkaWorkshop.  They have a great selection of sizes and styles. 

And now apparently I need to make another one for someone in this house.  Santa sewing is more fun, and less stressful, than stunt sewing! :) xo k

Comments

[Hildy]

Love the little purse you made and that even the stripes match you rock girl!!!

[Linda]

Thanks for the link to the coin purse hardware. I've never been able to find one that comes with a decent pattern and directions.

[Beth @ Cooking Up Quilts]

I'm so happy you wrote this! These little purses are on my 'I want to make one" list too. Thanks for sharing, now I'm encouraged to give it a try.

[Susan]

Love this! So very pretty! I'm afraid to make these cute little pouches and you've inspired me. I think I may try it soon.