It is a beautiful, breezy day here in Sydney and I am thrilled to finally announce the Encore Clutch is now available! 

I’ve been on a smaller bag kick lately because of my back, and the Sunrise Saddle Bag has been such a hit that I thought staying on the smaller end for a while might be a good thing for you, too! So many of you are sewing for craft fairs and Etsy shops that you need quick sews that use less fabric. I still use either a BOTI Backpack or the smaller Time for a Change Bag for Emmett. He is that toddler stage where he doesn’t destroy his clothes and we only need a diaper stashed in the back pocket of the stroller, but now we have to take toys and tons of snacks everywhere, so we still have to use a bag. Thankfully it can usually stay in the car! But that means I can’t just use the zippered pocket for MY stuff, and this wristlet ended up being the perfect solution.

 My Essential Wristlet pattern is one of my classics. I know so many of you use the open-wide-no-dented-corner technique on all of the wristlets that you make now, which is awesome! I wrote that pattern to teach that technique, and it serves its purpose well – It holds a phone, cash, cards, and a passport. But it was lacking card slots, which is an often requested feature. I’m happy to stack my cards together in a small card pocket, which is still included with the small size of the Encore Clutch, but you and your customers want card slots, so I created a way to make them quickly and accurately that I think you will enjoy!

 
 We really struggled to name the Encore Clutch… so many new patterns on the market means a lot of obvious names are taken. My cousin suggested Starpleat, which was fabulous and hilarious but I suppose the pun is just not sophisticated enough for this wristlet. Maybe for a different bag, one day. :) Long time customer Marianne suggested The Encore Clutch, which made me realize this is totally an Encore to the Essential Wristlet. The request for the card slots, as well as the curvy, feminine shape that is truly bigger on the inside… is something that is frequently requested. While even the large size isn’t huge, the pleats really let it hold quite a bit more than you’d expect, especially thicker things like a small packet of Kleenex or wipes and makeup compacts and bulky key fobs. I keep a box of TicTacs in mine and Chapstick and even my sunglasses will fit. Not all at the same time, obviously, but you can definitely choose a few bigger items to take with you.

 The pleats might look familiar. I love love love the pleats from the Roundabout Hobo. I kept the curve and pleats and shrunk them down until I was happy with the (large) size. Then I decided I needed a smaller one, and smaller still. Re-sizing a pouch with your printer can be tricky because the measurements need to be just so for the zipper technique to work perfectly. I figured I would do the hard work for you and create the pattern templates for each size, along with a corresponding pocket. The large has three card slots plus a pocket behind that is just wide enough for dollar bills and my iPhone 6. The medium has three card slots plus a medium sized pocket behind the cards for folded cash or receipts. The small size has an Essential Wristlet style pocket where you can stack a bunch of cards. The large size is nearly 3″ deep, but still looks compact. I’m totally in love with it! The large and small are my favorite and some of my testers said they prefer the medium, so I think three was the right decision.

 
  The first one I made was super plain, so I added a feature panel to be placed on top, so you won’t have to worry that an inaccurate seam allowance could mess up your zipper installation. The feature panel allows you to show off that last scrap of your favorite fabric or production sew a whole bunch of wristlets with different feature panels and a neutral fabric in the background. Instructions for optional piping or faux/flat piping are included as well. Since a lot of beginners rely on my detailed instructions, I don’t want what could be your first attempt at piping to be scary. It’s super easy, and all you need is a zipper foot. The right fabric combination will give this tiny pouch a huge personality!

  You can use Fat Quarters or pull scraps from your stash. This bag is perfect for home dec fabrics, and it has a bit of a puffy look if you add fusible fleece (like the grey one). My favorite one (the owls) is quilting cotton with fusible SF101 plus two layers of Pellon 50, if your machine is up for a challenge (hint: use a topstitch needle!) If not, SF101 plus just a single layer of sew-in interfacing will do!

 
The Encore Clutch name also seems fitting since you won’t be able to make just one. You’ll want to keep making more and more!

So I hope this fills an empty slot in my pattern line. Flat wristlets are fast and an awesome learning experience but this one has a little something extra without much more effort. This might be your new go-to for gift giving and impulse-buy craft show sewing. Or you can just make one for yourself!

 
You can get the Encore Clutch for an introductory price of $8 (regular price $10) in the Pattern Shop until Sunday, August 20th. Join the Facebook Group, Follow on Instagram, or sign up for the Newsletter (at the top left) for an additional discount! My assistant and I will be on hand all weekend and next week to help you out if you have any questions. Thank you and Happy Sewing!