When the first draft is the final draft!

{front}

 While I am working (my real job) and have some mental downtime, I sometimes work through how to create a pattern in my head. One of the reasons I like sewing, is that it is mentally stimulating for me and allows me to creatively problem solve.  Being a visual thinker, I can sometimes mentally take apart something I want to make and work through the whole pattern making/sewing process before I cut into fabric. 

I have seen plenty of these cute round bottom clutches with flaps around the internet and thought they were adorable.  Most of what I have seen, only had a magnetic or button closure at the flap.  That didn't seem practical for me.  One toss into the back seat of my car would result in lost lip gloss and phone.

{flap completely covers the zipper and is secured with a hidden magnetic clasp}

 I wanted to add a zipper, but still have it follow a slight curve at the top of the bag.  So after a week of thinking through this process, I sat down over lunch on a Friday and wrote out everything that was floating around in my head.  That night I decided to use a vintage calender towel to make a first draft.  I first drew out my pattern on paper, trued up all my drafting, and cut into the fabric.  One towel and fat quarter of cotton was more than enough to make this sweet clutch/wristlet.

{back}

 I have been successful at finding some great thrift store purses (half off Wednesdays!!) to reuse for their leather, handles, zippers, and hardware. I reused the small D-ring and clasp from a $.50 purse to quickly turn this clutch into a wristlet.

{interfaced black and white printed gingham for the interior.  and a slightly crooked magnet sewn in.}

It is a simple little design, but I was smitten with myself when the first draft was exactly what I imagined in my head.  I by no means designed a completely original purse (these little round bottom purses seem to be a dime and dozen now) but this purse was a great exercise for my mind.  Continually building a foundation of knowledge that leads to me to be more creative and flexible in other areas of my life. What a great hobby!