7 Reasons to Start Sewing Bags and Purses

7 Reasons to Start Sewing Bags and Purses

by Karla Fidoe (owner and maker of Pop of Color Bags)

7. Time

30 minutes of sewing and I have a
Bow Hand Strap Clutch!

I don't know about you, but sewing a dress is a whole day project for me. (Usually, it's more than that because I procrastinate a few days about hemming the dress because it's my least favorite thing to do!) Sewing a bag takes me an hour - complete with cutting the fabric, ironing between steps, and any finishing touches.

6. Cost

I have this idea in my head that people sew because it is cheaper than buying store made items. I'm not sure where I got this idea, because as a sewist, I know how expensive fabric can be! Even with coupons and sales, jersey knit fabrics cost $15 or more. It also takes more than one yard to make many clothing items.

This price doesn't include using a coupon along with the sale price. This is from Joann's Fabric.

Many of the fabrics used for making bags is less than $10, and two yards can yield up to 8 bags! 

5. Mastery of Skills

Sewing jersey knits, or any fabric with stretch, takes a special talent (and a lot of patience!). Reading and following patterns, darts, hemming, necklines, armholes, etc. are all techniques commonly used when sewing apparel.

Straight seam along zipper and top of hand strap.
Using a color matching thread really camouflages
any small imperfections 😄

What skills do you need for sewing a bag? You need to be able to change your sewing machine needle, cut out a rectangle, and sew a straight line. That's it. Of course, as you progress, you add skills like sewing a zipper, using interfacing, sewing curves, and adding trim, but in reality, sewing a straight line is the biggest skill you need.

4. Elegance 

Me during Derby week at
Churchill Downs

I came across this article on Pinterest, "How to Look Effortlessly Elegant All the Time." The section on Accessories resonated with me because I truly see my purse as my final accessory. If my handbag makes a statement, I look put together. It's the act of a final thought before I walk out the door that helps to make me feel elegant. If I feel elegant, then I project that confidence. (If you've read the article, I'm sure you are trying to imagine what accessory I could have possibly taken off for the Chanel theory that less is more! 😂)

3. Gifts to Give

I gave everyone tote bags 4 years ago for Christmas.
They were a big hit and are still in use today!

The first picture to pop into my mind when I think of a handmade gift is the sweaters Grandma used to knit and give as Christmas gifts. Sewing a purse is definitely not that! Instead, it encompasses a functional gift that is personalized for the receiver. If you have mastered sewing a straight line, then your handmade gift will look professionally done, and be appreciated for your craftsmanship. 

2. Versatility

Most bags have the same rectangular shape - a crossbody, wristlet, clutch, and tote bag to name a few.  Once you have mastered sewing a straight line and cutting out a rectangle, you can play with your purse designs.
Add a pocket in an unusual way - like my favorite wristlet clutches with a diagonal phone pockets. You can mix patterns and prints to create a one of a kind bag. You can add trim and change the style of a bag. The skies the limit when you start designing!
A great example is the Hand Strap Clutch.  It's a variation on a zipper pouch - just look at all the ways one change can make the bag feel like a different style.

1. Individuality

A bag or purse always fits is one of my life mottoes. A store bought tote or wristlet is almost always made in leather of one color. The lining is a satin version of the outside color. Boring! When you sew your own bag, you can choose to mix and match prints, find an outside faux leather and an inside lining in a cotton print, whatever your heart desires! I for one, love a
Pop of Color 😉

Have ideas to add to my list? Leave a comment!

Hand Strap Clutch Wristlet

Why You Should Be Carrying a Hand Strap Clutch Wristlet

by Karla Fidoe (owner and maker of Pop of Color Bags)

Every woman has a few purses in her closet. One is for those days where you feel like you have a thousand things to carry. One is for everyday use - that comfortable bag you fall back on to run errands, shop, and go to work. And then we all have that special purse, the one for going out, weddings, or travel.

The Hand Strap Clutch can't help with those days where you need a tote bag for carrying snacks, changes of clothes, first aid supplies, what have you. But, the Hand Strap Clutch can replace your everyday bag and special purse. Let me tell you why.

Depending on your needs, a hand strap clutch wristlet can be made in many different sizes - from the width of your hand to an oversized clutch that measures 13" x 9". This takes care of most women's purse size needs. 

Depending on your casual wear, there are different options for the hand strap clutch. A straight forward strap pairs best with women who wear athleisure clothes on most days. A bow hand strap clutch works for those whose casual wear is more office appropriate or jeans. However, depending on your personality, you can make either style work for your everyday purse.

Now, for special occasions, the same hand strap clutch works. The hand strap becomes an extra piece of jewelry, rather than just a purse. It dresses up well - you can imagine yourself going out, attending a wedding, seeing a play, to a concert, anything! 

Okay, so I've convinced you that the look of the hand strap clutch fits into every event you may need it for. Now, what else makes it the "go to bag"? The bag is designed to be light and well balanced, but still have structure. It is meant to cradle between your fingers and palm, and the weight is distributed between your hand and the strap around your wrist.  Need an extra hand for carrying drinks? Simply slide the wrist strap further up your arm to free your hand. You can also use the optional wrist strap for those moments where you need both hands for something larger to hold.

Any outfit, any occasion, and any clothing style works for a hand strap clutch. It's eye catching, unusual, and sure to receive compliments. Find your Hand Strap Clutch at Pop of Color Bags.