Creative Additions to Zipper Wristlets

Creative Additions to Zipper Wristlets

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

Can you sew a zipper pouch? (If not, check out my tutorial). Then you are ready to start making wristlet clutches! I love being able to make my own purses, and there are endless options to customizing your own purse when you know how to sew a zipper pouch.

I got into making my own purses because I hated working with patterns - the trace paper pieces, the millions of steps, not to mention refolding those trace paper pieces! I love that a wristlet is just different sizes of a rectangle. By adding layers on top of the rectangle shape of the zipper pouch, I can change the function and feel of the handbag. I taught myself to sew zippers, so if I can do this, any one can!

Here are some ideas for additions to your zipper pouch:

Cork Wristlet with pleated plaid pocket
*Simply add a pleated rectangular piece of fabric to one side of your cork before sewing the zipper.

Cork Wristlet with diagonal front phone pocket
*Cutting off one corner of a rectangle allows you to have the diagonal pocket. Attach the pocket to your cork before sewing the zipper.

Boho Wristlet Clutch
*Combining fabrics and adding a tassel detail gives a boho look to your zipper wristlet.

Suede and Cotton Wristlet
*Taking a cotton rectangle, add triangles of another textured fabric in the corners to create a rich feeling wristlet clutch.

Hand Strap Clutch Wristlet
*Using a slimmer rectangle, you can create a hand strap. Simply baste it to your cork fabric before sewing the left and right outside seams.

Bow Hand Strap Clutch
*Pinching the center of a rectangle creates a bow. Want to make it? Check out my tutorial here.

Each of these handbags starts with cutting out a rectangle for a zipper pouch. Adding the extra details allows you to create a style or customize it. I'd love to see what you come up with - feel free to snap a pic and post in the comment section.

Happy Sewing!
Karla

Eco-Friendly Purses

Eco-Friendly Purses

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

I didn't set out to sew eco-friendly purses. I sew because I love taking a fabric, combining prints and textures, and making something beautiful. Every piece of fabric tells a story, and I am lucky enough to be the narrator. 

The richest textures just happen to come from eco-friendly resources. Cork fabric is durable, has a buttery soft feel, and adds structure to a purse. Cotton can come in an endless variety of prints and colors, and adds a luxurious feel to a bag. With these two fabrics, I can tell a beautiful story.

A cotton canvas fabric can be combined with cotton rope handles to create an everyday market bag. *Side note: I created this bag and was worried about the cotton rope handles in button holes. So I tested it out by carrying it for a week. I toted my laptop, glass lunch dish, and a cork wristlet most days. The button holes haven't stretched, and the rope handles add a fun detail. After a week, I made a few more,  but have continued to carry mine, as it has become my favorite everyday market bag! It matches my cork wristlet, and gives a boho feel that compliments my style.

Creating eco-friendly bags wasn't my original mission, but has become my preferred fabric choices for sewing. The richness of the fabrics make beautiful bags.

Happy Shopping!

Karla

What are you looking for in a purse?

What are you looking for in a purse?

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

I've said many times that what draws me to sewing purses is the fact that a purse always fits. Before I started making my own, I would spend hours searching for that perfect purse. 

Cork Wristlet Clutch with Phone Pocket

I would try them on in department stores and walk around to see if it was going to be "the one." So many purses slip off my shoulders, or are too bulky and make my arm float. Then there's the ones with a thousand pockets, which seem like a good idea, but in reality, means you can't remember which pocket holds your keys and spend forever searching for what you need. Of course, there is also always the surprising heavy empty purse which is sure to make my neck hurt once I start adding my own belongings.

To me, a purse is like jewelry. It completes an outfit with that last bit of detail. It can take a mundane, running errands outfit, to a completed, "I've got this," feeling that boosts confidence and makes sure you are ready to face your day.

Bow Tie Clutch Wristlet

Woven Wristlet Clutch

Wristlet Clutch with Bold Print

So what kind of purse has these magical qualities? My answer, a simple wristlet clutch. Cost effective enough so you can have multiple clutches, this modern handbag allows you to complete an outfit, easily change purses, and throw it inside a tote when you need more space. With multiple styles, it is easy to find a wristlet which shows your identity.

What are you looking for in a purse? Share your comments with me!

See a style you like? Check out my Etsy shop, Pop of Color Bags.
Happy Shopping! Karla

A Boho Fall Collection

Boho Fall Collection

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

In my head, Boho style is a mix of the 60s hippie fashion with an eclectic twist. Choosing Boho clothes results in a modern wardrobe that is whimsical, has geometrical elements, and looks effortless. I love being able to mix and match prints, add decorative elements, and pair textures. 

A Perfect Custom Gift

A Perfect Custom Gift

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

Searching for Secret Santa gifts? White elephant? Christmas gifts for co-workers or friends? #shopsmall #shophandmade with a zipper pouch. Sounds simple, but a zipper pouch has many uses and many styles. 

Use as a coin purse 

Use as a pencil pouch

Use a zipper pouch as a makeup bag

Use a jewelry pouch

A zipper pouch can be a first aid kit, a coin purse, a gift card holder, a beauty kit, anything you can think of and much more useful. I know I carry a zipper pouch in my purse to help corral small items and make switching bags easier. I have them in my bathroom, on my vanity, in my car, pretty much everywhere! 

Choose one that shows your gift receivers style and fill it with thoughtfully for a perfect gift.

Happy Giving!

Karla Fidoe

Leave a comment to share how you gifted your zipper pouch🎁

How to Sew Shoulder Bag

Step by Step Tutorial for Sewing a Shoulder Bag 

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

I love to carry and sew a wristlet clutch or tote bag. I've made hundreds of each style of purse, and my customers frequently ask for a happy middle ground - a shoulder bag. For some reason, my shoulder bags end up looking more like a tote bag in size than a shoulder purse, so I've been experimenting with dimensions and a new pattern to create the perfect shoulder bag.

Materials:
4 -  13" x 15" rectangles (I like to use coordinating fabric, 2 rectangles for the exterior and 2 rectangles for the interior fabric.
2 - 1" d-rings
2 - 4" by 3" fabric rectangles for the d-rings
2 - 1" lobster claw rings for purse handle
1 - 20" by 3" wide rectangle for fabric handle



Steps:

1. Cut out fabric rectangles. I like to use a plate to add an armhole curve. Simply fold your 4 fabric rectangles in half, and use your rotary cutter to trace around the plate at the desired curve depth.

When you open the fabric, you'll see a bump where the curves meet. Simply use fabric scissors to even it out.

After you even out your curve, it should look like this.

2. To have boxed corners, simply cut a 1" by 1" square
out of the bottom corners of your fabric rectangles.

3. With right sides together, sew seams along the exterior fabric on the wrong side.

4. Box the corners by aligning your side and bottom
seams in the 1" by 1" cutouts in the corners.

5. Fold and iron your d-ring attachment pieces.
(I chose to use cork fabric since I don't need to finish the edges.)

6. Fold and iron your handle. Sew a straight seam along
one edge. (I chose to cut a 16" long rectangle so I could
use cork to accent the ends of the handle.)

7. Add a slip pocket by sewing a rectangle and
placing it on the right side of the interior fabric.

8. Sew side and bottom seams of your interior fabric.
Make sure to leave 4" along the bottom edge to turn your bag.
Box the corners before you turn the fabric right side out.

12. Turn interior of the bag right side out. Place it inside
of the exterior bag so that right sides are together. Pin the
d-ring handle attachment to the sides with the d-ring
hanging down inside the sandwiched bags.13. Sew the bottom hole in the interior bag closed by simply folding unfinished edges
in and sewing a straight seam to close.

14.  Top stitch along the edge of the purse.
Attach your purse handle and you're finished!

Happy Sewing!
Karla

Tried this yourself? Leave a photo of your purse!
Like the look and want to buy it? Go to Pop of Color Bags.

Animal Print Collection

Animal Print Purses and Bags Collection

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

Animal prints are such a fun neutral trend! I scoffed at the new trend the first time I saw a cheetah print top at J Crew's. The second time I was shopping and saw a dress with the print, I tried it on for fun. And realized it is super fun! It's hard not to feel spunky dressed in animal print - I dare you to try.

When I ran across fabric at Joann's in animal print, I knew I had to try to make a bag. Some of the prints are more geometric, some are neutral in color, but there is something for everyone.

Eclectic Envelope Clutch Wristlet

Mixed Patterns and Prints Wristlet Clutch

Envelope Clutch with Hand Strap in Zebra Print

Animal Print Hand Strap Clutch

Happy Shopping!