We're doing a lot of self-care sewing and showing how we are BEAUTIFUL in so many ways, but sometimes we're not ready to commit to sewing a garment for ourselves. Or we want to sew for someone else, but it's hard with measurements and curves and such. This is where handbags come in! Who doesn't love a fun clutch or handbag? Today we have the Gather Me Up Clutch by Two Pretty Poppets, sewn up and reviewed by Sarah and Raedene!

Hello there! This is Sarah and I am here today with a review of the Gather Me Up Clutch by Two Pretty Poppets. This is a cute and functional clutch that comes in two sizes (8” wide and 10” wide) with an optional wrist strap or cross body strap. It also includes inner credit card slots and optional zippered pockets inside and out. You also might have noticed that my Gather Me Up clutch is not so gathered, that is because the pattern also includes a flat front option that I chose to do. Two things that I really liked about the pattern (other than my adorable clutch) were that it includes both measurements and pattern pieces for each of the bag pieces, and it includes a sheet of labels that you can use to keep all of those pieces organized. Those labels really come in handy to keep everything organized during the construction process.

My bag turned out really cute. I made it for a friend who is transferring soon as a little going away gift. It is a great size to throw inside another bigger bag, or to carry alone with the essentials. I made the wrist strap and included the inside card slots and zippered pocket, as well as the outside zippered pocket. Even with all of those options included, it only took me 2 evenings to make. The instructions are top notch too; very clear and step by step. I loved the way the zippers were inserted and how the lining is constructed and turned. I struggle with drop in liners and was thrilled with the technique this bag used so I could avoid the drop in liner. I think it came out much more polished than most of my drop in liners and the end result is just adorable. I can’t wait to surprise my friend with it and hope she will love it as much as I do!

Until next time,
Sarah

This sweet clutch pattern called the Gather Me Up is the perfect name as the front gathered fabric is what really caught my attention. What a unique spin on a pouch pattern. I am in the throws of sewing end of the year teacher gifts! What an adorable clutch to make for the special teacher and fill it with some fun items! The pattern has so many options. I chose to make the small size (since I have 5 teachers to sew for) and I kept it simple with no pocket options in terms of saving time. But the credit card insert and the inside and outer back zipper pocket directions are all provided meaning you can make so many clutches and no two will be the same. It is also fully lined with a sweet little trim across the center of the ruffle front. The pattern suggests a fabric piece or ribbon and I tried some lace. There are also directions for wristlet or crisscross straps.

I made mine a wristlet as it is perfect for beach/pool days for teachers on summer vacation. The directions were very thorough with BOLD headings for each step to identify which version and/or option was being described. The photos are very clear. I am not a veteran bag maker and I had no problems following along. I am looking forward to summer when I have more time to make another with all the bells and whistles!