Rockin', Rollin' and SEWIN'...

Never in a MILLION, TRILLION years would I have guessed that I would be telling you, my blogging family, about a small little business of mine.  Wait, let's rewind - blog and business.  Those two "b" words were never in my vocabulary before.  It's been so thrilling to introduce these two words into my language!  Who would have thought that Mom's Christmas purchase in 2011 would turn into the best gift that kept giving in 2012?

After week one of opening my Southern Sewendipity Facebook page, I have completed 8 orders of custom, homemade clutches for 2 sisters, 2 co-workers, 1 out-of-state friend, 1 "2nd mother", and 2 girlfriends.  Believe it or not, I just confirmed 1 additional order for another.  The world of technology and word-of-mouth is a girl's best friend when it comes to advertising her favorite accessory.  In the world of marketing and accessories, 8 is a small, very tiny number in comparison to companies like Coach or Vera Wang.  But, let's face it - I'm just a Southern girl, in a small town, just doing what she loves.  So, eat your heart out, Vera!  I see eight as the new 1K!  

Lessons learned so far:

1. Don't be afraid to "take the plunge", even it means standing at the edge for a long time.  Don't watch what everyone else is doing...you'll jump when you're ready.  
2. Practice.  You learn more with every step. 
3. Ask for help.  There are many people willing to give you great advice.  
4.  Let your creativity flow...sewing leaves the door WIDE open to create things that reflect you.  Take advantage of allowing this opportunity to show others a side they may have never seen before.
                                                                 and....
5. Don't forget to HAVE FUN.  Sewing has become a hobby for me.  Something I enjoy doing when everything else around me isn't enjoyable.  Don't let it become "homework." 

 I think it's time to introduce Southern Sewendipity's line-up.  I think they are a pretty fabulous crew, don't you? 

(Don't forget, you can inquire more with our Etsy Shop: here and visit us on Facebook here):

"Wild Thang"

The "Su-Su" clutch (named after my Mom a.k.a Su-Su)

"Southern Belle"

"Chevron"

"Summer Sky"

Addicted

You may remember my post here when I introduced the wonderful world of clutches, or at least, the homemade kind.  I didn't realize at the time, I would fall so IN LOVE with them and making them.  I carry mine around like a champ.  I don't know what it is that has me so hooked in creating such a fabulous accessory, but it's totally my favorite sewing homework assignment right now.

Since creating my black and red beauty in April, I have made three others:  one for Mom, one for a dear friend and just finished one last night for my sister!  If had more fabric, believe me - a fourth would have made its debut.  Over the last month, I have learned the fun in making each purse one-of-a-kind.  Between choosing your fabric to picking out your pattern for the "flap" verses your "purse" and my latest addition:  a little embellishment.  The ways to make a Southern Sewendipity clutch are endless!  

Here are the final products:

 

Clutch Me

Every lady needs a clutch - a small "handbag without handles".  I love them, especially when painting the town red or having a glass of wine with my girlfriends.  For whatever reason, they make you feel dainty and more girly.  If you don't have one, make one!  I used the "It's So Easy It's Simplicity" pattern (to the right).  It's pattern #2906 and includes two skirts and one clutch pattern.  If you've never used this company for pattern ideas - I highly recommend them.  They're super affordable and for the most part, easy to follow.  

The first step is to cut your fabric according to your pattern pieces.  When you have more than one item in your pattern, remember to only cut the pieces you need.  For example, in this number I only needed pieces for the purse - so make sure you leave the other pieces for the skirt to use later, if you choose to dive into sewing a skirt! 


In this case, I needed to cut 1 piece for my lining, 2 pieces for the outside (the main color/pattern of your purse) and 2 pieces of the interfacing - what makes the purse tough to carry around those important things while you're out and about.  Make sure you mirror the triangles like you see in the picture above - this will come in handy when you have to match them up later.

The next several steps are outlined in your pattern directions.  The finished product is well worth the cutting, sewing, lining, matching, and hours spent.  I recently carried mine to a very important afternoon meeting.  It totally pulled my outfit together and was so handy.  So, whether you're out with your honey, or just want to add a little pizazz to any outfit - go with a clutch!  I promise you won't regret it, especially when you make it yourself.