New release: Flourish Clutch!

Introducing, the Flourish Clutch, by Toriska Bags!  This is my second framed PDF sewing purse pattern I am releasing today.  Check out the Curvaceous Clutch as well.

 

The Flourish Clutch is an elegant clutch with pretty pleats made for a rectangle frame.  Don't be intimidated by the frame!  The pattern gives instructions on both sew-in and glue-in frames. It is written for a 8"x3" or 6"x3" frame, but there is an easy adjustment you can make to use a 8"x2.5" or 6"x2.5" frame. Of my two purse patterns releasing today, this is a little harder, but I'd say perfect for an intermediate sewer or ambitious beginner who has some experience following patterns.  There are three sizes (both the Medium and Small are made with the 6" frame).

 

 

 

Not only is the pattern on sale today through Sunday for $6, ($8 normally), but I am also selling kits in my Etsy shop! You can purchase the necessary interfacing for each size of purse, as well as frames in a limited selection. At the end of this post I give a list of places to buy these frames. I also sell this on Craftsy.

 

And now, my testers' clutches and their feedback!

 

 

Large size by Glenys Binstead. Aren't those feathers lined up perfectly on the pleats?

 

Large size, by Liz Gilmartin. "What can I say? This is well-written, quick to sew, produces a really professional looking clutch, AND doesn't use a lot of material. I'm in LOVE!"

 

Medium by Helen Wilson.  "I definitely enjoyed being a tester, the pattern was well written and easy to follow. The design is beautiful and has so many ways you could embellish to make it your own."

 

Large, by Gwen Lockwood. "When I saw the opportunity to test this pattern I knew I had to get on that list! What a beautiful clutch and I had the perfect frame to use!  I had been looking for the right pattern and this was it!  I love how easy it was and how the interior fits PERFECTLY!  The added foam stabilizer gives just the right amount of body.  Thank you Tori for a fantastic pattern!"

 

Medium, by Sandie Larsen. "Flourish is a very well thought out and written pattern.  The added notes on interfacings~ substitutions and reasons for choosing one over the other are very helpful.  The illustrations are clear and the pattern includes photos of the steps, so it is like the designer is holding your hand right through each step!  You have so many fabric choices that you could make a different clutch to go with each outfit. How fun would that be?!"

 

Medium by Linda DeRyder. "The Toriska Flourish Clutch was an easy sew and learning experience. I always wanted to make a framed clutch. Having three sizes to choose from makes it even more useful. The fabrics to use are endless and a great gift giving idea!"

Large by Jean Collins. "I have never made a purse before but after trying this one I would do it again.  I did not know attaching the frame would be so easy."

Large by Prasanna Narasimhan.  "I love this pattern and looking forward for your future ones."

Small by Amber Rivera. "It cute and easy, perfect for date night."

 

Large (with a cool added piping detail) by Lori Peoples. "The Flourish Clutch is a very versatile pattern that can be either casual or dressy depending on your fabric choice, frame and embellishments. You can easily sew one Saturday morning for your date Saturday night!"

 

Medium by Nicole Wall.

 

Large by Rajyalaxmi Pradeep. "This is the first time I have sewn any pattern that has frames. For the first time, the result was very good. I recommend this pattern to confident beginners too. With a little effort at gluing the clutch into the frame, I believe even a beginner can use the pattern with ease. Totally loved making this clutch."

 

Large by Doris Bussey.

Medium by Karen Thomas. "This pattern is perfect to create a beautiful bag to finish off your outfit for that special event.  Love it, would recommend it to anyone."

 

Medium by Shayna Kalish. "I've been waiting for this pattern for a while. There are many, many beautiful bag patterns available these days. There are also many, many beautiful frames available that I've been drooling over with no knowledge whatsoever how to use. Tori filled that gap with a beautiful bag and in the process taught a frame newbie how to make the kind of purse I had assumed was beyond my skill set."

 

Medium by Cherita.

 

Medium by Ana Cristina Machado.

 

Large, by Bec Dearing. "This pattern is extremely well written and easy to follow. All of the pattern pieces matched up perfectly, leading to a very well finished final product. Definitely a must sew!"

 

And more feedback:

Joanne DuBois: "This pattern is very easy to follow and produces an end result which is simply gorgeous. Depending on fabric choice, this pattern can have endless applications; formal, casual, dinner etc. Love it!"

 

Thank you so much to all my testers!

 

To end, here is a list of places to buy these clutch frames.  They are 8" and 6" long, and can be either 3" or 2.5" tall. (20cm and 15cm frames work as well).

 

U.S. based shops: AmericanPurseSupplies, Diva Wallet Frame, Whilebabynaps, PurseSuppliesRUs, Upstyle, Bits and Purses

 

Asia based shops: Bagpurseframe, 3DANsupplies, BagSupplier, Factory Guy Online, Ahwokbuckles, many other shops on Etsy and Aliexpress.  The first three listed, I've personally purchased from.

 

European shops: Frameyourbag, Stoklasa, U-handbag,  Bag Clasps, LTD, Susie D Designs, Crafter's Companion,

 

For Indian buyers, my tester recommended Riddhi Kapoor as a source for frames and interfacing.

 

For Australian buyers, Stitches in the Bush. (Search "frame" in the search bar.), Shamrock Craft, MIY Art Crafts, Voodoo Rabbit.

 

 

Where to Buy Frames

The question I get asked the most these days is, "Where can I buy frames for your patterns?" With the Flourish and Curvaceous Clutches a couple days away from release, I have been compiling a list of online sources located all around the world.  The shops with the largest selection are located in Asia, but you can still find other local sources that will help you save money on shipping.

Of course, you can always buy frames from me!  I will be offering frame and interfacing kits for each pattern with a limited selection of frames.  I'm happy for you to buy those!  But if you want a closer source or a more varied selection of frames, hopefully this list will help you.

Flourish Clutch

The Flourish Clutch is the easiest to shop for. It is written for three sizes.  The largest uses an 8" rectangle frame.  The medium and small sizes both use a 6" frame.  I wrote the pattern for either 3" or 2.5" tall frames.  For an 8x3 frame, you will cut one of the pattern pieces slightly different than for a 8x2.5 frame, and the same for the other sizes.  It's written clearly in the pattern. You can also search for 20cm and 15cm frames, and the pattern will be able to fit in them with no problem, just a little extra squishing.

 

Sources:

 

U.S. based shops: AmericanPurseSupplies, Diva Wallet Frame, Whilebabynaps, PurseSuppliesRUs, Upstyle, Bits and Purses

 

Asia based shops: Bagpurseframe, 3DANsupplies, BagSupplier, Factory Guy Online, Ahwokbuckles, many other shops on Etsy and Aliexpress.  The first three listed, I've personally purchased from.

 

European shops: Frameyourbag, Stoklasa, U-handbag, Bag Clasps, LTD, Susie D Designs, Crafter's Companion,

 

For Indian buyers, my tester recommended Riddhi Kapoor as a source for frames and interfacing.

 

For Australian buyers, Stitches in the Bush. (Search "frame" in the search bar.), Shamrock Craft, MIY Art Crafts, Voodoo Rabbit.

 

Curvaceous Clutch

The Curvaceous Clutch uses a half-round frame.  These are more work to find.  Most that you will find are too small.  The pattern starts with a 6" or 15cm wide frame as the smallest.  You'll see a lot of tiny ones out there that are great for coin purses.  I had one tester scale down the pattern to fit.  But unless you want a tiny purse, go no smaller than 15cm.  The pattern is also written for an 8" or 20 cm frame, as well as a 9" or 23cm frame.  I also give instructions on how to adjust your pattern if your frame circumference isn't quite right.  It's actually a very easy adjustment! So if you find a frame you like that is 16 cm, can you still use it? Yes! Or if you buy a frame that is 8" wide, but maybe kind of flat on top, can you use that? Yes! Just stick as close as possible to the diameters listed in the pattern, and then I instruct you in the pattern how to adjust it for your frame.

 

Sources:

 

U.S.-based: Tantalizing Stitches , Pacific Trimming

 

Asia based:  Bagpurseframe, 3DANsupplies, Yeahshop, Vivianzakka, lacecrafted, Factory Guy Online, Ahwokbuckles. There are doubtless others I've missed, but I've ordered from all of the Etsy shops listed.

 

European-based shops: Frameyourbag, Stoklasa, Bag Clasps LTD, Guthrie and Ghani, Creativ Company

 

For Indian buyers, my tester recommended Riddhi Kapoor as a source for frames and interfacing.

 

For Australian buyers, Stitches in the Bush. (Search "frame" in the search bar.), Shamrock Craft, MIY Art Crafts.

 



If you come across another great source, especially if you are a non-U.S. sewer, I'd love to share that for my international customers. You can email me at toriskabags (@) gmail.com, or contact me through my Toriska PDF Sewing Patterns group on Facebook. Remember to check out the new patterns on Friday through either Etsy or Craftsy!



Announcing: StockingsbyToriska!

I'm happy to announce my newest venture: Stockings by Toriska! I've opened a new shop on Etsy devoted to Christmas stockings.

 I have a bunch of ready-to-ship stockings, all in beautiful shades of velvet.  There are four styles of cuff and four styles of toe.

 Also no-cuff styles.

 From Steampunk...

 to Frozen-inspired...

 to the music lover's stocking!

 I offer fifteen shades of velvet.

And a variety of embroidery designs, these are just some examples.

Check out the new shop! I'll be adding new ready-to-ship stockings, and accepting custom orders as well. Now you know why I've been stressed the pat few months! Trying to keep up my purse shop, start selling patterns, and get my holiday shop up and running!

Boylston Bra review

This weekend I finished up my last open order. I almost never get down to zero open orders on Etsy--there is almost always a bridal order awaiting supplies that keeps me from getting all the way down to zero.  So when I shipped it off, I wasn't quite sure what to do for my Saturday night sewing.  I probably should work on my sewing patterns. I have two I'm working on simultaneously, and the only thing holding me back from sending them to testers is that I am offering them in new sizes, and want to test those new sizes myself first.

 

Anyway, I've been working on bra sewing off and on for awhile.  I recently bought a bunch of elastics and notions and patterns, and then everything has sat in a tote for months.  So I pulled out the pattern I most wanted to make, and sewed it up yesterday and today.

 Isn't it beautiful? This is the Boylston Bra by Orange Lingerie. I have also purchased her Marlborough pattern.  With both of them, I had issues figuring out my size.  I stitched a few muslins up and determined that I needed to go for the largest size (which is not what I have to sew for any other pattern, but hers run small). This pattern is made to work with foam.  So I also sewed foam cups to go inside.  You can see them in the below picture.

There are not instructions on how to do that in the pattern. I found instructions elsewhere.  That's definitely a deficiency in the pattern--why say that this is compatible with foam, but not give instructions?

Oh, the problems I ran into.  First off, there were a couple typos in the pattern that I emailed her about.  The cutting instructions only tell you to cut one of each cup piece.  That's easy enough to figure out--just cut two, mirrored.  One of the pieces is basically a triangle with curved sides.  It is super easy to turn this the wrong way.  So you have to be very careful. I kept the paper pattern piece on top of the fabric pieces so that I could see how the orientation was supposed to be.

I didn't always find the instruction super clear, but since it's just my third bra, I think it's just my unfamiliarity.  I was able to figure everything out, and I think the final product is nice.  Oh, yet another problem--I made this with the size of elastics suggested.  But my straps fit a 2-hook, not a 3-hook like it called for.  I fixed this mostly by aligning the center of the strap elastic with the edge of the fabric, making it a bit wider.

(Update: I emailed the pattern designer about the cutting instructions and strap length, and she will fix the cutting instructions.  The strap length is completely my fault--I had my whole bra cut and sew while the powernet was getting dyed and dried.  When I cut it out, I used the frame piece instead of the band piece.  So the hook and eye issue AND strap issue would have been resolved if I had used the correct piece! **Egg on face**).

The biggest pattern typo was the length of the strap elastic.  It was way too short.  I ended up guessing and made it too long instead.  So I had to make it shorter.  It was still too long. I gave up, because it's never going to fit me.  The cups gape horribly.  I took tucks next to the straps and next to the center.  The straps are at a very weird angle to the cups.  The tuck helped that.  The band is too short for me, even though I added half an inch in length to each band piece.

Sigh.  It's sad to spend all that time on something completely unwearable, but every bra teaches me something new.  Interesting that my very first bra was the only one I've been able to actually wear, but I sewed it while nursing and the cups are too big now.  My next one will be in that pattern again (Pinup Girls Shelley Bra).

Tomorrow I'll be back to my regularly scheduled purse sewing!

Announcing...the Barrelette Clutch!

I'm happy to announce the completion of my first sewing pattern, the Barrelette Clutch!  Named for it's barrel shape, this is one of my first clutch designs, and one that I've adapted into numerous designs over the years.  The pattern has three variations: Basic, Gathered, and Bow. 

Along with the variations, there are instructions for two add-ons, a chain or fabric strap, and a wrist strap.

My fabulous testers were so patient and helpful through my first testing process, and here are some of their versions and feedback!

Gathered version with wrist strap, by Liz Schaffner. "This is a fast, fun clutch for a night out. Whether it be made in silks or denim... It will look fabulous!"

 Basic version by Ana Cristina Machado.

Basic version by Anupama Rao

Two versions, Bow with lace overlay, and Basic with wrist strap, by Bethany Mitchell.

 

Basic, and Basic with Shoulder strap, by Elizabeth Gilmartin. "This pattern provides the perfect base for making a classic barrel style clutch. I love the variations that come with the pattern too (it's like a 3 in 1)!"

Basic version, by Jennifer Lario Moya. "I had a great time seeing my barrelette clutch. As a confident beginner I found it clear and easily to follow. The variations in the pattern are wonderful and so personal. I highly recommend this pattern."

 

Basic version, by Saar Mertens. "The Barrelette is an easy to follow, well-written pattern with great results! The instructions are clear, with diagrams and pictures to guide you through every step. I really enjoyed going through my fabric stash to find the perfect combo for this beautiful clutch. I chose a black fabric, which I embellished with some embroidery and added a vibrant red interior. I couldn't enjoy the finished Barrelette very long, because my best friend claimed it the very same evening to go out on a date!"

Basic version, by Karen Cook.

 

Two Basics with wrist straps, by Kelly Shaw. "Easy pattern to use and great use of pictures too. Love this pattern and easy to use even if you're not used to working with patterns."

 

Three different Basics, one with a wrist strap, by Lori Peoples. "The Barrelette Clutch is a quick sewing pattern that is very easy to personalize. The possibilities are endless - cross body, wristlet or clutch, plain or embellished, the only limit is your imagination."

 

 

Basic, by Tammi Mooney. "Very cute and simple pattern! Quick to make, and you can dress it up or make it simple."

 

Basic version, by Hanie Noor. "This pattern might not be the easiest to sew as a first bag, but you can tell once it's done that it is worth it. The options for making this bag personal are endless. With the right fabrics, it can be as dressy or as casual as you want it to be. A great, roomy clutch!"

 

Basic version, by Anne Verberckmoes.

 

Basic Version, by Rajyalaxmi Pradeep.

 

 

Judi Duncan- "Super cute and fun pattern to make. Instructions are clear and easy to follow and you can sew one up in an afternoon!"

Karen Thomas- "I love this design. The variations mean it will suit anyone. It can be made from any fabric making it easy to compliment your outfit."

And many thanks also to Bec Munro for pattern edits!

The Barrelette (ask me how often I misspell that!) will be available on Etsy and on Craftsy.  Give me a week or so, and I will have interfacing kits ready to sell as well.  I'm combining my PDF patterns with my supply destash shop (formerly ColorSpree), which is now ToriskaPDF.

My next two patterns are actually almost finished. September has really been a whirlwind.  As soon as this pattern goes live I will be finishing them up and asking for testers.  Join my facebook group for more info about those pattern.

 

Heel tags

I had an interesting order this week.  This customer wanted custom heel tags to go on the back of her wedding party's Converses.  With bridesmaids, groomsmen, a parent, and the happy couple, it was 14 people, so 28 labels! 

 I wanted to do double topstitching on the edges to match the look of the heel of a Converse, but it was hard to get it straight and consistent from label to label.  Those things were just so small! Eventually I set up an assembly line and topstitching all of my labels like this.  They ended up much better.  I hope the bride sends me a picture!

Here's a taste of my personal life.  We had the day off last Monday for Rosh Hashanah and headed to the beach.  The weather was perfect, the toddler and I made sand castles, and the older kids froze in the water with their dad.  Their grandparents came too. A great end to summer!

 I also started a new part-time job.  As someone who has employed herself since college, this has been more nerve-wracking than I expected. But since I am teaching at the school my kids have gone to for three years before this, I know everyone. I've taught two days of music so far and both have gone well.  I redecorated this whole classroom, which before had a bunch of posters with lots of words.  These are preschool kids ages 2-5, so I took everything down, printed and laminated a bunch of pictures of animals with musical instruments, and redecorated!

 My youngest started at the school today.  She loved school and seeing Mommy in music class.

I am finishing up testing on my first clutch pattern!  My testers are giving helpful feedback.  I have the other two framed clutch patterns almost finished, but am waiting on supplies.  I am offering those patterns in new sizes and need to test them myself before sending them to others.

New photos and pattern making updates

I have continued to experiment with my new photography equipment.  I finally have come up with something that I like, and I spent last week redoing all my photos in my shop!

I'm very happy with this new style.  I've always wanted to evoke a mood when people come to my shop, and ever since I moved my sewing machine to my photo spot that had the best natural lighting, I have struggled to come up with a new style. I feel like I have finally made it!  I also have been paying more attention to my non-Etsy site lately, and updated the photos there too.

In pattern news, the more research I've done, the more I realize I need to do before I can release my patterns! I'm currently taking an online course on pattern-making and I'm about to make the plunge and purchase some computer software to help me start.  I have no idea how long the actual process will take me.  I had nice ideas of releasing my three most popular clutch designs simultaneously, but that may be too ambitious.  The nice thing is that people are already asking me to be testers. If you are interested, just let me know and I will add you to the list.