Releasing Today: The Curvaceous Clutch

 

 

Introducing, the Curvaceous Clutch, by Toriska Bags!  This is one of two framed PDF sewing purse patterns I am releasing today.  Check out the Flourish Clutch as well.

 

The Curvaceous Clutch is a classy, simple clutch with beautiful lines and a round frame.  Don't be intimidated by the frame!  The pattern gives instructions on both sew-in and glue-in frame. The pattern also gives instructions on altering the pattern to fit your frame if you have a frame that's not quite the recommended sizes. My testers had no problems with the sewing, I'd say a confident beginner would have no problems.  There are three sizes and instructions on a gathered variation and lace overlay. (Below, the red purse is a lace overlay, the white is the gathered version, and the black is the normal version.)

 

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 pattern on Craftsy.

 

With no further ado, my testers' clutches and their feedback!

 

 

Gathered version, Medium size by Liz Gilmartin. "This is just BEAUTIFUL! It's so unique and will floor anyone when you tell them you made it! It looks pretty tricky at first, but it's actually a quick sew. I made the medium which is so elegant and yet still big enough to hold my phone, small wallet, makeup, and still have space!"

 

Medium size, by Cherita. "Truly a brilliant pattern.  The finished product is beautiful & the sewing was a real pleasure!"

 

Mini version, by Gwen Lockwood. Gwen used a very small frame but resized the pattern to 70% to fit. It worked great!

Small size, by Casey White.

 

Small size, by Sandie Larsen. "Wonderful instructions~ very clear steps and illustrations.  The added actual photos in the pattern make it very easy for a beginner to be successful."

 

Small size, by Nicole Wall. "Wonderful, easy to follow pattern that creates a beautiful end result. The photos are super helpful and the directions are easy to understand."

 

Small size, by Tiffany Ranta. "The Curvaceous Clutch is quick sew that produces a fantastic looking framed bag. This pattern, with its multiple size options and your own fabric choices, the possibilities are endless. "

 

Small size, by Saar Mertens. "A super cute, easy to sew clutch with a lot of possibilities and a professional look!"

 

Small size, by Lori Peoples. "The Curvaceous Clutch is a great pattern for someone who wants to make their first purse with a frame.  The step by step instructions take the uncertainty out of trying a new technique and the picture tutorial help insure success."

 

Medium size, by Maxine MacNeill. "Wonderfully easy pattern."

 

Large size, by Rajyalaxmi Pradeep. "A must try for sewist of every level. I found the instructions to be very clear and the diagrams and photographs very helpful. Very easy to put together. For a first time, fitting in the frame was not bad. I was intimidated by the frames but not anymore! I recommend this pattern to everyone!

With every new pattern, Toriska is proving to be a pattern label that makes complex patterns simple for sewists of all levels!"

 

Small size, by Helen Wilson.

 

Small, by Ana Cristina Machado

 

Small, By Anupama Rao.

 

More feedback:

Jacqueline Buie: Very awesome designer pattern are very enjoyable to work with . I will be buying some of Ms. Tori's  patterns to sew again .. looking forward to her being a mentor in the bag and pattern world."

Karen Thomas: "Love this pattern, this bag will make a wonderful addition to any wardrobe.  Highly recommended."

 

Thank you to all my testers, they make my pattern look great, huh!

 

To end, here is a list of places to buy these clutch frames.  When searching online, search for round or half-round frames. For Small frames, search for 15cm or 6", for medium search for 20cm or 8", for large search for 23cm or 9".

 

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.

 

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!