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mama's night out clutch

Last night I went out with a bunch of mama's from Oscar's playgroup.  And I realized beforehand that I don't have any bags that aren't a diaper bag, tote bag, or something else large enough to accommodate sippy cups and goldfish crackers.

So ... I made this little clutch using the Scrappy Clutch tutorial at From an Igloo.


It was a quick (like during nap time quick) and easy project - my favorite kind!   The only change I made was to pleat the bottom of the bag instead of gathering it, because my lining fabric was too thick and refused to be gathered.
It is a wee bag that will only hold the essentials, but it was such a relief to not lug a big bag out the door!  I think I like it as a clutch and love it as a make-up bag.   I'm going to try again with something of my own design, longer, maybe narrower, and this time I think I'll cut my fabric more thoughtfully so the pattern lines up nicely (duh).

In a bit of non-craft business, can I just rave about Santa Barbara for a moment?  Oscar and I were at the park today when I spotted a little meadow, chock-full of yellow daisies.  It spoke to me.  It said, "come over here and frolic and take pictures of your adorable son!"  So I did, and it was kind of great.

And then on the drive home, I saw the strawberry van that is always parked on the side of the road with a sign that says, "Picked Today!" and couldn't pass it up.  I really like living in the center of the strawberry-growing universe.

p.s. sorry to those of you living in winter wonderlands.  :)