Project #12: Crochet Clutch

This was a fun project inspired by the Mochilas made by the women of Wayuu tribe. I wanted to incorporate the idea into a project that was easy, quick and at the same time more utilitarian. I immediately swiped through Pinterest and decided to make it a clutch. Then it occurred to me that one of my best friends is turning 20 (or was it 16, I forget) and she is the only person I know who actually uses a clutch. And so began my journey.

Materials: 

Yarn - 3 skeins (Grey, Cottage Cream and Wine Red)
Crochet needle
Zipper
Lining

Protocol: 

Step 1: Crochet Circle
I laid out the design in my notebook and picked out the colors based on the yarn I had in my craft box. I then used the tapestry crochet technique to create an unique geometric design.

Step 2: Lining and Zipper
Next I cut out a piece of lining material (I used a bit from sewing my outdoor cushions, but frankly any coordinating/ neutral color fabric would suffice). Unfortunate for me (and a little for my friend who received it as her birthday present), I still have not learned to sew a zipper using my sewing machine. So I hand sewed the zipper and lining to the back side of the crochet circle.

I did add a plastic sheet (not a crinkly one) in between the lining and the crochet circle to make the clutch more firm and somewhat waterproof.

Step 3: Decorate
I made a tassel with the same combination of yarns and attached it to the zipper. I do like the idea of adding pom poms. This got me looking into a whole world of pom-pom related crafts. You can expect a pom-pom themed post sometime in the distant future.

That's it! I had it packed in a FedEx envelope and it went flying to California perfectly timed (5 days after her birthday), just as I had planned it. :D