Today, for the first time on Pattern Revolution, we are featuring a pattern by Janelle MacKay of Emmaline Bags. If you've never tried an Emmaline pattern, you are in luck-- through the end of January 2015 you can get a 10% discount off your order using the code “Revolution10” at checkout. Also, if you love bag patterns, be sure to check out the Bag of the Month Club. Now, the reviews...

Ok, I will admit that until December I had only made one bag and a couple totes... I sew clothes, I love sewing clothes, I understand clothes and all the notions that you need to make them. I wouldn't say that I am 'scared' of bags and wallets; but I have certainly been put off by all the different interfacings, hardware, and of course the time consuming nature of many of them. But all of that has changed in the last month!!! With just the tiniest bit of education - particularly in how easy it is get hardware for each project - I have suddenly been on a bag making spree. And by 'spree', I mean 1 backpack, 1 wallet, and the Necessary Clutch Wallet...but hey, it is a start!

So let's talk about the Necessary Clutch Wallet. This is an amazing bag, the perfect size to carry alone for a night on the town or to throw in a diaper bag or large purse to use as your everyday wallet. I made this one for my sister in law as her Christmas Gift - and SERIOUSLY considered keeping it for myself. I just love the finished look.

The Pattern:

5 pages of pattern pieces to print in B&W
Very clear labeling of how to assemble the pages together to create the necessary pieces
List of additional rectangular pieces to cut
Clear instructions with clear color photographs to show each step of construction
Difficulty: Advanced Beginner (According to designer it is intermediate, but if you are brave, and take your time, you can do it!)
Takes about 2-3 hours to make (a serious bag maker could probably make it faster)

The most complicated part of this pattern is the flap. The decorative edge is what I love about this bag, but it is also a bit persnickity. It took me a bit to get right, and it still isn't perfection - but not bad for my first attempt. The hardware is part of what makes this bag look so professional. The turn lock is from Emmaline Bags, they carry a variety of hardware at great prices. And this is not some flimsy piece of hardware that is going to break when you try to use it. This is solid metal and attaches to your bag with screws and metal tabs - incredibly secure, and I may have need a touch of hubs power to get it set!

I'm going to interrupt myself for a second to tell you about these GORGEOUS fabrics - they are both Andover Fabrics from the Bel Air Collection. The quality of this fabric is amazing, vibrant colors and crisp soft cotton perfect for bags or clothing... just wait to see the dress I have in store!

The rest of the construction is really folding and straight stitching and one pretty easy zipper. Make sure your iron is hot and be ready for lots of pressing, it is so worth it.

So do you sew bags? Do they scare you? Maybe give the Necessary Clutch Wallet a try and see if you too turn the corner to being a bag-making-aholic.

Like Suzanne, I consider myself to be a garment sewist. Honestly, I was a little intimidated to make this, but I have wanted to make one for a long time. I doubted the fact that I could make a wallet I would love just as much as a store bought one, but wanted to prove myself wrong, and the Necessary Clutch Wallet was just the ticket. I think Suzanne covered the pattern details pretty well, so I get to do the easy part--Show and Tell!

Here's the nifty hardware I got from Emmaline Bags. Besides making patterns, Janelle also has an awesome hardware shop. How awesome is that "handmade" zipper pull?!

There is a lot of cutting involved in this pattern, between the main fabric, lining, pockets, and interfacing, but it is totally worth it in the end!

Necessary Clutch Wallet by Emmaline Bags

Here's my finished wallet. The edge detail is definitely the most difficult part. It takes time and precision to get it just right; mine could have been a little bit better.

"Handmade" Hardware for NECESSARY CLUTCH WALLET BY EMMALINE BAGS

Love, Love, Love the "handmade" zipper pull!

I think I'm in love; check out all this space!

The interior has so much room-more than my store bought wallet, in fact! 12 credit card slots, a zipper pocket, and 5 additional pockets! I think this would really help me keep my receipts more organized, since I currently shove everything in one pocket.