TGIFF - Necessary Clutch Wallet

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I can honestly say Thank Goodness it's Finally Finished about this project. Back in the fall, I noticed my purse was starting to fray a little in places. I made it back in 2015, and I've used it constantly since then, so it wasn't surprising, really.

Then the zipper started to separate sometimes, which was really annoying as I'm sure you can imagine. Then when trying to fix the zipper issue, I broke the zipper pull off completely 😞

That started me on a search for what I wanted to make next. I loved the look of the Necessary Clutch Wallet (also known as the NCW) by Janelle MacKay, but I was a little intimidated by it. I've made a few bags, but the NCW always looked so professional and that hardware was definitely something I had never dealt with before. Just look at it:

I looked at the pattern for a couple of months, debating. I even put all the hardware and interfacing in an online cart once, then left it sitting there while I continued debating. Finally, with some encouragement on IG from others who have made it, I ordered the pattern and supplies.

Everything arrived last Monday and I spent that evening cutting out pieces and fusing the interfacing in place. Tuesday evening I tackled the hardware (much easier than I thought it would be!) and started assembling the credit card slot pocket. Wednesday morning school had a delayed opening because of icy roads, so I finished the credit card pocket and mostly made the zipper pocket. I would have completely made the zipper pocket if I hadn't originally sewn it so the zipper pull would be inside the pocket!

With a stint of naptime sewing that afternoon, I had myself a new wallet!

Both the black and teal fabrics are from Northcott and they're both leftovers from a quilt I'll be able to show you soon. I love using the leftovers right away 😊 As with my last purse, I've declared that these colours match everything I will wear between now and when I make myself a new one. I can't be bothered with switching things from one bag to another based on what I'm wearing, so this is it.

Here is the inside. As you can see, I carry a lot around with me, lol. That's why I don't need a very big bag! The only things missing are my keys and my phone, which I used to take the pictures. It's hard to tell in these pictures, but at the front and back, behind the credit card slot piece, there's another space. I keep my phone in the one at the back and cash in the one at the front. Well, I will if I ever carry cash. Who carries cash anymore?

 And here it is again, this time with the pocket open.

I was so impressed with how easily it came together. My sewing machine didn't like all of the layers when I sewed the sides near the zipper, but other than that I had no issues.

The pattern is so well written and everything comes together perfectly. It was a lot faster than I expected too, and would be even faster next time since I'd be familiar with all the steps and the hardware. I can see why people end up making a lot of these 😊 I'm already thinking that if I make another one I may try the variation with two zippers. If you're looking for a new wallet, I would definitely recommend this one.

I love carrying this around town! Do you carry a handmade purse?

And now it's your turn. What did you finish this week? Link it up here, then be sure to check out some of the other links and celebrate their finishes too.

An InLinkz Link-up