Seeing red

It's countdown time to christmas day and time is running out! There's still time to pick up one of these beautifully festive clutch bags though. Each one is made from a vibrant red or orange fabric with a flash of metallic gold to really celebrate the season.

The clutch bag below is made from a vintage Japanese obi fabric and has a bright red cotton lining.

The clutch bag below is made from a modern cotton fabric with a stylised chrysanthemum design.

The clutch bag below is also made from a vintage Japanese obi fabric.

It has a stunning turquoise lining.

Scarlet threesome

My lovely aunty Judith in Australia recently ordered some Cheeky Leopard clutch bags to be sent over to her as gifts for family and friends. They were obviously well received as she has ordered three more! One was a re-make of a clutch she already had, but she also wanted two more, so I decided to make some up especially for her. All of them are in tones of red and they make a fabulous scarlet threesome!

The bag below is a remake of the bag Judith bought a few months ago.

It's made from a vintage kimono fabric depicting ikat-weave chrysanthemums.

The bag below is made from a beautifully soft vintage blossom kimono fabric.

I love the vibrancy of the red and the classic Japanese blossom motif.

The bag below is made from a modern cotton fabric depicting stylised chrysanthemum flowers in white and black with a stunning gold accent.

Ruby Tuesday

I recently added this ruby stunner to my store. It's a handbag made from a vintage obi fabric given to me by a lovely Japanese couple when I was in Tokyo last November. I love the vibrant red colour and mixed with the gold, it really makes a statement! There is an orange and white blossom design on the outside and for the lining I used a bright orange linen fabric to match the flowers. This bag would look stunning used as a clutch bag tucked under the arm and worn with a little black cocktail dress or as a handbag, worn over the shoulder with a fresh white summer shift.

You can find it in my store here.

Fabric Friday

It's beginning to feel a lot like christmas! Check out this Friday's fabric choice, a stunning red, green and gold Japanese obi fabric. I bought it at an antique market in Tokyo recently and couldn't resist its rich colour scheme. Can you see the hidden bird?! I've used some of the fabric to make a clutch bag, but have enough fabric for a few more.

You can find the clutch bag in my store here.

A little gem

At the weekend I had a play with a new style of clutch bag. It's like a mini me version of the large clutches I normally make, but half the size and just over half the price! This is the first attempt and I'm very happy with the result. It is just wide enough to fit an iPhone, as well as the essentials for a night out. The fabric I chose is a stunning red and gold floral Japanese obi fabric and the lining is a mustard yellow.

You can find it in my store here.

At the

Fave Fabric Friday

I couldn't decide on one fabric this week, but have chosen a bunch that I bought in India. I'm embarrassed to say I bought them almost a year ago, but haven't done anything with them yet. I have often looked at them and had a play, but they were then put away again without being used. It's now a new year and I have been getting creative, combining the Indian fabrics with coloured lace and vibrant linings. I will hopefully have some juicy new clutch bags to show soon!

Red and black

I often find that a trip away reignites the creative juices and India was no exception. I came back feeling inspired and rejuvenated and got sewing straight away! This is the latest addition to my Etsy store, a vibrant red, black and gold number made from a Japanese obi (the sash that goes around the kimono). I added a red cotton lining for a flash of colour.

You can find it in my Etsy store here.