I wanted to make a little something for our relatives when they came to visit from the UK this summer. I wanted it to be handmade - useful - and still small enough to not create a problem when they traveled home (because they pack light - unlike me). (photo from eighteen25 blog) I remembered this idea for an emergency clutch and thought it would be perfect (you can read the full instructions here). What makes this so clever - is that they are made from an ordinary potholder - and zip lock bags. How simple is that? Here is how mine turned out. I started by going shopping to get the cutest potholders I could find. ...and I looked - and looked - and looked... Too kitcheny - wrong shape - only sold in a set I could not find a cute potholder anywhere to save my life. But I did find some really cute fabrics. I'll just whip up my own potholders. How hard could it be? It's just a quilted square! Think again - they are much harder to make that it looks - so don't look at my wonky corners and uneven quilted stitching. It's the thought that counts. I made a set in coral. And another set in Blue. And a third set in Orange and Green (that's my favorite). Each one has a different coordinating pattern on the inside. The zip lock bags are just zig zag stitched down the middle to create those great re-sealable pockets. I started out by adding a contrasting tape to cover the center seam. That step was quickly eliminated after just a few. In the end - they turned out great. We filled them with gum, mints, band-aids, moist towelettes, mini tooth brushes, and other travel aids. It really is a great idea - so if you come across some adorable pot holders - pick them up. They would be super easy to make with pre-purchased potholders. Not so easy if you do it the way I did. Story of my life.