Okay, so I saw this PRADA Cleo bag the other day, and I thought, “I can totally make that!” It looked simple enough, and I’ve been itching to try a new project. So, here’s how it went down.
First, I grabbed some leather scraps I had lying around from my last project. They were a nice, smooth black, just like the original bag. Then, I sketched out a rough pattern based on pictures of the Cleo I found. I measured and re-measured, trying to get the dimensions just right. It’s basically a curved, almost half-moon shape with a flap and a strap. Easy peasy, right?
Next, I cut out the leather pieces carefully. This part took a while because I wanted the edges to be super clean. After that, I started sewing the main body of the bag together. I used my trusty old sewing machine, which has seen me through countless projects. It was a bit tricky getting the curves to line up perfectly, but I took my time and made sure everything was aligned before stitching.
- Cut leather pieces
- Sew body together
- Attach flap
- Add strap
Then came the flap. I sewed it onto the top edge, making sure it would close nicely. For the closure, I decided to use a simple magnetic snap. I had one in my stash of buttons and things, and it seemed like the easiest option. I attached it carefully, one part to the flap and the other to the body of the bag.
The last step was the strap. I cut a long strip of leather, making sure it was the right length to wear comfortably over my shoulder. Then I folded it in half lengthwise and sewed it together to make it double thick and more durable. Finally, I attached the strap to the sides of the bag, reinforcing the stitches so it wouldn’t break off.
Almost Done
And voila! My very own “Cleo” bag was born. It’s not exactly like the original, but it’s pretty darn close. It might have some rough edges, and I am surely to do better next time. But, I learned a lot about sewing curves, and it turned out way better than I expected for a first try. Plus, I did it all with scraps and things I already had, so it didn’t cost me a dime!
So, what do you think? Not bad for a homemade bag, huh? It’s definitely a classic style that I think I’ll be using a lot. Maybe I’ll try making it in different colors next time. Red, maybe? Or even a bright blue? The possibilities are endless!
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