Jan May

I can hardly believe a whole month has passed since my last creative post. Doesn't time fly!   I haven't been sat on my backside doing nothing (the whole time).  Aside from moving house, and getting hubby settled into his new work-away apartment - I have done a little bit of sewing. Another bag!  (Like I need one).  I just enjoy making them, and I love the style of this one. If you've been following my blog for a while, you may recognise the shape.  It's yet another version of my Sophie bag (for which I have been meaning to produce the pattern - like - forever).  It's such a nice bag to carry around.  Light, roomy and comfortable, in a slightly squishy, holds it's shape well sort of way. It was supposed to be a quick, run it up in an evening make.  Ha ha ha. I can cut out all the pieces from memory, so that didn't take long.  Putting the fabrics together however, took ages - for the simple reason I have far too much to c...

Just a quicky today..... saw this bag and had to share: from http://heegeldab.blogspot.com/ Isn't it lovely?  Love the red and blue combo.  And the coral, sea urchin and weed decoration.  Looks fab. My only concern is that although the handle looks really pretty, it wouldn't be very strong and stretch like mad. I've had a quick butcher's at the site from whence it came (click on link under photo) - and there's some lovely crochet on there.  Like me, you will probably just gape at the pictures, as it's in a language I can't begin to identify. I do note that there are patterns for sale.  Wonder if this is one of them?  If in diagram form it would be a doddle to follow.  Seriously tempted.

Hoorah!  I've finished something this week........... honestly I'm so slow at making things.  Actually that's come out sounding wrong.  I'm not so slow at the making, rather than being pathetic at sitting down to concentrate to start with.  Once in my sewing chair, I can whizz through an item in no time. So many diversions.  Twitter - you have a lot to answer for! Here we are anyway...... let me introduce my ever-popular "Sophie" bag in her new Winter guise.  This version is in a beautifully soft 100% wool plaid in a bright zingy cerise/forest green/deep grey combo.  I fell in love with the fabric as soon as I saw it.  Didn't love the price quite so much - by golly, but wool is expensive!  Couldn't resist it though, I'm a sucker for cerise, and the funky plaid was calling my name.  Didn't realise until I started flicking through some magazines that plaid seems to be "in" this season - I'm not a follower of fashion at all.  (m...

Today my latest bag design is going to my friend Kate for her birthday - hence the name. I hope she likes it! This is a nice roomy bag, with long comfortable handles - ideal for slinging over your shoulder. For the front pocket I've slightly gathered the fabric and channelled elastic through before sewing in place. To make the bag I used two half yards for the outside and lining, and a fat quarter for the pockets. To inter-line I used fabric cut from a bargain Ikea fleece blanket.... there really is no cheaper way to buy fleece - more than a metre of lovely fine material for just over £1! Of course, I've added my "designer" buttons. I'm still very much in love with them. For detail I've added a fob on one side, with a long fabric tie in a bow. With several darts across the upper third of the bag, the finished effect is slightly puffy. The inter-lining gives the bag good form and structure. The lining is a lovely contrast. I...