U-handblog

5 Lovely Links & news of an UTTERLY amazing giveaway

Woo hoo!  Do we have a smashing end of year treat in store for you?  Oh yep!  I have the most amazing blog draw lined up.  I won't say much more for now, but first prize is a flipping fabulous Janome sewing machine (I picked it for it's suitability for bag making). Yowzers!  I'll be putting it through it's paces and photographing it in action very soon. There are are also excellent 2nd and 3rd prizes too so there are more chances to win. This incredible draw is open to everyone so watch this space!

If a brand spanking new Janome sewing machine sounds like your kind of stocking filler it's well worth subscribing to the blog  so you don't miss out on the draw opening date!

So whilst I wait impatiently on my doorstep for the machine to arrive, here are some cool links for you to check out:

1. Delish recipe for Salt and Pepper Ribs - but also works a treat for chicken wings, pork cubes, tofu, mushrooms, aubergine...drool.
2. Christine has a new freebie bag tutorial on her blog up for grabs.
3. Kyoko is giving away the cutest Debbie Bliss knitted baby goods book.
4. 10 awesome things to make your blog rock.
5. ...Um might be a good idea to ensure your boss/partner/little ones aren't around whilst you have sneaky peak at this video... Like, phew that's hot!

The Simply Stylish Handbag Kit - New & Improved

Finally finished it - sorry to those who were waiting far longer than I originally quoted.

So this version of the Simply Stylish Handbag is just as pretty, high quality, and easy to make as the original, but it's bigger, it has a longer and adjustable leather strap, and it also has an internal divider/pocket.  In other other words, it's new and & improved!

This bag is perfect for anyone who hasn't tried their hand at bag making before, but they still want a bag that looks really smart and professional, yummy enough to show off (and to proclaim "I made it myself").  All because it might be your first bag that's no reason for it to look anything less than gorgeous.

With this kit; all the stuff you need is included (except thread).  We haven't skimped on the materials either; the fabrics, interfacing and handle are all 1st class (as you'd expect). This handbag kit is deliberately easy to make and you'll pick up some very useful bag making techniques to kick start your bag making hobby off in style.

The Simply Stylish Kit is available here. 

Our other Purse Kits are available here.    

Apologies for loads of pics - they are for the shop link.

 
Sometimes less really is more: the unfussy shape, the pretty Moda fabric and the expensive looking leather adjustable handle all combine to make a rather tasteful looking bag (if I do say so myself).  

  Side view.  Soft rounded shape with a darted bottom.  The adjustable leather strap is very high quality (which you can see from a mile away).  Adjust the strap to suit you - swing it around or hug it tight.

   Lining is a zingy wasabi coloured pin strip print (also by Moda). Inside there is a wide inner pocket which acts as a central divider.
 
 

  This pretty bag with it's monochrome colours will go with heaps of your outfits and it will look just smart in Winter as it will in Summer.

  

  The bag will comfortably accommodate a riveting paperback plus your handbag essentials.  This stylish purse is simple to make, but it looks so professional you’ll have friends asking you where you bought your cute bag from!

The Simply Stylish Kit is available here. 

Our other Purse Kits are available here.   

Sewing machine feet (totally) demystified.

I had to make a large amount piping for my book because it's a very useful technique and I've never seen red and white polka dot piping in the shops.  Have you?

  Pretty and perfect polka dot piping (say that fast 3 times) made a whole lot faster, easier, and more professional looking with the aid of my new piping machine foot.  This piping foot has grooves running vertically underneath the foot.  The groove keeps the piping under control whilst you cover it with polka dot prettiness.

It would appear that there is a sewing machine foot for every job known to human. I haven't yet identified a machine foot that will walk the dog when it's raining or even pay for my car insurance, but I'm sure that's only because I haven't looked hard enough.

I won't pretend to know about the squillions of different machine feet out there, I only know that each time I use a new and mysterious machine foot I think to myself "bloody 'ell where have you been all my life?!"  So I thought it might be helpful to bring these very handy sewing machine foot links out of my book marks and put them in one place on the blog. 

Very helpful sewing machine foot links - (stick 'em on the fridge):

• Florence does a fantastic job of demystifying machine feet.
• This USA shop site has fab pics of various feet in action.
• USA site with 2 pgs of clear pics and descriptions of feet.
• Informative blog post on various machine feet.
• Explanation of high vs low shank and snap-on vs screw-on.
• ...and then we have this FER-LIPPING amazing list of video clips for loads of different machine feet in action. All taken from this comprehensive UK sewing machine shop site.

Play sewing machine Video:  Adjustable Overcast Foot  2.4 MB
Play sewing machine Video:  Applique Foot  2.7 MB
Play sewing machine Video:  Bias Binder  5.6 MB
Play sewing machine Video:  Bridging Guide  3.2 MB
Play sewing machine Video:  Circular Embroidery Guide  2.6 MB
Play sewing machine Video:  Couching/Braiding Foot with IDT  1.8 MB
Play sewing machine Video:  Eyelet Plate  4 MB
Play sewing machine Video:  Felling Foot  2.9 MB
Play sewing machine Video:  Free-Motion Quilt Foot  2.5 MB
Play sewing machine Video:  Fringe Presser Foot with IDT  1.7 MB
Play sewing machine Video:  Gathering Foot plastic  998 KB
Play sewing machine Video:  Invisible Zipper Foot  2.6 MB
Play sewing machine Video:  Knit-edge Foot  2.8 MB
Play sewing machine Video:  Stitch in the Ditch 1/4 inch with IDT  2.2 MB
Play sewing machine Video:  Non-stick Decorative Stitch Foot  2.9 MB
Play sewing machine Video:  Non-stick Maxi-stitch Embroidery Foot  2.7 MB
Play sewing machine Video:  1/4 inch Quilting Foot with IDT  2.8 MB
Play sewing machine Video:  Open Toe Applique Foot 6mm with IDT  1.5 MB
Play sewing machine Video:  Pintuck Blade  5.3 MB
Play sewing machine Video:  Pintuck Foot: Five Seven or Nine Groove  1.6 MB
Play sewing machine Video:  Pintuck Foot with Decorative Stitch Guide  5.7 MB
Play sewing machine Video:  Piping Foot  3.3 MB
Play sewing machine Video:  Quilting Guide  6 MB
Play sewing machine Video:  Rolled Hem Foot  1.8 MB
Play sewing machine Video:  Roller Foot  1.4 MB
Play sewing machine Video:  Ruffler Attachment  5.6 MB
Play sewing machine Video:  7/9 Hole Cord Foot with IDT  2.4 MB
Play sewing machine Video:  Sew-on Button Foot  7.9 MB
Play sewing machine Video:  Straight Stitch Foot with Round Needle Hole  2.1 MB
Play sewing machine Video:  Straight Stitch Needle Plate  1.2 MB
Play sewing machine Video:  Three-Groove Cording Foot  1.9 MB
Play sewing machine Video:  Twin Welting Piping Foot  2.4 MB
Play overlock Video:  Band and Braiding Foot Q  5.5 MB
Play overlock Video:  Beading Foot P  3.2 MB
Play overlock Video:  Bead Needle Plate P  7.6 MB
Play overlock Video:  Blindstitch Foot D  3 MB
Play overlock Video:  Bridging Guide F-2  5.3 MB
Play overlock Video:  Clear Foot N  5.1 MB
Play overlock Video:  Cording Guide K-2  10.1 MB
Play overlock Video:  Cording Tongue K-1  3.7 MB
Play overlock Video:  Curved Seam Guide  9.3 MB
Play overlock Video:  Elastic Gathering Guide  6.7 MB
Play overlock Video:  Gathering Shirring Foot  4.6 MB
Play overlock Video:  Gathering Shirring Tongue  7.5 MB
Play overlock Video:  Hemmer Guide H-2  4.6 MB
Play overlock Video:  Lace and Bias Tape Guide H-3  8.2 MB
Play overlock Video:  Lace Guide F-3  5.8 MB
Play overlock Video:  Piping and Welting Accessory  14.5 MB
Play overlock Video:  Piping and Welting Foot E  2.7 MB
Play overlock Video:  Retaining Screws for Attachment Holder  2.6 MB
Play overlock Video:  Strap and Beltloop Foot L  4.4 MB
Play overlock Video:  Tape Binder 40mm  9.6 MB
Play overlock Video:  Transparent Presser Foot F  7.7 MB
Play overlock Video:  Universal Tape Binder  4.5 MB

... and the winner of the Cath Kidston Sew giveaway is ...

I have loved seeing all your suggestions and some of them make me very upset that I don't have the time to have a go at them too!

 

 
And lovely no 28 is Jennie whos post is below.

jennie said...

Hi Lisa hope you're well, fab giveaway just like a lovely christmas present about a month too early. So christmas presents this year I've limited myself to only knitting the very talented little cotton rabbits stockings as the family has decided that we're only buying for the children this year ( of which there are almost twenty between us all, so quite understandable and chrismas is for children anyway). I'm also going to whip up some small cosmetic bags for my best friends and I'll pop some hand made jewellry inside to complete the gifts. As fo my fav tute at the moment see the funky scrunchy scarf which might also be attempted before christmas if I can find the right fabric.
http://hopestudios.blogspot.com/2009/11/weekend-project-scrunchy-gathered-scarf.html

Congratulations!!!  This looks like a fabulous tutorial and you are very talented with knitting, bag making and jewellery for Christmas!  Please let us know your contact details and which half yard fabrics you would most like and we will get it all out to you straight away.

Cath Kidston's Sew. Sneak Peek and Giveaway...

Here's a yummy winter warmer of a craft giveaway for you (just in time for Xmas gift making...shudder!)  On offer for one lucky winner is...

 

• ...Cath Kidstons' new book. Sew.
  
• A pair of yummy piped leather toffee-coloured bag handles.
• A pack of pretty leaf-head pins. 
• AND there's more...you can choose any 2 different half yard pieces of fabric from my shop (provided they are in stock when the draw closes).

Cath's new book has delicious projects for everyone from the beginning sewist (chomping at the bit with their new sewing machine) to the more experienced sewist who is after some pretty projects to make for themselves, as gifts, or items for the home.

  Hurrah!  You can get sewing straight away with this book because it includes pre-cut fabric pieces, buttons, and a label to make the book on the front cover.  It also includes full-sized pattern pieces for the projects in the book.

  How professional does this bath hat look?  So pretty!

  Cute peg bag.  Love that red trim and the oval trimmed opening (how nerdy did that sound?)

   Very cute bag from the front cover.

  Love this jewellery roll.  I need one myself (if anyone of you are offering).

  Birdie cushion.  There are lots of sweet motif templates at the the back of the book.

   It would be lovely to have one of these hotties on my lap right this very minute as I type.  Because I'm freezing and it's raining moggies and mutts outside.

Draw Details (please read carefully)

I'll send Sew, the bag handles, the leaf pin and your choice of fabrics to 1 lucky draw winner.

To enter all you have to do is comment on THIS PARTICULAR POST by:

• Tell us what pressies you are making for the 'C' Holiday and include a link to your fave craft tutorial in your comment.
  

Contest Official-ness :

1. I'll randomly draw the winner in a weeks time 20th Nov and announce the winner the following day-ish.  Good luck! 
2. I'll need to ask the winner to make a donation for the postage.
3. Sorry I can't notify winners, so please keep an eye for the winner announcement.  This is made easier for you if you subscribe to this blog so you don't have to keep checking back, although it's always great to have you pop-in for a read :0)
4. Prizes which are not claimed within 3 weeks of the winner announcement will be carried forward to the next draw.
5. Sorry I can't reply to contest/draw comments, but I do love reading every single one :)

I'll also announce the winner blog post on Twitter on the 20th Nov-ish.  Good luck!

Have book, will review (and giveaway)...

...tomorrow.

((Waves hello!!))  to all new peeps who have wandered in from the wonderful Sewmamasew!

Yes I'm still alive, and still writing, and still on Twitter.  I was thinking that if I went on about my book writing to you anymore (at least until next year) you might barf!  Since book writing has temporarily taken my life over I haven't had too much else to blog about - glamorous eh?

So it is with joy in my heart that (in place of the 'B'-word ramblings) I have a yummy book review with the usual giveaway for you tomorrow. I'm sure I can rustle up some nice fabric-ness to go with too.

Yep I have in my possession a brand spanking new copy of Cath Kidston's,  SEW! The book even contains the fabric and buttons needed to make the bag on the front cover - oh yep!

 
If you fancy getting your mitts on this book be sure to pop back here tomorrow.

So hopefully I'll see you folks back here tomorrow with cup of tea in hand for the review. I take one sugar, thanks :)

.

Whilst I'm not blogging I still Twitter on. See you there?

There is an outside?

Hello my lovely blog friends!  How are you keeping?  I miss you all heaps; it's rubbish not being able to blog as often I usually do.  ((Waving frantically to you all!!))

I'm not complaining though, life is wonderful if your work is also your hobby.  That said, with my book writing I have kinda disappeared under rock lately and I have suffered a few other unforeseen consequences:

• I can't do my emails right now (my beautiful assistants are taking care of them).
• What? My chin? What the hell is that on my chin? I grew myself a fuzzy chin?!?
• Upper lip - see above
• Legs - see above
• Eyebrows - see above
• and umm...other bits - see above
• I have mysteriously gained 8 pounds
• Even my pyjamas look a bit more frumpy than usual...
• Haruumph! I don't remember signing up for this little lot in the book contract. 

Next week Lorna the photographer (isn't she amazing!) and Charly the book stylist are coming to my house to do the first round of photography for the book. So I gotta smarten up my act, my mop, and get me a manicure hand treatment thing (because I don't think my construction worker's hands are where it's at) and I actually have to wear something other than pyjamas in my home. It's all so exciting and quite surreal.

  This is where I been working away for the last 6 weeks.  And this is a really tidied up version. Usually it's a bomb site and Al and I argue over the merits of not tidying up your WIP (he just doesn't understand because he's a tidy freak).  See that sewing machine in the bottom right corner?  It's a Janome 6600p and I flipping love it!  Beside it's other cool wing dings it's got a seriously strong motor and it's super fast.  Janome have loaned it to me for me to road test and fickle ol' me has left my own Janome 350 to gather dust (sorry girl).

 

And everyday Beans waits patiently (snuggled in his bed) for our early evening walk.  He's so lucky!

Meanwhile across the pond my bag buddy Amy has launched an amazing fabric line and a couple of to-sew-for patterns.  Just when I don't have to time to make them up myself.  I mean, I even have my own luscious copies of the patterns right here on my desk mocking me.  :(  

 

 
Amy does a great job working the English Country Vintage look doesn't she?  This Sweet Harmony bag has such pretty lines, a sweet curved pocket, and the handles have a really nice cut-out design detail.

.

 

 
Love Love this Liverpool Tunic!  It's instantly slimming (perfect for concealing a superfluous 8 pounds) and as you can make the sleeves and overall length to suit it's great for shrimpettes (like me) or your taller willowy types (like Amy).

 
Amy's fab new fabric line is called Love and it's available in different weights: Quilt/fashion; home dec; laminated and flannel  Flannel!!! (as above) Oh I soooo want pyjamas in the blue and the pink colour ways on the right.

I hope you are all looking after yourselves and enjoying winter food and winter crafting!  Big hugs!!!

... and the winner of the Mega Newsletter prize is ...

Sorry again for the late announcement!  It has been soooo busy here!

 

 
So Miss no 163 is ...

Evan who says ...

I would love to see a bag that's big enough for my yoga mat :)

Congratulations Evan and commiserations to all you other lovely people with your wonderful ideas.  As soon as I have finished the book I will definitely be putting some of your ideas into action!