Hurray! My blog is to be a 'Typepad Featured Blog' = Handbag giveaway!!

How happy am I?  I'm skippetedy-do-dah, skippedy day!   I received an email from Typepad saying that my baggy blog will be added to the Typepad Hall of Blogs.  Woot! Woot!

So to celebrate, I made yet another handbag.  'The Boomerang Bag' has smart faux leather piped handles, darts to give it a nice puffy shape, a magnetic snap closure, and it's own rinky-dink-dink zippered pouch with see thru ID pocket.   To see how to make this zippered pouch click here.

The pouch is detachable from the bag, but I made the strap long enough for the pouch to be fished out of the the handbag at the checkout so you can pay up quickly and easily.  Hooray!  No more pouch going missing from your bag.

To really celebrate, I AM GIVING THIS BAG AND IT'S POUCH AWAY FOR FREE!!  I will post this bag to wherever the winner lives.  More about this after photos of the giveaway bag...

Front view of bag.  The boomerang fabric is a funky retro print don't you think?  The pouch strap is plenty long enough for use in tube/subway or checkout, handy eh?

Inside view with red lining, and the pouch all cosy inside.

Bottom view (heh! heh!) showing the darts and close up of pouch - ticket to ride not included!

Enough of the photos already!

Q: 'I like the bag, how do I get my mitts on it?'

A: 'Easy, just comment on this post by answering these 2 simple questions': 

• 'What do you like about this blog - or in other words, what would you like more of etc?'

• 'What don't you like about this blog - or in other words, what's missing, what's not helpful etc?'

All comments with both of the questions answered (which are more than a few words long!!!) will be entered into a draw.  My husband will pick a name out of a hat in 2 weeks time, and I will post the bag to wherever in the world the winner lives.  Good luck!!

Comments

[Kate]

Congratulations! What I love - everything especially the tutorials and tips on how to do things. I don't think there is anything I don't like. You have a great blog!

[Heather]

Yay! Congratulations! Ok, so here are my answers:
1. There are so many things I love about this blog. I guess if I had to choose something that I wanted to see more of, it would be information about what different fabrics sewing machines can handle. Can a regular old sewing machine handle sewing faux leather? Where do I even find faux leather to sew with? I tend to be pretty gentle with my sewing machine because I just got it and I was sewing all my handbags by hand previously. You may have already covered this, but because I haven't read through the archives that's all I could come up with.
2.Honestly, I can't think of anything that I don't like. Before I had my daughter, I used to buy an outrageous amount of handbags. However, after she was born I had less disposable income so I stopped shopping so much. When she got a little older I tried to get creative and started making my own by hand. (I can't even tell you how much of a luxury it is to have a sewing machine now!) I do so enjoy seeing your tutorials and photos, especially since I don't know the first thing about sewing anything. I just kind of look at pictures and try to figure it out myself. I like that your tutorials are simple and easy to follow, and don't assume that the reader already knows a few things about sewing.

Thanks for the help. Congratulations again on being a featured blog!

[chilihead]

Must. Win. BAG! That's so cute I could eat it. Love the retro print.

1. I've been lurking for a while and what I love about your site are the tutorials. I actually think I could make a bag from your instructions! I am a technical writer by training so I can appreciate good instructions.

2. What I don't like about your blog is, well, I really like your blog. If I have to choose something to constructively suggest, I would say I'd like to see the text in your sidebars a little larger.

Overall, though, your blog is a great tool! No wonder Typepad chose you for the HoF! Congratulations!

[Michelle]

What I like is how you take something that to me seems absolutely impossible to do (i.e. make a purse or handbag that is so beautiful, cute or sophisticated) and show through good photos and descriptions how to do it myself. It makes me feel like, "Hey! I can do that, I want to try doing something new!"

What would I like to see more of? I guess my only answer would be more posts. You've got a good niche and I can't see anything that I'd do differently.

I don't know that I'll ever make my own purse or handbag--though I swear I keep meaning to--but I love looking at the pictures you provide, the beautiful fabrics and the ways someone else is being creative.

As for what I'd like to see different at first I said, "Nothing!" But after reading the former comments I'd ask about where you get your inspiration, your fabrics, your ideas. Maybe you already have answered these questions much earlier since I am a relatively new reader.

[Analilia]

I like the tutorials. They are well written and have plenty of pictures of the process. I also like that the blog is linked to the store where different materials for making bags can be easily bought. There is nothing that I don't like about the blog. It's updated quite frequently and very friendly! Thanks!

[myra]

Congratulations to you!

There's so many things I love about this bag! The retro fabric, how professionally made it looks, I love the leather straps a lot too. But I really love the red lining. Why do so many bag makers use black fabric to line bags? It makes it impossible to find things.

What I really like about your blog is all the detailed photos and tips you provide for making great bags. And like everyone else I can't think of anything I don't like about your blog. It's always very informative and fun!

[Heather]

Like everyone else, I love this bag. I also love this blog. I dont even know how I found it but I read it all the time.

1) Things I like/love. The tutorials have to be the best I have ever come across. They are clearly written with excellent pictures detailing what to do. Things like the zipper post make me think - Hey I could do that! I also really like the fact that you post pictures of your bags/your readers' bags as inspiration. This is a great boost for someone nervous to try the whole thing out.

2) Things I don't like/love. I am sometimes confused as to the instructions/pattern that goes with a bag being shown. For example, the boomerang bag above. What pattern/instructions go with this bag? I love the shape but am not sure which directions go with it. Is there a way to post the name of the pattern (etc) with the pictures of the bags, esp those in the inspiration section? Also, I have to admit that reading the blogs make me want to purchase from your shop. However, the shipping charges to the US are so high - more that the cost of the goods sometimes. Would it be possible to show some links to places where items could be purchased abroad? I have searched and searched and cant find the handbag metal frames (for example) anywhere.

Thanks, keep blogging. It is an excellent read!!!

[PirateAlice]

I love the bag and I love your blog.

what I like best, are the tutorials, you make bag making look so easy. I have yet to try to make a bag since my sewing machine died and I haven't replaced it yet.

2 I don't think there is anything I don't like. So far I've loved everything you've done here. Although my dead sewing machine makes me think perhaps a sewing machines for beginners post might be handy.

[Katie]

Hi Lisa, congratulations on being a featured blog. You deserve it! To answer your questions, mostly in a similar manner to the other posts

1. I love the tone and style of your blog. Accessible, very informative, user friendly and just friendly. I think it's great that you'll tell us a bit about what you've been up to in general, not just about making bags. This way you come across very personally and we feel we're getting to know you. It's the tutorials that really make the difference though. It goes a long way to selling things in your shop if you share your knowledge of how to make things. Very clever! But more than that, I get the impression you just love what you do and are more than happy to help and to share, it's about more than just earning a crust. Between the website and the blog, it's perfect harmony.

2. As for things that could improve, just more tutorials please! And um, more tutorials. And more.....etc etc.

[monica]

I'm speechless. I've just discovered your blog and I'm bowled over by your skills and how generous you are with your knowledge. I've only got about 4 handbags under my belt... but I can assure you I'll visit you again soon!!!

I love the style. And the photos. and everything...

I'd love more tutorials too.

[joyce]

i love the creativeness of the bags you produce AND i love the tutorials you've posted =)

[trish]

i love that bag!!!
1. like everyone else i love your tutorials. they are very comprehensive and easy to follow. i also enjoy the content. the interfacing post was super handy as i am sometimes unsure what weight to use.
2. i can't think of anything i don't like. i look forward to each new post and am glad i finally found this site!

[girlymama]

1. Love this blog! I'm a newbie at making bags, but I'm really having fun. I love the tutorials, since I'm always up for new ideas. And your tips, like the interfacing post, are really helpful for someone like me who is starting out.
2. Um... more of everything?

[Maitreya]

Hi! Things I love about your blog: contests! design! tutorials! The glue for the snap purse is such a breakthrough over every other method I've ever seen. I think if you were looking to add something, maybe a thumbnail gallery for the tutorials? Kind of like how you have now for the "bunch o' fives" on the sidebar now.

[rara_avis]

what a great blog! love the pix, narrative and tutorials. even though i am all thumbs and will probably never make a bag, i like reading how you put them together.

[tendril]

Congratulations!!

What I like about this blog and what's helpful ... The tutorials are wonderful and so easy to follow even for us instructionally challenged folks. Also the pictures of your and other peoples bags are really inspirational.

What's not at all helpful are the tutorials the pictures and really just the whole blog. I mean it hasn't once helped me get the housework started and has delayed dinner a few times that I can remember.

I can't really think of anything negative, I'm not a big fan of the snap preview windows but that hardly seems worthy of mentioning.

Anyway, congratulations again!!!

[Jenni]

Congrats!!! My husband directed me to your blog from the typepad featured blogs. I'm so glad they chose you!

1. I love the tutorials. You make it look so easy. I also love that you share reader's bags... it's like an extra helping of inspiration to readers like me.

2. I couldn't think of anything you need to add or change... so I read the other comments... I do think a little thumbnail of tutorials suggestion is a good one.... and more.. more of what you are doing now! It's all fabulous! =)
Thank you for your generousity. Knowledge is power... and you are an inspiration!

[Jo]

Well, obviously the bestest things are the tutorials, but also the excellent crafty links. and mentions of Beans...

Things I don't like...well I had to think a while, but it comes down to the sidebars. The content isn't a problem - it's just a bit all over the place and cluttered, and sometimes inconsistent. Let me explain...

On the left at the top you have 'About', but underneath there's nothing to click. Unlike all your other headlines it's the 'about' that's a link. Then on the left you have 'Hi and Welcome', which is great, but doesn't that also fit under the headline about? Then you could add a link to your about page at the end. (frees up a space too..)

From a usability point of view you have your links the same colour as your sidebar headlines and also some normal text like the list of bag making necessities. I still keep trying to click them :)

I would also move the subscribe here bit to lower down the page - if someone does subscribe to things they'll hunt it out, but getting the content stuff above the fold (the bottom of the screen) is better.

I'd also move up the this week I'll mostly be making (yoghurt!) section further up since we're all more interested in that.

In general I'd try and group like-minded sections together, making sure that there's an easy way to see your content. That's about the size of it.

Excellent suggestion about the tutorial pictures, and nicely done too!

[Sarah]

Congrats! I just found your blog from purusing the Craftzine site. I can't wait to make your zippered purse and the coin purse.

So far, I really like the number of enticing tutorials you have, and the instructions seem very easy to follow. Your pics are very helpful. I love that you have a list of essential supplies - and I love that tea is on there!

The only thing that causes me pause is the trouble your directions give my poor American brain with your centimeters! But, luckily your content makes up for it, and I'll just have to flip my ruler around and try to make sense of the forest of little markings that are way too close to one another.

Thanks, and I can't wait for your next tutorial!

[SallyF]

I just lovity love love love your bags and tutorials and what-not.

1. Things I like and would love more of - firstly pictures, you have such a great eye for detail, lovely work, beautiful textiles (fab stock too, I've checked!) BUT sometimes my eyes start to swim a bit and I need something pretty to break it up - maybe it's just me! So am always happy to see more photos.

2. What's missing or whatever - I love your tutorials - I just wondered if there's anyway of having them downloadable as word or pdfs so they can be saved for a rainy day? As it stands I do copy them into a word doc (with your full credits to refer back to of course and only ever for my own use!) and it can take a while to get them to less than 10 pages in blog form, so something ready done as a pdf would be just loverly.

Well done on being made a famous blogger, you deserve it!

[caroline]

Congratulations on the typepad accolade. I visit your blog because I like it - the design, the tutorials, the advice, the inspiration ... So I find it hard to fault but I think Sally F's suggestion of the PDFs of tutorials is a good one.

[Lora]

Congrats!! My answers are: I like your blog because it organized well and it's easy on the eyes. It's interesting in that there's always someplace to go and something to learn. I like that there are these great designs by you and others on the edges.

Unfortunately, I don't have any critisms. If I had my wish I guess it would be for more tutorials - loved the zipper one. Great pics and easy to understand. Do more! :)

[Jenni]

Hi, i thought of another thing i'd like to see... if you could add a link to the creators of the bunch of five that would be awesome... I'd love to see how they make their bags too. I've been sharing your link all over the place ! =)

[Angelique]

I am so glad you were featured and that i came here!

I love the detailed photos and the intructions on how to make items!!!

I am still looking at your blog more, but wanted to post- do you list your pricing somewhere and what you have available for sale? I just was click on your photos on the right column and got a little occupied!

I am excited to see more- I will lurk here daily now!

Thanks for the great blog!

I hope I WIN!!! I love that bag!!!

[Cindy]

'What do you like about this blog - or in other words, what would you like more of etc?'

I love the pics of the purses and that you make many, many styles of bags. I love the tutorials and that you are willing to share.

'What don't you like about this blog - or in other words, what's missing, what's not helpful etc?'

I would like more tutorials and maybe some simple bags that we could craft along with you. Like a large on-line craft class.