U-handblog

Pattern for a purse frame purse

Last chance saloon call for last minute entrants to the The Creative Family Book (with bonus prize) draw:  If you haven't entered already you still have time before the draw ends tomorrow.

Thanks heaps for your kind comments about my powder pink frame purse. I had a whole bunch of requests for the pattern that I used to make it.  So without further ado; here you go...

Note: this particular pattern works for a specific purse frame, but the shape of this pattern can be adopted for most any purse frame if you follow steps 1 - 2 of my purse frame tutorial.

So, start off with a 26.5cm x 16cm rectangle sheet of paper then measure and cut as shown in the pic below:

This pattern make a purse which looks like this.  To make the pattern follow the steps below:

1. Fold the paper in half by bringing the short edges together and create the pattern with the paper halved.  It's always best to make symmetrical patterns in this way.
2. On the bottom corner open edge measure a 95 degree angle and mark the line to the side edge (this line should be 12cm long) and trim off the angle.
3. Turn the paper on it's side (so the side edge is now facing you) and measure 62 degree angle and mark the line the top edge (this line should be 8cm long) and trim off the angle.
4. Now round of the top edge corners as in the picture.  You should be left with a top edge measuring 14cm (give or take a few mms).
5. There, that's the pattern sorted now you can follow the purse frame tutorial from step 3 onwards.
6. Proudly show off your yummy new purse in the U-Handblog Tutorials Flickr.

It was actually sunny yesterday, so one thing I did to make the most of the light was to take pics of the latest deliveries for the shop:

"Hello my pretties, I hope you had a pleasant journey and you feel very welcome here"  :)

This fabric is sooo cute it's made from quilted squares of chambray and faded florals...mmmm!


I'm leaving work slightly early because; my best pal is getting married today (congrats Nicci! X)   

Have a fabby weekend everyone!

Powder pink purse (frame) purse

I haven't made a purse frame purse in aaages.  I had forgotten how quick they are to make.  I took a bit of jiggling around to get the pattern right (yeah, I screwed up it up about 6 times...), but once the pattern was sorted I whipped this up in under 1 hour...

**UPDATE** if you want to see the pattern that I used to make the purse below click here.

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Powder pink purse with this silver frame.  I have used a couple of layers of fleece to give the purse support and a puffy finish.  At the mo we are starved of sunny daylight here in the UK.  What you can't tell from the picture is that I am trying to get the most light by lying on my belly on the table (and I am more or less hanging out of the window!)

Pink rosebud lining.

Side view.  I had to follow my tutorial on how to make the purse because it's been a while.  I  am definitely going to whip up some more of these; I have some linen and a bag of lace and ribbon that needs using (instead of being looked at lovingly).


Whilst I'm on the subject of my tutorials  I was having a browse around in the new flickr group (U-Handbag Tutorials) and I was over the moon to see that Panaddanui had made herself a Backpack bag.

Love it!  It's the first one I've seen.  Mint choc chip delightfulness.  The frill and the flower are so cute. We could do with some sunny days like that!

This yummy powder blue pleated pouch also caught my eye...

By Claire Very lady-like.  Lovely for a wedding or a ball.


Oh this is completely unrelated, but I wanted to share a tip with you:  In our supermarket I saw they were selling bottles olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette spray for £5.00 ($10).  It's basically a bottle with a spray and one part olive oil to one part balsamic vinegar.  So rather than pay a silly price I got a plain plastic spray bottle and made up the dressing myself.  So much cheaper and your food gets a nice even coating (instead of flooding the plate and wasting it).  Handy eh?

A spot of window shopping (in London)

I had a lovely Easter.  I had one wild night out, and the rest of the time was spent in long telephone conversations with the family,  giving my house plants some tlc, and a bit of sewing.  I stayed away from the office the whole time and didn't a jot of work.  The result is today I feel really refreshed, it was flipping busy in the shop, and my inbox has grown fangs (not that your emails are scary, I really love receiving them, there's just quite a few to reply to).  I just wanted to pop my head into blog land to say "Hi" and hope that you had a really nice Easter break too.  Whilst I'm at it I wanted to show you a few pretty shop windows that I snapped over the weekend...

This is the shop window of Penhaligon's; a luxury traditional fragrance and potion shop (the Royal family shop here dont'cha know?)  I love the way this display is alive and growing.

I love ladybirds, unfortunately these lovely confections are not available in my size...(really like the one on the left).

This is my glamorous dressing table the window of So Shei.  Cute and cheeky!

Now that's what I call groovy chicks (heh!). The window of Jigsaw.  The clothes here are yummy (but not for petites).

Butler &Wilson; I love looking in this costume jewelry store, it's a cross between candy glamour and drag queen chic (a fine balance I know!).

Back to my emails....

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Bags of Burlesque

I hope you are having a wonderful Easter everybody.  What's your Easter egg count at the mo: 'modest, shameful, or I'm not telling you?' Mine is currently 'modest'.  I would have gone for a jog to run them off (to make more room of course), but it's snowing outside - of course it's snowing; it's late March and this is UK being predictably unpredictable.

Last Friday was my best pal's Hen night.  We all thought it would be a gas to let it all hang out at a burlesque night and we found one in East London.  It was a good natured scream.  Can't wait to do it again!

Blurrily & demurely (at least for the time being) sipping a soft drink.  I don't drink so I only have myself to blame when I dance all crazy.  Yes I know it looks like I am starkers naked; I can't tell you how many times I had to hoik my corset dress up.

I'd show you the pics from later on, but I won't for fear that you'll be disappointed in me (heh!) and besides I don't have permission from the other hens :)

Enjoy the rest of the break everyone.  I think I will get stuck into some cosy sewing now that I have laundered my scarlet harlot dress and put it away until next time...

The Creative Family - Book Review & Giveaway

In this post I am going to give you a sneak peek of this book - it isn't even in the shops yet! I'm also giving it away because I don't have little ones and I know that a family out there would really benefit from having this book in the house :)

I'm sure that a majority of you will know Amanda Blake Soule from her thoughtful blog Soule Mama. I'm also sure that most of you who read her blog will agree that one of the main draws of her family and craft focused blog is her sensitive and meditative style of writing.  She manages beautifully to make the make the simplest things compelling and she encourages her readers (in gentle and unpatronising tones) to stop a minute and be truly in the moment.  Anyone who enjoys a peaceful mug of tea whilst reading her posts is going to love her up and coming book...

Amanda's new book; The Creative Family. This book is full of suggestions, tutorials, and observations on how the family can better connect with each other and encourage imagination.  Amanda talks about how this can be achieved through the mediums of handmade craft, appreciation of nature, play, and thought and ritual.  I have to say it only takes a few pages of reading Amanda's warm and gentle writing before the stresses of the day begin to melt away...no really, try it for yourself.

How to turn Dad's old T-shirt into a pair of groovy trousers for kids.

How to stencil T-shirts with the kids.  Throughout these projects Amanda gives suggestions on how to involve the children in creating craft.

This is a lovely idea: turn the children's artful sketches in embroidery transfers.  How charming is that cushion?

Here's Ezra doing a spot of his own embroidery (with blunt needle in hand); he looks so engrossed in his work.

How to make your own (nicer) knitting needles.  The book has a lovely section on how to get the little ones involved with knitting from a young age.

The family's ever changing nature table is a place to exhibit and explore.

Inspiration is everywhere...

Draw Details (please read carefully)

I'll send a copy of The Creative Family to 1 lucky draw winner.  AND A BONUS!!  I will also include the packed with tutorials Handcrafted Journal too (as it didn't get claimed).

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

• Sharing your favourite tutorial/s with us and putting a link to it/them in your comment.  It could be anything; a recipe, sewing, knitting, or whatever, the more and the varied the better.

 

Contest Official-ness :

1. I'll randomly draw the winner in a weeks time - 29th March 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 :)

A (pictorial) trip down memory lane

Here is a very edited list of my fave things in times gone by. I thought this might give you a giggle; it certainly made me chuckle (and cringe).  Just goes to show when you're young you don't know any better :) 

So here goes in no particular order (if this makes you laugh, I'm glad)...

My first pop star crushes (circa 1980's)

Neil Tennant of the Pet Shop Boys: to me he had such a moody and pensive face. I was sure that one day we would meet and make lyrical and intelligent music together. Back then I had no idea that he wasn't into ladies in that way...

This was also the first album that I bought.  I thought he was so cool and I just loved his moves.  I bought myself pairs of glittery silver socks that I used to wear as often as possible.

My favourite sweets (circa 1980's - 90's)

Popping candy: I loved this stuff!  You put a few grains of this artificial chemical ridden treat on your tongue and wait for a few seconds for your brain to explode!

Flying saucer sweets: I loved these too.  These rice paper saucers would melt in your mouth to spill their fizzy sherbet contents on your tongue...mmm!

Cadbury's Curly Wurlys: I went through a curious phase of eating one of these everyday for about 6 months.  I mean they're OK as far as chocolate covered caramel goes (getting stuck in your teeth) but 6 months?!

My Favourite TV shows (circa 1970's - 80's)

The Banana Splits:  This show was such a wacky start to any child's weekend.  This show was half an hour of bonkers crazy mayhem.  So creative (or drug inspired who knows?)

Hong Kong Phooey: "...or is it the mild mannered janitor?"  I loved everything about this classy cartoon especially his car.

Wonder Woman:  OK perhaps her powers as a superhero were somewhat limited (cuffs that can dodge bullets, ability to jump high and run fast, lasso things, and er....), but we were less demanding back then and she was so beautiful...sigh!

**UPDATE**  Charlie's Angels: Absolute brain mush both in the 70's and the later film version.  I loved them both He he!

Tony Hart kids art program: There was this cute character called Morph on this show and he could morph into all sorts of shapes.  He was Tony's cheeky side-kick and (in my opinion) the best part of the show.

CHiPS: this cop on bikes show was so rubbish (and in retrospect pretty camp), but as child I bizarrely found it entertaining?

Scooby Doo: I think that most will agree that this cartoon was best when WE were growing up that is, pre Scrappy Doo (who is sooooooo irritating!) Shaggy and Scooby were the best characters by far.

Favourite things to read (circa 1980's)

Beano comic:  I really like the Bash St kids in particular I liked the character called Plug (the ugly kid).

The Twits: one of my fave Roald Dahl books, but then I love them all.  This book is just FAB for reading to kids.

Rebecca's World by Terry Nation:  Such a brilliant and involved fantasy world story with a brilliant plot and colourful characters.  I re-read it every now and again.

Jackie: photo comic.  This mag was full of rubbishy love story situations done in cheap dodgy photography, but back then it was a bible when it came to learning about boys and making your first tentative (and cringe worthy) steps in mixing with the opposite sex.  Shudder! I wouldn't go back to that age for anything.

There's lots more, but I think we'll call it day...except I forgot, here is a pic of the car we had in the 1970's...

A groovy Ford Cortina! They're very retro now, but man were they ever ugly back then.

Are any of these your faves too?  Why not share your faves with us; don't be shy :)

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And the winners of the Amy Butler Sewing pattern contest (Feb 08) are...

C'mon where is the warm weather then????  The blossom has been kind enough to grace the trees and the spring flowers are popping out too, but where's the sun - I still have my wooly hat on and that's not right.

So, lots of entries this month and the standard (as usual) is incredibly good which is wonderful.  I'll tell you this for nothing, it's a monthly nightmare having to pick/draw only 3 winners for this contest...Gahhh!

Here are the winners of this month's Amy Butler Pattern contest - each wins an Amy Butler Sewing Pattern of their choice:

Delightfully charming Velma Bag with skillful fabric centering and darling vintage brooch by Collins creates.

 

This Sophia Bag looks even more yummy in this great fabric combo by DKnits.

 

I like the art deco-ness of this Amy B fabric on this Weekender Bag and the flower is a sweet addition by Anna.

 

Well done Ladies! Please get back to me with your choice of Amy Butler pattern and your postal address, and I'll send you your pattern.


Thanks to everyone else who entered, sorry if you didn't get lucky this time. You could always try your luck in next month's contest!

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Misc-link-mania

Hope you had a smashing weekend everyone.   It was my best pal's fiance's stag do last Saturday and somehow us girls got involved in celebrations towards the end, so I can't cope too well with loud noises at the moment...

I'm really glad you enjoyed the interview with Kristin of Sew Mama Sew.

Just so you know, today is the closing date for this month's Amy Butler sewing patterns contest.  Winners will be announced tomorrow - Good Luck!

   
• Not Martha - can't read...drooling (over  pics of choccy)
   
• Mochimochi - knitting patterns so cute (and daft) it hurts!
   
• Sock Monkey Calendar - fun calendar for those who still haven't bought one (like me)
   
• New Amy Butler Fabrics - released in April.  Drool, gimme, gimme
   
• Yummy Bracelet giveaway - with 4 designs to choose from
   
• Goldfrapp - her new album Seventh Tree may not be similar to her others, but it's no less delicious for it.  Sooo relaxing.
   
• Elbow - the new ablum Seldom Seen Kid is brill.  Thoughtful lyrics, somtimes rousing, sometimes gentle, and I would marry any man with a voice like his...(mmm...thinks naughty thoughts...)
   
• Designer Credit Cards - if my credit card looked like this I'd use it way too often and be very broke
   
• Free Music to download - I haven't investigated this yet, but it looks good.
   
• Scribd - free document viewer, sharer and storage.  I found this on Julia's blog and it works great.
   
• Sketchbook - an etsy shop selling yummy hand made bags
   
• Atomic Food Containers - a perfect way to liven up lunch/leftovers. Available in US & UK.
   
• Squidoo - lots of bag sewing links
   
• Madeit - a forum to talk about buying, making, selling Indie craft
   
• Monster Factory - wonderful monster plushies.  I bought Sebastian (see below) for Al for Xmas and they are now firm friends

Sebastian and I hope you have a great St Patrick's day!

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Crafting Heroes Interview with Kristin Link: Owner of the fabulous Sew Mama Sew!

Hey!  Thanks for your kind comments about my shoe, I'm really happy that you liked it.  I was a bit shy about it to be honest...

Have you ever wanted to know a bit more about the founder of the amazing Sew Mama Sew! fabric shop and inspiring blog?  Yep?  Well you're in luck.  If you haven't visited either her fabric store or blog before (where have you been? and you are in for a big crafty treat...)

Here's Kristin with her daughter - I love this pic.

To see the interview with Kristin hop over to my other blog.

Ohhhhhh!! Super excited because the postie has delivered my review copy of Amanda Blake Soule's The Creative Family.  I'll review it on this blog soon. You can see the Crafting Hero interview I did with Amanda here.

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My handmade shoe - yep, I made a shoe!

When I was at footwear college in 2004 one of the projects we were given was to design a shoe for Clarks. The brief was to design a child's shoe which utilises a child friendlier closure than laces (for example).  So I went off and designed this (rather colourful) girl's shoe which has a tie and toggle closure.  In the end, Clarks liked it, but they said my design wasn't commercial enough...ah well commercial, sch-mmercial!
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All leather upper and hand stitched toe.  Learning how to make shoes gave me lots of transferable skills for bag making and design (which happens to be a whole lot easier!)  And shoe making is brilliant fun.

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To find out more about the footwear course that I took (and it's famous shoe designer alumni) and to see pics of MUCH prettier shoes being handmade hop over to my other blog.