U-handblog

The Simply Stylish Handbag Making Kit

One day when I grow up I'd love to hold bag making workshops.  It would be so much fun!  A bit like a giggly Sex in the city day out, but with jeans, converse sneakers, and most definitely; CAKE.  Perhaps I'll get to teach in person one day, but until that happens hopefully my kits will kinda do the job (shame I can't pop a nice slice of cake in the kits too).

I'm well pleased that folks like our purse kits.  They have travelled as far as Singapore, Mexico and Russia (yes, really); and they have been used by college lecturers, girl's birthday parties and very recently a Hen party in Dublin!

I've had lots of requests for a starter bag making kit.  That's fair enough; it can be a bit disheartening to attempt a first bag only to find that it doesn't quite come out the way that you were...erm...hoping it would.

So I've been working on this design all week and the Simply Stylish Handbag Kit is now ready to go.  With this kit; all the stuff you need is included, you'll pick up some very useful techniques, and you'll make a bag that you'll proud to show off :)

Click on any of the pics to enlarge them:

Sometimes less really is more: the unfussy shape, the striking (Joel Dewberry) fabric and the expensive looking leather handle all combine to make a rather tasteful looking bag (if I do say so myself).  Sorry I didn't do a naming contest for this bag.  The friend I made this bag for is taking it to a wedding, and she named the bag (thanks Chlo). 

Side view.  Rounded shape with a softly flattened bottom (heh!).  The leather strap is very high quality and you can see that it is from a mile away.

Inside: contrasting red basket weave (Joel D.) print.  Fastening is a mag snap tab.

This stylish purse is so simple to make, but it looks so professional you’ll have friends asking you where you bought your cute bag from!

The Simply Stylish Handbag Kit is available here.

I love a quick fix

Hello everyone!   I hope you had a restful weekend/bank hol (in the UK). 

It's hilarious.  What with book writing and the rest, I'm just about to enter one of the busiest periods of my life (for umm...5 years) and I find I have the strongest urge to bake and sew clothing?!!  It's true that when crafting is your day job (which as you know I wouldn't swap for most anything) it becomes harder and harder to craft for fun.  It's just as well that I get a lot of enjoyment from crafting for work.  But it can't all be work - otherwise it would show in my work.  A girl's gotta satisfy her recreational urges too (that sounded naughty) So I've been hunting around for quick fix sewing patterns and kitchen quick fixes that I can fit in between the workload.

I'm seriously considering clicking 'checkout' on these sewing patterns (I'd love to hear from anyone who has tried these patterns):

Pattern no. V8278. Love the simple dress shape with the sash thing going on (great for if I've eaten 3 1 too many Kripsy Kremes).

  Pattern V8571. Love the lines of this dress too. Decisions decisions.

I'd love to make my own petite version of a wrap-over dress (where the boobage and waistline is not half-way down my knees).  Jo is a big fan of Hot Patterns and she's had great success with them too.

and here's our weekend kitchen quick fix...

Before...  Banoffee pie recipe is here.

During...      Look at the joy on this boy's face :)

After... Gooey, nom nom!

Win an Amy Butler Sweet Life Bag!!

Thank you so much for your really kind comments about my book deal.  You folks are so open in your support of what I do.  I'm bowled over by it because you are so warm and all I'm doing is having fun with what I love.  I'm determined to work really hard to make my book useful, pretty, fun, clear to understand and a bit of a giggle too :)   Over the next few months I'll keep you posted about my book writing high and lows...

So back to this post; the lovely Amy Butler has asked me to tell you about her new collection of yummy Sweet Life Bags.  This collection of bags are very different from the usual bags that you can buy.  They are beautiful enough for trips to town, but they have a hidden agenda: they're cleverly designed to cart around your crafting gear.  Who says you can't look chi chi sat outside a cafe whilst doing a spot of knitting?   In Amy's words:

"I have designed my second line of Sweet Life Bags with my crafting friends in mind. They are custom-made for creative passions like knitting, quilting, and sewing. NEW features include extra pockets and tool channels, strong and long straps for carrying comfort, expandable side panels and bag bottoms, and a gorgeous assortment of styles and sizes to suit every need – and modern style that lasts all day long!"

All constructed with my August Fields fabric for Rowan
Midweight home dec fabric, 100% cotton
Lined with a coordinating print

All photo credits: David Butler.

To see Amy's entire range of Sweet Life Bags look here.

So here is the Sweet Life Bag that's up for grabs.  The Pearl Bag - Spruce

The Pearl Bag in all of it's pleated cuteness. The quality is superb. Beautifully finished and the body is nicely padded and squishy.

 

Yep, only someone who is a crafter themselves could have designed the internals of this bag; loads of pockets and dividers to keep your craft gear under control whilst on the go.

I'd love to look this swelegant whilst doing a spot of craft in town.

Contest Details (please read carefully)

I'll send this gorgeous Sweet Life Pearl Bag to one winner.

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

• Sharing with us your fave links to any craft goodness that's caught your eye lately; crafting gadgets, books, tutorials, yummy fabrics, or any other tasty crafting tid-bits. 
  
• Please copy & paste the link/s straight from the address bar without adding any punctuation such as brackets or commas etc. (because this prevents the links from working) Ta!

Contest Official-ness :

1. I'll randomly pick the winner in a weeks time - 28th May 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 :)

My name on a book cover?!?

Helloooo!  I hope you are well.  Just popping in to give my beloved a blog a bit of a dust as I've been gone a while.  I do have a good excuse for not blogging as regularly as I normally like:

WOOT, I FINALLY HAVE A BOOK DEAL!!

I've known for some time that writing a bag making book with this publisher was probably on the cards, but I've just had confirmation that they want to go ahead.  The details are being finalised at the mo, but publication will be 2010.  Who'd have ever thought it eh?  What a gas!  Al and I have had a giggle about it and my mum squealed very loudly down the phone. Thanks to all of who have been so encouraging about all of this book stuff. 

This chop-chop busy-ness had already claimed it's first casualty: the wedding.  To be honest we aren't particularly sad about putting it off for a year  - we love each other just as much as usual, we are just too rushed off our feet to make it official. Whatever happens I'll be keeping the sparkler, he he!

I feel like a kid even more than I normally do; this is all very grown-up, adult stuff.  I really hope I step up to the plate. Erm, yikes!


If you need me I'll be in the parlour writing about about gussets and bag bottoms...

Getting the goods in the through the door.

Thank you so much to everyone one who has purchased my Expandable Tote Pattern.  Blimey! Wowsers! and other happy exclamation words.  It sure is a compliment; I know you have plenty of patterns to choose from so I'm very grateful you have picked one of mine :)

I had a smashing weekend.  Did a spot of gardening (well it's not gardening - it's more hacking our jungle back).  Also, Florence, Helen, Jo and myself prised ourselves from behind our respective computer screens and we all popped out together for the usual gossip, stash shopping, and 2/3 hour coffee and cake session.  Great fun!  Call it collective weakness (or strength), but we all ended up buying a fair amount of fabric (which was a steal!) and shoes (which were less of a steal, but happiness making nonetheless).  It all amounted to a fair few bags of stuff.

Found this in the undergrowth on Sunday.  Amazing how this Peony (with green beetle visitor) is happy to show her gorgeous self in our garden despite severe lack of TLC from us...

All of these...erm new acquisitions got me to wondering how do you folks get your stash into your homes.  Do you stride proudly in the door with your cleverly thrifted/shiny new: crafting gear/shoes/clothes/pet toys etc. or do you creep gingerly to your shed/wardrobe/laundry basket/ work room to deposit the goodies to later admire your ill gotten gains in private? 

As for me? On the rare occasion I shop for stuff (because non-stash shopping hurts my brain).  It depends, if it's sewing stash I can call it 'supplies for work' (heh!) if it's other stuff...uh it varies, it sometimes gets secreted to the ironing pile (and then I''ll say I've had the clothing item for ages) or staight to wardrobe only to wear some weeks later (and then I'll say I've had the clothing item for ages).  I hope this is one of the posts that Al doesn't get to read - opps!   :)

PDF Sewing Pattern - The (Expandable) Pack it in Tote only £4.95

.

 

Finally - phew! Here is my third PDF sewing pattern for sale.  I hope you like it.  The (Expandable) Pack it in Tote available as an instant PDF download. For more info on the pattern design please scroll all the way down...

 
 

**PURCHASE THE PATTERN HERE**
Instant download. No waiting and no shipping fee - Yay!

To purchase the pattern please:

1. Enter the discount code (if you have one) in the box below then click on the 'Buy Now' box.
2. A separate PayPal page will open (you do not need a Paypal account) where you will need to enter your payment details.
3. As soon as payment is complete you will be presented with the Pattern Download link page.  The download takes less than 5 mins. depending on internet connection speed.
4. PLEASE NOTE: the download link will expire after 72 hours from payment or after 3 attempts, which ever event happens first.  This is to help protect my pattern. I hope you understand :) Once you have downloaded the pattern to your computer the pattern will stay on your computer for as long as you like (or until you delete it).

Thank you and I hope you enjoy!

 

The (Expandable) Pack it in Tote Pattern = £4.95
Here's a Currency Converter

 

The (Expandable) Pack it in Tote Bag - Pattern Information

 

Sewing Pattern includes 11 pages of clear step by step instructions with LOADS of helpful colour photos and full-sized pattern pieces.

Super roomy size (when fully extended): 27.5” (W) x 12” (H) x 7.5’ (D). (70cm x 30.5cm x 19cm)

Materials:

• 1 yrd of 44” wide fabric for exterior and matching thread (100cm of 112cm).
• 1 yrd fusible interfacing (only needed if using quilt weight exterior fabric) (100cm).
• 1 yrd Fleece/med-weight wadding 
• 1 yrd of 44” wide fabric for lining and matching thread (100cm of 112cm).
•  54” of 1/4” wide Flexi-tube for bag handle making (138cm) - optional.
• 4 x 3/4” wide eyelets (14mm)
•  1 x 7” all purpose zip (18cm)
•  1 x 6/8” magnetic snap - large (18mm)
•  1 x 1/2” magnetic snap - small (14mm)
• Disappearing fabric marker or chalk
• Zipper machine foot
• Lots of pins

• PLEASE NOTE: YOU WILL NEED TO REFER TO THIS EYELET TUTORIAL TO APPLY THE EYELETS IN THIS BAG.  EYELET INSTRUCTIONS ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE PDF PATTERN.

 

Here are loads of pics (to see another version look here):

This fabulous tote is just as pretty as it is practical and versatile. Undo the pretty side ties and pack it the brim with beach/holiday/craft/baby/daily necessity/shopping gear.  Or you can cinch in the sides to make the tote nippier, neater and more slim-line for trips into town.  Piped handles look really proffesh and they make the bag sturdier and comfier to use. Oh, and check out the natty front zip pocket!

Super roomy size (when fully extended): 27.5” (W) x 12” (H) x 7.5’ (D). (70cm x 30.5cm x 19cm)

The bag ties are both cute and functional. The softly gathered and curved bag bottom gives the tote lots of volume and looks YUM!

 

 

She might be roomy, but she's still very neat - the tote bag looks pretty tidy too (hahahahahah!)

 

Got a load to carry?  This bag is so easy to see into and pack: plop the bag open on the table and pack it to the brim with all of your gear. Cinch in the sides and away you go!

 

The (Expandable) Pack it in Tote Bag - Pattern Information

 

Sewing Pattern includes 11 pages of clear step by step instructions with LOADS of helpful colour photos and full-sized pattern pieces.  

Super roomy size (when fully extended): 27.5” (W) x 12” (H) x 7.5’ (D). (70cm x 30.5cm x 19cm)

Materials:

• 1 yrd of 44" wide fabric for exterior and matching thread (100cm x 112cm).
• 1 yrd of fusible interfacing (only needed if using quilt weight exterior fabric) (100cm).
• 1 yrd Fleece/med weight wadding
• 1 yrd 44" wide fabric for lining and matching thread (100cm x 112cm).
• 54" of 1/4" wide Flexi-tube for bag handle making (138cm) - optional.
• 4 x 3/8" wide eyelets (11mm)
• 1 x 7" all purpose zip (18cm).
• 1 x large magnetic snap
• 1 x small magnetic snap
• Zipper machine foot
• Disappearing fabric marker or chalk
• Lots of pins.
• PLEASE NOTE: YOU WILL NEED TO REFER TO THIS EYELET TUTORIAL TO APPLY THE EYELETS IN THIS BAG.  EYELET INSTRUCTIONS ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THE PDF PATTERN.

**PURCHASE THE PATTERN HERE**
Instant download. No waiting and no shipping fee - Yay!

 

To purchase the pattern please:

1. Enter the discount code (if you have one) in the box below then click on the 'Buy Now' box.
2. A separate PayPal page will open (you do not need a Paypal account) where you will need to enter your payment details.
3. As soon as payment is complete you will be presented with the Pattern Download link page.  The download takes less than 5 mins. depending on internet connection speed.
4. PLEASE NOTE: the download link will expire after 72 hours from payment or after 3 attempts, which ever event happens first.  This is to help protect my pattern. I hope you understand :) Once you have downloaded the pattern to your computer the pattern will stay on your computer for as long as you like (or until you delete it).

Thank you and I hope you enjoy!

The (Expandable) Pack it in Tote Pattern = £4.95
Here's a Currency Converter

©2011 U-Handbag Patterns. Copyright Notes: You are welcome to hand make items from our patterns for commercial and non-commercial use. We are happy for you to sell items made from our designs on Etsy, Ebay or DaWanda etc; your own web site, or market stall etc. However, permissions for commercial use do not (under any circumstances) include factory manufacture for mass production and selling. All we respectfully ask is that you please do not pass off our pattern designs as your own creation and do not share or reproduce this pattern anywhere. Thanks for your understanding :)

Just stashing dahlink!

Hey, I want to thank you for your really kind response to my new bag design. I'm blown away by how many of you responded - wahey!  So, I have almost finished creating the PDF pattern and so far the pattern testers haven't pointed out any major cock-ups.  I'll be sure to post about the finished result as soon as it's ready:

Here is the new PDF pattern WIP (see? I haven't been idle...).

.

I hope all you had a lovely weekend (ours was a long weekend in the UK).   All weekends should be 3 days long - someone suggest that to Gordon Brown (it might make him popular again. Heh!)

Mine was pretty quiet.  Al is still furiously studying for his finals which left me free to walk the dog and also pop into town to shop for a few sewing stash supplies.  I wanted to get myself some elasticated thread because I soo want to try this cool shirring tutorial and then attempt this cute dress by Heather Ross.  So I braved the Oxford St, John Lewis habby dept. and I somehow ended up buying these by (bargain-acious) mistake:

Woo hoo!  These bit posh shoes were greatly reduced on sale and they had them in my size - In my size!? that never happens does it?

OK back to pattern making :(