...and the winner of the U-Handbag Crafty Clear out #2 is...

OK, so I really loved the pic of me drumming (because in my head I am actually a rock chick drummer), but in real-life I sew stuff so I've changed my blog pic.  Not sure if the new pic will stay. Just trying it on for size :)

Thanks for your entries to the U-Handbag Crafty Clear out #2.  You're doing me a favour believe me :)  If you didn't get lucky this time, I will be doing lots more of these.  I have a whole load of crafty gear that needs to go to good homes.

Wow some very cool questions!  I would've like to have answered loads of 'em!  Your questions gave me an idea as to what you would be like to have a coffee and a cake with. So I'll get my coat then!   :D

I read thru every one of your questions and it was VERY hard to pick one. In the end I chose this one because it was part of a recurring theme:

gREtebirgitte said...

I wonder how much time you take to try and re-try a pattern? Do you make many trial-bags before you get to the finished one?
And I really wonder if you find it hard to stick with the pattern?

Which means that gREtebirgitte:

Wins the crafty loot.  Will you please email me (see blog right-hand top corner for address) so we can send you your goodies.

Answer:

"On average I'll make a given design no more than twice. By the time I've had to make the bag/purse a 3rd time I've lost patience interest and I've unpicked it to salvage the fabric and bits and bobs for another time.  I am very impatient with myself and I'm also way too lazy to make lots of samples.

Fortunately my limited background in shoe making has left me with the ability to plan out bag designs in my head.  Rather than spend more time physically making samples I spend much more time, sketching,  planning, and 'constructing' a bag step by step in my head (something I like to do when I'm cooking dinner or when Al is trying to explain some exotic medical condition to me - hehe!)  Not making samples doesn't always work and occasionally I end up with mutations, but as the years have gone by I can get my designs to work out good, more times than not.

That said, I never stick to a pattern plan - partly because I don't plan for the finer details. I need the freedom to allow things to evolve or I can't get excited about a project.  In the same way I never follow recipes to a tee I don't completely follow shop bought patterns, or my own designs.  I like changing things up a bit.  True, I regularly screw-up along the way, but I learn lots in the meantime.  I think as long as you are consistent with stuff like seam allowances and using good quality threads etc. it's good to throw some caution to the wind.  Have confidence in yourself to experiment.  The worst thing that could happen is  that it won't work out - hardly a reason to call the fire brigade/911"

Does this describe the way you like to create and craft? Do you like to deviate or do you prefer to stick to the plan, Stan?

Look out for the next post which will contain details of the next Crafty Clear out.