U-handblog

A new job, my 300th post, my 35th birthday, and £50 ($100) worth of U-Handbag goodies up for grabs!!

There's a lot going on in this post so I've broken it all up into headers:

My new (additional) job:

Firstly, I want to say a HUGE thank you for your kind words of encouragement for my job interview to become a bag making workshop tutor at The Make Lounge.  I'm not over egging it when I say that your lovely emails and comments gave me so much joy, heaps of confidence in myself, and they really helped me decide that it was a good decision to make.

So yesterday I went to the Make Lounge to meet Jennifer (the owner) for an interview chat.  The first thing that struck me was how nice the building is.  It's bright, airy, modern, and spacious with gleaming sewing machines and lots of handcraft dotted about the walls and displayed prettily on shelves.  Jennifer said she  already knew about me so the interview was more about what classes I could teach rather than whether I was suitable for the job.  So I start in September! Oh I'm so so so excited!  I left the interview with a psychotically wide grin on my face, on the way to the tube station I stopped in Ottolenghi for a raspberry and lemon cupcake (try eating a lemon cream cupcake when your face won't stop smiling; you'll look quite crazy and people will cross to the other side of the street).

I can't wait to start; one thing about working for yourself is that at times you can feel quite isolated so this is going to be such a nice way to meet other crafters (hopefully some of you folks included) face to face. Yipppee!

Here's a mosaic class at the Make Lounge in full swing; looks great fun! To see more pics of the Make Lounge look here.

My 300th blog post:

I can't thank all of my readers, commenters, customers, emailers, linkers, tutorial users, prize donors, contest entrants (have I missed anyone?) enough.  You've all helped make blogging so worthwhile and enjoyable for me and I'm so grateful for that.  I just hope that you find my next 300 posts useful and/or enjoyable :)

My 35th Birthday:

I hit 35 yesterday.  In this time of my life I feel very blessed and pretty fulfilled.  It's definitely one of my better birthdays.  Friends, family, and Beans are safe and well (those that have passed away are lovingly remembered and I'm pretty sure they would be quite happy with what I'm doing these days), I adore my work and hobbies, and there's always something tasty in the fridge.  I don't really need anything else to be as happy as Larry :0)

£50 ($100) of U-Handbag goodies up for grabs!!!!:

Yep, so all of that amounts to a lot of stuff for me to feel happy about so I am celebrating by giving a load of U-Handbag making goodies away.  1 draw winner will get to have a rummage around in my shop and choose themselves £50 worth of bag making goodness (except for fabrics and interlinings).  As long as it's in stock (and as long as it's not fabric or interlinings), the lucky winner can get their mitts on ANYTHING ELSE IN MY SHOP!

Draw Details (please read carefully)

£50 ($100, EUR63 approx) worth of U-Handbag bag making supplies will be given to 1 winner. I'll draw the winner in 2 weeks time - 27th June.

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

• If you were going to attend a 3 - 4 hour long bag making workshop what would you like to learn about and what bag/purse would you want to make?  I've deliberately made this an open question.  PLEASE be kinda detailed in your answer because (as you might have guessed) I'll be taking a close look at your comments  so they can help me plan the bag making workshops that I will start holding in September. Thank youuuu!
  

Contest Official-ness :

1. I'll randomly draw the 1 winner in 2 weeks time - 27th June and announce the winner the following day-ish.  Good luck!
2. Fabric and interlinings are not included in the prize, anything else in the shop is up for grabs as long as it is in stock.
3. I'll need to ask the winner to make a donation for the postage.
4. 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)
5. Prizes which are not claimed within 3 weeks of the winner announcement will be carried forward to the next draw.
6. Sorry I can't reply to contest/draw comments, but I do love reading every single one :)

I might be holding bag making workshops - maybe...

Yes, I may join the teaching profession and pass on the joys of bag and purse making to folks face to face.  I don't have the space or the wherewithal to hold my own workshops,  but the Make Lounge in London has the space and the facilities.

The Make Lounge in Islington, London holds a variety of Crafty Workshops.

I emailed them to introduce myself and to give suggestions of the kinds of classes I could teach.  So now I am going to meet Jennifer (owner of the Make Lounge) for a casual interview chat and to show her some of my bags and purses this Wednesday.  I think doing this was a slight moment of madness because even though I know I would really enjoy it, I haven't formerly taught classes before.  I have taught lots of folks face to face individually or in small groups, but for free.  So I AM a bit nervous, but it is good to push yourself beyond  your comfort zone isn't it? It is isn't it?  Please say it is! 

I'll be sure to let you know how the interview went.  Wish me luck!

Aw thanks Mum! I really fancied one of those...I think.

I love all of the different ways that Mum's (and Dads) show love for their kids.  

When you're growing up it's all: "have you done your homework/chores/tidied up your room/laid the table? OK; who pulled your little sister's hair/left the lounge in a mess/has been playing with my makeup?; what's 7 x 8; eat up your food; you can't go out with THAT on!" 

And you when you've grown up it's all: "how's; work/the house/Al/Beanie/your sister/your brother etc."  Mums are great; the way they never stop clucking (no matter how old or ugly your are) is one of the best things about being someone's child.  It's still great even when they visit and bring you random bargains to eat because they're convinced you're not feeding yourself properly...

'Thanks Mum!...umm what do I do with it?'  I haven't cooked one of these before (and neither has my Mum, but it was going cheep - heh!). It's probably going to sit in my freezer for months until I figure out how to make a meal from it.  

My Mum is an amazing cook and her ability to feed armies is legendary.  This means that whenever she visits she comes laden with dumplings, Chinese veggies, flavoured oils, homemade noodles, roasted duck and pork (mmm drooling on keyboard) and a few oddities like the fella above.  I'm very lucky and not slim...

What funny ways do your Mum and Dad show you how they love you, or what funny ways do you show your little ones that you love them?

Onto crafty things; I'm working on a really nifty zipper tutorial at the  moment.  I thought of it whilst Al was explaining a science thing to me (and I wasn't paying full attention...).  Sorry Al!

My nifty zipper tutorial is going to involve this chap.  If you'd like some excellent tips on how to write tutorials check out Bella Dia's blog.

(Dreamy) Kew Botanical Gardens

Last Saturday the weather was beautiful (until the brief thunderstorm).  So I thought it was the perfect opportunity to visit - Kew Botanical Gardens.  I have been meaning to go to for ages; it's that same old thing that you are never a tourist of where you live, but lately I have really been enjoying exploring my 'neighborhood'.  Kew was absolutely amazing and I can't wait to go again, it's huge you could never explore it in one day. 

I am by no means a gardener; a few hardy house plants and a large tub of herbs in the garden are about the only plants that I can't seem to kill, but I do love plants and flowers very much.  So if you have an interest in plants at all I can't recommend a visit to Kew enough.

I have always wanted to visit the big Palm hot house in Kew.  I think it's original Victorian, can't wait to get inside!

And this is the sight that greets you as you go through the door.  It's really humid and the plant life is wild and rampant.

Hiya Wendy! X

There is an incredible spiral staircase that takes you up to the upper gallery.  I fell in love it with it; I think it would look smashing in my garden shed :)

He! He! I know, I know; I'm sooo immature.

I'm thinking yarn lovers might like this pic.

Up the lovely staircase

Phew, it was getting too hot in there.  Time for a yummy picnic under this beautiful and huge oak tree.  Until (of course) the heavens open up and a thunder storm begins - oh joy...

So we run for shelter in the water lily glass house.

Right, I guess you might be 'pictured out' by now :)  I hope you liked them.  I did take close to 200 shots that day, it was just so beautiful and interesting everywhere.

Coming next: an origami tutorial on how to fold a pretty lily flower.

Be Simon Cowell for a day and win a bag frame!!

"The sun has got his hat on hip hip hip hooray...."  Bring on those rays it makes everything feel and look so wunnerful!   Right now I'm busy playing with some linen fabric and I'm trying my darndest to design the Sewing World Bag (so it will be something in linen, but what?  Errrr....).  The thing is I have lots of new goodies in the shop I would much rather play with them instead, phoooey!

Anyway, whilst I'm trying to get my head around a design for the mag I was wondering if I could ask you folks for your esteemed opinion on something.  Al plays and writes music.  When in the right mood he has this uncanny ability to pen a song in 30 mins and he plays guitar too.  I've always said that he has an  talent for both, and yes, as his missus of course I would, but I am not alone in thinking he should just get out there have a laugh and gig. 

So I was thinking it would be a bit of fun (and interesting) to see what you think of one of his many songs as I was inspired to do so by this post written by Wendy.   And seeming as it's time for another giveaway I thought I would throw in a bag frame for one winner too.  OK so the song is not in a polished state as Al (who did everything on the song) is not too hot at doing the producing and editing stuff, but you'll more than get the idea.
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Listen to Al's song, tell us what you think, and win a frame to make the above purse (or another purse if you fancy).

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Draw Details (please read carefully)

I'll send a pretty Silver Loop Handle Bag Frame 1 lucky draw winner. 

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

• having a listen to Al's song: 'Stuck Like This' and telling us what you think about it.  Don't be shy about being honest - he's a big boy; he can take it :)

Contest Official-ness :

1. I'll randomly draw the winner in a weeks time - 15th May and announce the winner the following day-ish.  Good luck! 
2. 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)
3. Prizes which are not claimed within 3 weeks of the winner announcement will be carried forward to the next draw.
4. Sorry I can't reply to contest/draw comments, but I do love reading every single one :)

So the challenge is to eat cakes and buy and talk craft things for 10 whole hours!

I hope you all had a lovely weekend everyone.  I must say I did.  I somehow managed to do loads of things.  We managed to clear up the office, employ a new pair of hands for the shop, catch up with some buddies, go to IKEA (it was actually quiet so no wanting to shoot myself!) and best of all I got to meet up with some crafty bloggers in London for a cakes and craft chat.

So Jo (Today we are), Helen (Angharad), and Florence (FlossieTeacakes) and I met up in London for a girly crafternoon. How wonderful to be able to indulge in talking about craft, craft supplies, craft blogging, and do some craft shopping with folks who's eyes aren't going to glaze over at the mere mention of the words; "fabric, sewing, bags, Amy Butler, blog, stitch ripper etc etc. etc."  You know you are amongst kindred spirits when you can blather on about craft for the best part of 10 hours!

Here is the famous Liberty of London.  The craft section is rather good, I got 'rabbit caught in the headlights syndrome' and in the end only purchased some pretty buttons.

Can't take many pics inside because the staff are too keen...  Inside the store is so lovely with it's aged wooden galleries....

and vaulted glass ceiling.

This lady looks like she enjoys her job and who can blame her?

Next craft shop stop was the lovely Cloth House...

 

...mmmm! What a wondrous sight.

And just as tasty are these cakes.  Time for some refreshment in the sumptuous Patisserie Valerie.  I often think that it's a cruel trick that when you eat lots you get full, feel sick, and then your clothes don't fit, but as you can see this was not the the time and place to worry about silly things like that...

Good enough to lick the screen eat.

...and for a craft night cap some yummy mocktails (with simultaneous "one for the blog" photography) in the 5th View bar in Waterstones book shop on Piccadilly (groovy craft book section too, I might add).

Fresh air, beach huts, and achey legs in Southwold

So Al, the woofer, and I went on another one of our long walks in the pretty coastal town of Southwold.  I must say I really love these long walks, must be a sign that I am getting older (not growing up, just getting older...).  It was such a beautiful day last Saturday that is was perfect for visiting the coast and wonderful to escape to wide open expanses of space, sky, and fresh salty air.
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We arrived in Southwold peckish after a longish drive so we visited the town and beach looking for munchies before setting off on the walk.  How cute are these beach huts?

I love blue irises; you can't beat that colour!

Or these colours!

The best invention since sliced bread is yummy jam and conserves - fact!

So after wandering around town for a little bit and scoffing some flipping yummy pies for lunch we made our way to the start of the walk...

This really bizarre water tower stands in the middle of the common and it is said to be haunted by the ghost of a man who died when his coat got caught in the machinery....  The tower is so huge and it seems to almost loom and follow you around, a bit like a huge triffid or space ship, yikes!

Nice to know that you're keeping an eye on things fellas.

No slacking boys only another 6.5 miles to go.

This walk is brilliant if only for the variety of sights you come across.  This ancient church is in a tiny village called Walberswick.  Small villages always have cool names too.

Awwww!  Lots of cute lambs.  Beans seemed rather pleased to see them too...

Part of the walk was in these reed marshes.  The reeds are still harvested for thatch roofs.  Look at that wide open space, it sure is a sight for sore eyes for us city folk.

But the reeds where kinda wet and soggy.  Alan is doing his best at a spot of ballet whilst I am laughing my head off at him and crying like a girl for myself as my socks are getting soaked.  Beans is delighted because by now he is covered in the stuff and he stinks!

To be a bird...

 

We couldn't get over how much uninterrupted space there was.  So inspiring.

And back in the village.  Translated: "Mad dog & his little brother".  How cute is that!

Chocolate box cottage with thatched roof.

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After the long walk we got home gave the smelly dog a bath, made a chicken & mushroom curry, and ate banana (with liquid toffee center - oh yeah!) muffins for desert.  All in all a pretty perfect day :)

Coming next: The winner announcement for the Artful Blogging Journal draw. 

Every now and again I don't make my bag!

Hi All!

I was just about to write about what we got up to in the weekend when the postie knocked at my door  with a delivery all the way the from Austin Texas.  It's my bag Yay! Handmade by the fair hand of Liz at Bolsa Bonita.  It's so yummy I wanted to show it to you.

Ohhh! It's even more edible in the flesh, it's all I can do to stop myself from getting into the box with my bare teeth!  The fabric is a shimmery iridescent raw  greeny gold silk with geometric appliqué, and the other fabric is outrageously gorgeous embroidered silk.  It's supposed to a special present for a special someone, but I can't help thinking how great it would look with my white linen trousers and bronze sandals...

Delicious thick gold satin lining, double stitching top edge, and two inner pockets, and flap closure.  This baby is indeed made very very well. The bag is both lightly padded and firm with a stiff top edge.  I wonder if Liz might share some of her bag making secrets with little ol' me?

Even the reverse of the bag looks yummy with a continuation of the appliqué.  These pics don't do justice, to see more look here. 


Thanks for my bag Liz. I love it, love it, love it (I mean she will love it. heh!)

I want, I want, I want...

A spot of online window shopping is ace when you're supposed to be working, you've got a quiet moment.  So today my [virtual] shopping bags are full of:

This pencil, (drool) can one lust over a pencil?  One most certainly can! The Faber Castell Perfect Pencil in platinum. Read more here.  Thanks for the link Alt.

Damn!  Amy has only gone and designed a gorgeous tableware collection for Mikasa.  I really need a new teapot and those mugs aren't too shabby either.

It's daft, but I want one any way.  Mushroom pin cushion.

 

Easy on the eye and easy on my weary bones too. Lodsworth sofa.

 

Sunburst clock. It would be tricky getting this one home!

ANY cake from this shop - I'm not fussy :)

Cute night light.

 

Dinky doo Fruity shoes!


Right, that's enough (virtual) shopping, my arms are (virtually aching), and Al will (virtually) kill me when he sees our (virtual) credit card statement. He! He!

This much I know...part 1

Well, hopefully I know more stuff than this here list...

Some Sewing Sods Law things I know:

1. Even though you think you have just enough thread on the bobbin for the job - You'll find that you are actually 2" short (and you wont realise until you get to the end of your stitching).
2. You'll really be on a roll with your sewing/knitting/beading etc. etc. and you probably only need another 15mins to get the project finished, but at this very moment the kids have started grumbling because they're hungry/your partner is now grumbling because he hasn't seen you all day/the dog needs walking etc.
3. You are on a roll (again) with your project  (even though it's quite sunny outside) so you soldier on promising your kids/partner/doggie that you will take them out as soon as you're done crafting "only another 30 mins" you say.  Then when you are done 30 minutes later, it starts raining.
4. You decide to save time when cutting fabric from a pattern by layering your fabric and interlinings and cutting all in go - no matter how many pins you use the layers still move about??
5. You mum has the uncanny knack of knowing when to call you - just as you have messed something up on your sewing machine - and you are really rather angry...
6. You always seem to have a slightly lighter and a slighter dark shade of thread for your fabric, BUT NEVER a great match.  Then you go the the shop to buy the right thread and you end up buying armfuls of other stuff...
7. Measuring stuff should mean that things match and things should fit, but not necessarily...???
8. Scissors, and pins, and chalk, and stitch ripper actually grow legs and go walkies whilst you are sewing, so as soon as you need them they are nowhere to be found - even though you left them RIGHT BESIDE your machine??
9. Bobbins just love being on the floor, they love jumping out of your hand/bobbin box/machine and they love rolling under your sewing table.  Oh yeah, how annoying is it when lids break off bobbin boxes?
10. I'm a very slow learner - I don't like making samples because I'm too impatient.  This causes me untold amounts of grief and I will never be a lady because of my foul (sewing) mouth, but will I learn from my mess-ups and make samples? Nope!  But other than all of that sewing is ace and I wouldn't be without it.

"Muuuuuuuum can we eat now?  You said "another ten minutes" aaaaages ago...wahhhh!"

I must have missed out loads from this list, what things can you add?