U-handblog

A Bag for All Reasons sneaky peek inside

Hmmmm, I meant to post these pics well over a week ago, but Mabel was having none of it.  Something about them there babies not being born with their own individual instruction manual and it being a 24/7 labour of love.  Just as well I'm addicted to her really.

OK I better crack on with this post before her Ladyship wakes up...  So this new book was my 2011 labour of love and we are all super-duper delighted with the way she has turned out!  As the title suggests it is a bag making book that is projects focused, but with a difference (a new concept that has not been done before).  The concept is that this is a collection of bags all designed to be useful, practical and made for certain jobs such as: wallet, laundry bag, nappy bag, iPad case, vanity case ect.  I don't know if you already know this about me, but I'm very driven by the usefulness of items.  Of course I like an item to be pleasing to the eye, but what really gets me going is an item's practicality combined with good looks. 

With this in mind I have designed 12 all new bags that I hope you'll agree look tasty, but very importantly are totally practical and a joy to use in your real-life situations.  By this I mean (in these bags) you'll find a multitude of practical features such as: thoughtful shapes and sizes, pockets, compartments, straps, fittings, elasticated bits, poppers, fold out wing-dings and the like.  I wanted for you to be able to make fully-featured bags that you'll find yourself using again and again, rather than using it a couple of times only to find they don't quite fit in with your busy lifestyle - if you know what I mean :)

As some of you might have already come to expect (of me) most of my designs are aimed at the more intrepid sewist, but I have also made a point of including totally newbie-friendly designs that are no less useful and just as nice to look look at.  So there is honestly something for everyone.  Those of you who work through the projects will hopefully feel that they are rewarded with bags that look individual, look store-bought and are made to last.

A Bag For All Reasons - good to know:

• Hardback spiral bound cover
• I will be selling signed copies in my shop.
• Most of the designs are fully-featured and you'll find that these are even more comprehensive than store-bought patterns - this makes the book amazing value for money (though I do say so myself!)
• 3 huge pull-out sheets of full sized patterns, printed on one side (so you don't have to trace patterns if you don't want to)
• you have my consent/blessing to sell handmade designs from this book if you want (see inside book for full copyright info)

Hokay onto the all important piccies - click on pics to enlarge.

Front cover, this bicycle pannier is one of my fave designs, made in Amy Butler Soul Blossoms and Kaffe Fassett laminates.  Yummo!

Back cover with a taste of some of the projects inside.

I feel like have arrived: one of my books is hardback spiral bound book, yaysers!

At the front of the book all of the techniques needed to make all of the various practical features such as pockets, straps binding etc. are explained.  A lot of these techniques are simply repeated from my first book The Bag Making Bible. There was no point re-writing these techniques because they are still relevant and it meant I could focus on designing fancy bags.  That said, in the new book I have included some new groovy techniques which do not appear in my first book.

I hope you'll agree that some of these designs pack a hefty hard-working punch.  You'll find exciting new 3D shapes, new techniques, and lots of "you made that!!??!!"

A protective iPad case that is more chic than geek.  For those of us who don't own an iPad I have included a simple to follow pattern formula to make your own notebook case (whatever size it may be).

I love the model photography in the new book.  The bags were sent to NY USA and shot in grand style. How cute is this little girl and her teddy.  The bag is The Toddler Friendly Backpack - no awkward zips or buttons for little hands to contend with and no lining for us sewists to contend with either!

I LOVE this satchel style bag and when I wear it I often get asked where I bought it.  I think this is because this bag is based on a classic design that is normally made in tough leather hide. This fabric version is interfaced in such a way as to make the fabric far more rigid and resemble the structural look of tough leather - clever eh?

Satchel instructions....

Yep there's even a very pretty pleated purse frame purse inside the book too.  Use satin and a big fat sparkly brooch pin for an uber glam wedding/party clutch or use your fave solid colour and a vintage flower brooch for 'a ballerina pump and jeans' kinda clutch.

I hope you enjoyed the taster look inside the book.  I'd loveto know what you think.  I don't think Mabel will let me reply to your comments but we will read every one of them.  Thanks. OX

Mock-up covers for my new book. Please vote (and win).

Hello Loves!

How lucky is this author?  So I get to write about something that I'm obsessed with, someone takes some yummy photos and then a team puts all of the words and piccies together into a nice sprial-bound book.  And best of all, you lovely readers seem to like the results. Hoo hoo! 

I've been sent some book cover ideas to comment on and approve.  My publisher has asked me to ask you discerning crafters to get invloved and give us your esteemed feedback.  How fun is that (and how often does the reader get to have a say on the cover)??!

So yeah, there are 5 different book covers to peruse.  Lets say the cover at the top is number 1 and the bottom cover is number 5.  If you could please have a look, vote and comment on the covers as instructed in the contest details below - your comments might win you some bag making goodies!  Thanks for taking part!

Up for grabs is:

• this tasty leather shoulder handle
• these pretty bamboo bag handles
• this yummy bobble trim

 

>

 

Contest Details (please read carefully):

1 commenter/winner will be drawn at random. The draw is open to everyone.  If winner is overseas I will mark the package as a 'gift' so there will be no customs to pay. 

To enter you need to is comment on THIS PARTICULAR POST by:

1. Voting on your fave cover - remember to state which number cover: 1- 5
   
2. Comment on why it is your fave cover
3. Include any other comments: change of colours etc.

 

Contest Official-ness :

1. I'll randomly select 1 winner: 16th Jan and announce them 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 :)

Lights, camera, and (craft) action! Fliming Lisa Lam Craft Videos

 
Yeah, so how kooky does 'Lisa Lam Craft Videos" sound?  Never in a million years did I imagine I'd find myself in a studio grinning (for aaaall I'm worth) at 3 cameras whilst talking about sewing bags. Sometimes in life you find yourself in totally bizarre situations.  I think you might as well throw yourself in, get your hair wet and go for it because it could be a once only thing and it makes for good conversation with your bemused parents. And being filmed is a wacky experience I can tell you!

As some of you already know, I went to Cincinnati to film 2 x 60min craft vids with my publisher: F&W Media.  They have a very very groovy hightech filming suite with several studios, props and a dedicated team, they also have studios for craft book still photography.

I was there to film a video based on my current book and another video for my next book (out next spring).  My publisher is working hard on getting the first video out there as soon as poss.  As soon as I have any news I'll keep you posted as to development on the first video - not least because I HAVE NO IDEA OF WHAT I LOOK LIKE ON FILM!!  During filming I made a point of not looking at footage of myself in case I thought: "No way!!!  I'm such a dork on camera!! - and that would've put me off my stride (somewhat, hellofalot).

Here's are some-behind-the-scenes craft video action for your amusement :)

 

So before we can film anything we have to create a set (because unfortunately we couldn't fly everyone over to my workroom in Brighton). Here's the amazing Christine primping and preening the set.  She did an ace job!

There's one of the cameras to the right.  There were 3 cameras in all; one to my left, one above and one facing forward.  "Just forget the cameras are there and act natural" they said. "Hmm, yeah right!" I said...

I was so happy to see my machine (actually, this is one of my machine's sisters - this was on loan from Janome USA - thanks guys!). I'd had jittery withdrawals having not used her and sewn anything for over a week.

"Well, hello!"  (please don't let there be any pizza in my teeth!!)  Here's me on set grinning like a happy sewing thing (or maybe a car saleswoman, it's a close thing don't you think..?).  The delicious fabrics were kindly lent to us by the folks at Sewn Studio (which is a lush shop! I visited it on my day off and wanted to take rather a lot of their wares home with me).

Without this smiley face machine on set I would have a been a gibbering fool person. I didn't have to memorize my lines, I could read them as I was filming. This here is a Teleprompter (and my best friend) and it allows you to read lines and still look natural whilst filming. During filming when you look into the screen to read your script/notes you are essentially looking directly at your audience at the same time.  Before I went the to US I wrote my own script and emailed it to the filming crew in readiness for filming.

 

Here is Julie (left) whose job it was to ensure the flow of the Teleprompter as I talked - not an easy job. She has to move my script down to the right speed according to my talking speed.    So, what I see get to see (as an actor type person) is very different from what you (the viewer) gets to see - at least that's what we are aiming for!  You (hopefully) get to see a chirpy friendly person talking about sewing in a sewing type setting, whereas I get to see bright lights, a team of 5 (patient) people, lots of computers, cameras, reflectors, cables and movable walls. Yup, the magic doesn't just magic itself y'know!

We were pretty good at keeping the number of 'takes' down to a manageable level.  If I remember correctly we never needed more than 4 times for anything.  Yeah, we're professionals!

No cookie + no brownie + no choccie = no worky   Damn fine snax they were. I really love USA snax BTW.

 

These 3 monitors were for the 3 different cameras. The team could see at a glance what I was up to just by looking at these 3 screens. Important when you want a choice of angles for your final film.

 

Yayyy props galore!  If I was less professional I would've not showed up for filming and had a good nose around the prop room instead :)

 

I hope you enjoyed nosing behind the scenes.  Thanks for lookin'!

There are loads more craft videos action pics in my Face Slap. I simply have too many to post on the blog :)

 

If you want to see the other filming pics please join my Faceslap page.

☜ Click to join my U-Handbag Facebook page. Thanks!

 

More pics coming next: 'Inside Amy & David Butlers lush pad '

2011 Spring Quilt Market Lush Eye Candy

I think it's fair to say that for many mere mortals (Ms Rowling excepted) writing books isn't going to pay you enough to get you a new boat, house, or diamond studded collar for the chihuahua. Nope, my book is out there and Beans is happily making do with his plain leather collar. 

I wrote my book because I was invited to and well, it's not like you get that sort of invitation every day.  I also wrote the book in the hope that I would get to meet people and (to be honest) I wanted to see if it could enable me to occasionally slip out of my PJs, out of my house and allow me to wear nice make up and clothes and go to glam places!  Well blow me down, it worked!  My flipping book got me on a plane headed for the states. Haha!

It did really happen, didn't it?  It must've done, I have pictorial evidence. Or maybe there is a strange  5"1 Chinese lady out there (who is the spitting image of me) that has drugged me, implanted me with wonderful USA trip memories and has gone to the trouble of filling my memory card with all these cool QM holiday snaps.... Hmmm?

So, from the moment I touched down to the moment I drank my first cup of tea (when I got back home) that was the most incredible trip!

The first cup of tea when you get home is AMAZING isn't it?  The badge is now stuck on my wall as a souvenir and those cookies were baked by David Butler - man he bakes porno cookies!  Double vanilla + double choc chips = double tasty!

On this USA trip:

• I was blown away by Quilt Market
• I did some filming with my publisher for 2 x 60min films 
• Did a double book signing with Amy Butler
• Then stayed at the Butler household for the weekend before flying home.

 

Of course before I left I was super excited, but at the same I was a bit nervous.  Ever since I knew of an online crafting community I have always wanted to fly across the pond to meet some USA crafting cousins. I wanted so bad to make meet and make USA friends, to be inspired, be able to swap experiences and advice, and importantly be welcomed into their fold.  Well, was I ever,  and did I ever get all of those things and more.  The folks I met were literally all lovely and huggable.  You lot are so friendly and encouraging!!!  You couldn't have made me for more welcome if you tried.  Thank you so much. I can't wait until next year when I get a chance to come back. Yayyy!

Thanks to everyone who said Hi whilst I was abroad, it was great having you keep me company during my surreal and exciting trip.  Also thanks for keeping an eye on things whilst I was away. Beanie seems fine, Al tidied our house and appears to be well fed, and none of my plants have died. :)

So I'll share all my pics over the next few days.  I'll go and fix us some popcorn, dya want salty or sweet?

 

I love Amy Butler, not least because on day #1 she handed me this Quilt Market survival kit. The woman is a genius!

 

Here's Amy swapping into her comfy Converse before packing up the booth on the final day of Quiltmarket.  So cute!  PS: Hot News Flash: Amy has some ta-hasty fabric contraband coming up for us: we're talking cord, rayon, and voile. I've fondled it all... Oooo boy!

One of the first booths I saw was Tula Pink's. Her Prince Charming fabric is lush. She just gets better and better at this!  Her mom was there and you could tell Mom was bursting with pride!  :)

One of Tula's amazing quilts.  She uses a double layer of wadding to get that 3D thing going on strong!

Kokka = sweetshop!

Sandi Henderson (Portabello Pixie) lushness. 

 

Bari J (Bari Ackermans) cute bag patterns.

 

Bari's booth swiftly became the (even more) sassy booth when filled with these mouthy ladies. Left to right: moi, Bari, Valori Wells, and Jona. If only you knew what we were all saying when the camera went click, clue: it wasn't "cheese"!

Ahh so cute I can't take it!  Goodies from Oliver & S's new book.

 

The lovely Betz White and Dave White. They both taught me how to make a bird nest brooch.  They are ace teachers!  I dig your bag and shoes Betz!

The amount of work that went into creating booths was astounding.  There were captivating displays everywhere you looked! 

From the Alexander Henry booth...so lush!

 

The girls from F&W Media. My publisher (David & Charles based in Devon, UK) is an imprint of F&W Media (a USA company). This means that D&C & F&W constantly work closely with each other.  It was such a treat to meet and work with some of the American team - who were really friendly and consummate pros!  Left to right: Christine from Cinci, moi, and Barbara from NY.  Thanks for taking good care of me guys!

I did briefly consider maybe perhaps riding off (very swiftly) with this cute 2 wheeler...

It's that Kokka Echino again!

This is a bag made by my friend Cheryl of Paradiso Designs.  I had to take a pic because I couldn't believe that this was a handmade bag.  Very talented and kind woman.  She'll go far!

Kay Whitt (author of Sew Serendipity, and we both write for the same publisher) is cute as a button.  She's a talented sewing live wire and as gorgeous as she looks.

Can you believe this tasty fabric cupcake??!

There were booths that felt like (dream) home away from home, Valori's booth was one of them.

 

So much work, but worth every stitch!

I hope you enjoyed the show.  Thanks fer lookin'!  Who are your designer faves and what fabric ranges are you looking forward to most?

There are loads more QM action pics in my Face Slap. I simply have too many to post on the blog :)

 

If you want to see the other QM pics please join my Faceslap page.

☜ Click to join my U-Handbag Facebook page. Thanks!

 

More pics coming next: 'Craft Video shenanigans'

My (recent) life in pictures

Blimey!  I haven't posted in over a month, that must be the longest time I've not blogged for - ever!  But then (as some of you already know) I have some mighty crazy stuff on my plate.

Let me fill you in on wass happenin'.  I've not blogged in over a month because:

• I've begun writing my 2nd book. It will be available in 2 parts. The 1st part will be available this fall and it will be 3 tasty projects in e-book format. The 2nd part will comprise of all of the 12+ projects, it will be hardback spiral bound and will go on sale in spring 2012.
• I will be flying to USA in early May. I'll be giving a talk at Quilt Market, doing book signings and generally hob-nobbing with USA crafty stars.  I'll also be doing a double book signing in Ohio with Amy Butler - which will be ace fun!
• Whilst in USA I will also be filming 2 craft videos - inside a professional filming suite and everything!
• I am now sponsored by Coats, so amongst other things I will be doing workshops with them in the major UK cities.

Gosh written down, it doesn't look all that much, but for me it is!  I'm not the most organised person in the world and (not that I'm complaining or boasting) I do all of the development work myself. This means that here I am yet again (as I was when writing the BMB) chained to my Mac or my Janome for 6 days of the week. All I can say is: "I salute anyone who is a parent of young un's. How do you do it??"

 

 

If you'd like to stay in regular touch with my rantings and findings (and I'd love it if you did). Please join my Faceslap. I check into it most every day and chat on it regular too.

☜ Click to join my U-Handbag Facebook page. Thanks!

 

 

As I have to get on with book writing I can't blog as well, but I wanted to share with you a few pics of what I've been up to lately. I just wanted to check-in and say: "Hi, I miss you!!"

 

This is me (today) sporting the 'Book Writing Babe' look. My hair is a shaggy mess and I have baaa-hags under my eyes. Mmmm tasty!

 

Recent spring walk in Balcombe, Sussex.

On the same walk.

 

  At last month's Elbow gig in Brighton. I LOVE Elbow!!!

Al and I waiting for the Elbow gig to start.

 

...amongst Moji's gorgous wares at our first Brighton Craftaganza. A craft market that 2 friends and I organized. T'was a really wonderful day!

 

Having ace fun choosing some Free Spirit fabrics for the book. This is what fabric sample cards ofen look like.   I'm positive there are those of you (fabric nerds - like me) out there who know what this range is.  Pop your answers in the comments.  :)

 

...and I bet you know what this fabric is as well :)

 

Al & I on a walk in Ashdown Forest (Pooh Bear country).

 

...and here's a hoooo-mungous roast we had lunch after the walk...

 

In the pub (we ate lunch in) there were some achingly beautiful and retro-licious sewing machines. I think Pinnock might be an Australian brand. Anyone heard of 'em before?

 

...my lovely editor Jen bought these at Angel Bakery as a naughty treat for us all when she came for a visit to Brighton.

 

...in Brighton North Laines all the cool doggies get around by skateboard, yes they do. 

Not sure when I'll blog again, but I still love reading your comments. So thanks to everyone who still visits the blog and uses my tutes. I appreciate it.  XO!

 

I can usually be found (more often) here:

☜ Click to join my U-Handbag Facebook page. Thanks!

 

Add pics to the BMB Flickr and get FREE bag making stuff!

Goodness gracious me!  We've been taken by surprise steam roller thanks to the launch of the book. We've been rushed off our feet.  It's certainly kept our new girl (the lovely Steph) on her toes.  You'll be hearing from her on the blog soon.  In my blogging absence we've just been trying to pack all the orders and order in lots of tasty new bag making goodies for Autumn.  I've gotten back into designing new sewing patterns, overseeing the U-handbag website re-design and all around me Al has been busy doing the DIY Dad thing in our new house.  It's chaotic and it's great!   Espesh when this damn flu goes away.  :)

Big thanks to all of you for your kind words and encouragement about The BMB.  You've been really ace about it. I am definitely going to keep on writing :)  I know, I know, I know I have gone on an ooooon about it for quite a while now.  I promise this will be one of the last blog posts dedicated to the the 'B' word for now. 

I'm itching (and nosey) to see some of the stuff you've made from the book.   So, I'm going to offer you a...um...incentive to share your BMB pics in The Bag Making Bible Flickr group.  First, I'll show you 2 of the first recruits.

 

Both of these bags are the Piping Hot Hobo bag (found on Chapter 8).

 

This beauty was made by Christine.  I love love love the geo Japanese look of the fabric and the bright teal pop from the contrast piping.

 Same bag design, but look how different they are with the individual choice of fabrics.

 

I love this Alexander Henry version just as much!  The black piping goes a treat with the leather strap and Sally has gone town by making a dinky-doo cute matching purse.  Love it!

 

 

And my version from the book.

 

 

FREE BAG MAKING BITS FOR THE NEXT 5 BMB FLICKR GROUP POSTERS!!

**UPDATE: We got our five winners for September. Please feel free to post pics.  I'll do a Flickr Pool show a tell on the blog in about a week :)

 

To qualify you need to complete all 5 of the following steps:

1. Join the BMB Flickr Group.
2. Post pics of your BMB makes to the Group.
3. Name the item you have made in the description/title (should look like this).
4. Include a link to anywhere the BMB can be bought in the description (should look like this).
5. Leave a comment on THIS BLOG POST including a link to your pic/s in the BMB group.

I'll send a nice goodie bag to the first five entrants who complete all 5 steps above.  I'll run this little contest for the next few months until the goodies bags have all run out. 

 

Woo! Thanks for helping to spread the word and I sooo can't wait to see what you folks come up with!  :)

The Bag Making Bible Sneak Peek - available in the shop

Finally, here is the sneak peek inside a book wot I wrote - which is very nice and something that I won't get to do that often.  :)

My bag making book is written more with a focus on bag making techniques.  Before I sat down and did any writing I looked through as many of the other bag making books that I could get my mitts on. On reading them I noticed that none of these books concentrated on how to make the various parts of a bag. They were more likely to be 'how to make 20-30 bag designs'.  I wanted to do something completely different to the other bag books so I wrote about how to construct the different parts of a bag; like how to do/how to understand linings, pockets, handles, structure, piping, interfacing and stuff like that.

That way if you wanted to add a zippy pocket or handmade piped handles (for example) to another bag pattern (or your own bag design) you could find the info in my book to enable to you achieve that.  But for those of us who like to follow recipes there are 8 brand new bag designs each with full-sized patterns.

BTW I haven't simply put this blog in my book. It wouldn't be right.  Where there is any repetition of my blog in the book I have made a point of going into further detail in my book. I just wanted you to know that; it had to be said :)

 

If you'd like a signed copy of The Bag Making Bible I have copies in my shop ready for immediate dispatch.

 

I'll only post some of the book of the pics on this blog post (because it takes too darn long for them to load up).  If you want to see all of the book pics you'll find then in my Face Slap fan page).

 

☜ Click to see my U-Handbag Facebook page.

 

Da cover.

 

What (in my opinion) makes a good bag making sewing machine & handy machine feet to own.

All about Interfacing.  It's so un-sexy to look at, but we all now how important it is, don't we ladies?

One of the Zippy how-tos that are inside the book (there are 3 zippy how-tos in total).

 

The Organised Office Bag.  This bag is a super-duper posh messenger style bag.  Inside you'll find an optional lap-top harness, a bellows style pocket, pen holder and zipper pocket (full instructions to make all of these features are all inside the book). Try making this in wool tweed, oil cloth, or cord...mmm!

The Oversized Fashionista Bag in all of her wool tweedy and magpie shiny metal-ness.

 

The Great Getaway Bag (this version is in oilcloth) - has a big boxy shape, adjustable shoulder handle, big front pocket, and various slip and ziper pockets to keep your gear under control.

 

 

Some instructions for the Great Getaway Bag.

How to make a darted corner pocket (with optional lid)

 

The Piping Hot Hobo Bag.  Seems like this design is a bit of hit with some of you :)

 

 

If you'd like a signed copy of The Bag Making Bible I have copies in my shop ready for immediate dispatch.

 

I'll only post some of the book of the pics on this blog post (because it takes too darn long for them to load up).  If you want to see all of the book pics you'll find then in my Face Slap fan page).

 

☜ Click to see my U-Handbag Facebook page.

 

The Bag Making Bible book signing pics: what I bought

The Festival of Quilts is one place where you had better not forget your spare bag sack, I saw plenty of hard-core professionals carting around trolleys and cases.  Fortunately (or not so fortunately depending on the way you see it) I was working my book signing table a lot of the time. So my plastic didn't get the airing it could have done - there's always next year my pretty!

So there was so much to see, (check out my other set of Quilt Festival pics), and though I have never been driven to actually make a quilt I've liked the idea of it for some time.  Well if like me you could be quilt-inclined but you need just something to actually make you do it. The Festival will make you do it!

 

So I did a bit o' shoppin'

As I was on signing on The Cotton Patch stand (fine purveyors of all things quilty) I had the benefit of Liz Sewell's (one of the family owners of CP) quilty experience to hand. I explained that I had been utterly ruined by the Festival and I had to make at least one quilt.  I asked her to recommend me the gear I would need (besides mat, rotary and big ruler - cos I have them already). So Liz made a bee-line for the above book.  She flipped through to various inspiring pages that she had already enjoyed herself and I was instantly sold!  I'll be doing a sneak peek of this book soon.

 

The above gadget is a tack basting gun. I knew I had to have one of them.  Dya know why?  Well, laid out on my book table was a very pretty quilt (that wasn't sewn together at all! It was flipping held togther by the above tacks! and only one person noticed).  Now I'm not going to tack my quilt togther in the hope that no one notices how lazy I am. Naw, these tacks look like a more quick and secure solution compared to heaps of pins and kebabbing my fingers!

 

Nom-nom!  V&A limited quilt cotton @ 50% off = enough said! Love these reds, plums and jewel blues.  These are going to be in a quilt.

Nom-nom!  V&A limited quilt cotton @ 50% off = enough said! Love these sweet patterns, dunno what I'm going to do with them yet, but that's never a good enough reason to not take dat stash home!

Nom-nom!  V&A limited quilt cotton @ 50% off = enough said! Blue shades are amongst my fave colours. Cutting into them will be unbearable! These are going to be in a quilt - most likely with the above plums and red if I can think of way to somehow bind them colourwise. Ideas on poscard please.

I was on the Creative Grids stand and I happened to get into chat with a nice lady who had been quilting for aaaggges. So I asked her what are the rulers that she used the most. She said "without doubt" it has to be her 12.5in x 2.2in and her beloved 6.5in square.  So I popped them both in my shopping basket.  I returned the favour by telling her about the mega sale on the V&A stand and she was whhoosh! off like a rocket!

And this cutie (who knew that irons could be adorable!?) is the teeniest iron I have ever seen.  I don't think those tiny irons by Clover are very useful for bag making, this on the other hand is faaab for bag making.  It's even more handy than my own little travel iron for getting into those nooks and it gets hawwtt too!  I'm so going to try and stock this little fella in my shop.

 

And Selvedge is a luuush sexy inspirational coffee table stylie sewing journal (it's too posh to be called a magazine) is perhaps what pushed me over the quilting edge.  I had seen all the amazing quilts and I thought wow nice, but I don't think I have the skill or time - then I saw the picture below...

...oh my!  Perhaps just maybe this could be in my reach - even if it isn't it's still sooo beautiful.  It's kinda new and old at the same time.  Yummers!

 

Another dreamy pic from Selvedge. Loads more pics in my Facebook.

 

There are lots more pics of  Selvedge in my Facebook (yeah I am actively plugging my Facebook cos it's a quick and easy way for me to say hi to you aaaand it's so much quicker to upload pics to Facebook. Just as well cos I have an awful load of pics to share with you. Some of which will (very soon) include the internals of me boook!).  So please do join FaceSlap if you've a mind to :)

 

☜ Click to see my U-Handbag Facebook page.

 

Coming next: The Pleaty Bag tute!  Yay!

Coming after that: A sneaky peek of my book, or Jane Brocket's Gentle Art of Quilting.

 

The Bag Making Bible book signing pics: what I saw

Woah mama!  I have had the most in-keer-edib-leee thrilling few days at the Festval of Quilts 2010.  Now, I've sky-dived in Spain and I can tell that book signing at the Festival of Quilts is easily as exciting as throwing yourself out of a plane!  There's was so much to see, literally a bit of something for anyone who likes to sew.  There were men, women, kids, sewing machines, gadgets, habby, fabrics, classes, fashion shows, books, DVDs, guilds, famous craft dudes, sewing furniture, contemporary quilts, trad quilts, art quilts, and ace kid quilts and a shed-load more.

Walking around and around the Festival I felt I was a paid-up member of one the super cool clubs.  It was utterly inspiring, energising and it simply made my heart race.

As you might already know the gorgeous folks at The Cotton Patch hosted my book signing. Their stand was huge and it was constantly busy. No wonder, it was packed to the rafters with lush sewing and quilting gear.  I ended up spending some dough on their stand myself!  The Cotton Patch is a top banana shop, not least because their gear is comprehensive and well-chosen, more that it is run (and staffed) by the Sewell family who are extremely proud of their business and they make a point of looking after their customers.  Check out  their Festival pics here.

Thank you so much to all of my lovely-jubbley customers and blog readers who came over to say hello.  You helped put me at ease in a very surreal (but nice) situation.  It was so cool talking to you and checking out bags that some of you had made.  I said that I might try to mention names of the folks that came to visit, but of course I have forgotten most of them. So if you are one them will you please excuse my ditzy brain and accept this big virtual hug from me instead X

Here are some pics!

Brandon Mably answering questions.  (Kaffe Fassett is actually seated behind the wall of women - there was always a wall of women, hence no pic of Kaffe).

 

A Kaffe quilt (which can be found in his new book; Quilts en Provence). The pic doesn't do justice...

 

Amy Butler, busy with her crowd of fans and signing her new book Style Stitches. I have my signed copy & it's lush-ush!!

 

Hello lovely lady, so sorry I have forgotten your name, but I remember admiring your amazing handmade oilcloth baby bag.

My book signing table.  My book was a sell-out.  Hurrah!!

 

Me doing the book signing thing. Pic from The Cotton Patch.

Hello lovely lady,  I have forgotten your name too, but I remember your amazing version of the Pretty Pinafore Bag in all it's Alexander Henry finery.  Your outfit was flipping cool as well!

 

Which shoes?!?  I went for the green Chie Mihara's in the end. My feet hurt, but they so looked priddy!

 

Looky look!  It's Ali (of Domesticali), it was such treat seeing her.  The fuzzy bowl is a gift she gave me long ago. I love it to bits and I was using it as a business card holder (which she thought was amusing).

The Butlers and I.  They're really nice people don't-cha know.  We did a book swapsies for a cheesy giggle.

 

There are lots more Festival pics to see in my Facebook. Do check em out!

 

☜ Click to see my U-Handbag Facebook page.

Coming next: what I bought at the Festival

Cominig after that: The Pleaty Bag tute!  Yay!

 

The Bag Making Bible book signing schedule @ Festival of Quilts 2010

Wahoo!  My book signing times at Festival of Quilts have been confirmed by the lovely folks at The Cotton Patch.  Now, I wonder if it's the done thing to have other authors sign books for other authors?  Done thing or not, I'll be at the head of the queue to get my signed copies of tasty new books by some of my craft dude heroes.

Take a look at the book signing line up below, it's like a line up you would have in a crafter's lucid dream (only to wake up in the morning in your own house - realising there's no milk left in the fridge for your morning coffee).

Click on the table to enlarge.

As you can see, cos I'm a starry-eyed Newbie I'll be there for all four days to ensure I soak up the atmosphere, get to natter to as many folks as poss and umm...perhaps puuuurchase a s*%t load of craft gear.  Hehe!

 

Hopefully some of you can visit. Yep, not only will you be able to get your mitts on the first available copies of my book (before general release in Sep), I'll be happy try to answer any bag making conundrums you may have, or give you my opinion on the best way to cook a steak, or tell you my fave film star crush, or tell you the colour of my front door, or tell you my shoe size, or, or, or....hahahha!

 

For more info about Book signings & nice author pics pop over to The Cotton Patch.