Birthday sewing #2 (& cute visitors)

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Also whipped up just in time for Keira's birthday was this bag from Amy's Bend the Rules Sewing. I've had this book a while now and this is the first thing I've made. Just like the Sublime Stitching book which I bought at the same time and have only now used the alphabet stencils.

It's really cute the way the long handle slips through the smaller one and closes up the bag. I added an inch to each handle (they seemed too short to me) and it fits Keira fine now but I may add to the longer one in the future.

Inside I added an embroidery that Keira had made of a drawing she did when quite young. It was just hanging around in the sewing box and I thought she might like to see it when she looks inside the bag. It's such a happy little figure and makes me smile when I see it

And of course there's always a pocket inside too. This one with her name like on the pencil wrap. I seem to be adding names to everything at the moment.

This morning we woke up to two very excited children because we had visitors - very close to the house visitors and one of them has a baby! (Not a great photo through the window, didn't want to disturb them or draw the dog's attention to them!) If you look closely you can see a little head poking out. Gorgeous!

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Playing outside

This was the first load of soil delivered this morning. We're very keen to get a patch of grass growing at the back of the house and hopefully cut down on some of the red dirt that is walked inside constantly.

When I came outside to take a photo, Keith ran over and stuck his spade in the dirt. Which made me laugh because he actually used this to spread it around.

So I refuse to call it work, as this is by far his favourite toy!


This is what my work looked like today, so I guess I can't complain either.

Keeping busy

My latest bags made this week. I wanted to get a bunch finished before I go away (it's coming up sooo quickly). Now I can focus on what needs to be organised before the end of September for Keith and I, and also for the children and grandparents who'll be looking after them.

Really enjoying the beautiful spring weather that has arrived in the Mountains - today is fabulous!

The swift bag

Enjoyed making a small linen bag this morning, especially embroidering the little swift. I haven't done any embroidery like this before, so just kept looking at the photo in the book. I think it turned out okay, but would like to try a different method for transferring the pattern next time.

I used this book for the pattern. It's got a lot of great ideas for bags, mostly I just take one bit of one bag and mix it with a shape or detail from another design. They also don't take very long to put together which I find appealing. Not much time around here for complicated projects, hence my lack of finished patchwork quilts. Although that is something that I do dream about putting some effort into soon . . . just not sure when.

Also, I've had some good news. After taking in a selection of bags to the shop on Wednesday, it turns out that this one sold in about 1/2 hour! I was pretty pleased about that, I must say.

Edited to Add: Have just posted the Swift Bag to Nina as a thankyou for the lovely magazines she sent me. Hope you like it Nina!

More Bags

Following on from the bag I finished in the last post, I've been very busy making some more . . .

Small blue toille tote

Inside - zippered pocket and metallic stud

Japanese style bag carry bag with grosgrain ribbon

Inside - pocket and metallic stud

I even spoke to a local shop today and have arranged to go in next week to show them some of the bags I've finished. Quite a big step for me, and one I've been thinking about for some time so it felt good to actually do it. I have lots of ideas for different styles and enjoy deciding on which fabric to use, what sort of handles would suit, etc. At the moment I'm experimenting with lots of different styles to see which ones are more popular and also to find out which ones I prefer to make.

A finished bag - and a yummy dessert

After being inspired by Mary posting pics of a finished project, I decided to finally finish a little bag I started quite some time ago . . . I was also motivated to finish after spending too much time wandering around shops trying to find a present for a friends birthday on the weekend. She's a great friend, but has quite different taste to me so I always struggle a bit because I really would like to get something she'll like.

Anyway, as I was wandering around picking things up and putting them back down again (all things I would gladly have bought for myself, I might add), I remembered this bag sitting at home patiently waiting for handles. It's a great size for my friend I think, and I'm hoping she'll like the fabric.

Also managed a dessert for the family tonight that was hugely appreciated - and considering how quick and easy it was I really will have to make it more often. Its the Apple Tart from More Perfect Recipes by David Herbert. You just spread some apricot jam onto a sheet of puff pastry, then lay the apple slices around, sprinkle sugar and dot with butter, 15mins in the oven and your done. Beautiful! The children, who are calling this apple pizza, requested small versions for school morning teas. But right now it's back to my crotchet as a lovely bundle of wool arrived in the post today!

A Bag for Mary

After telling my sister about my new found love for making bags, she lent me some of her Japanese craft books, which then inspired me to make a few purchases of my own . . . (I know lots of other people have been using these for ages but I'm kinda new to all this!). I love many of the bags and purses in this book by Onishi Junko which I ordered from Kinokuniya in Sydney, and can't wait to try making more of them. Mary saw the bag above and loved it, so we decided to have a go using some of her beautiful merino felt in red. I'm slowly gathering material and hopefully will be able to make a start soon.