The Frame Purse is Done!

As it has shown up on the etsy pics, I thought I should slot in a short post to say its done. I don't care if I never sell this one, I love it (no pun intended)!

Found a Cool Shop Today

I finally got around to visiting a bead shop I have not been to before. It was so good. Not a huge shop but had such a great selection of lovely beads.

They have a mail order facility also. http://www.findinginspiration.co.uk/ I like to buy online but sometimes its good to get out and have a look in the flesh so to speak.

I bought some red glass beads for the frame purse I have been working on - should be done and ready for a pic next time. Its becoming a bit of a romantic valentine type of thing. I almost hope I dont sell it. lol!

Must do some sewing tomorrow. No more shopping, and I think I can ignore the threatening to topple ironing pile until the evening - or maybe the next day. No no no - I hate it!

A New Bag for me! -

Still wrangling with the frame purse. One side has gone in and is waiting for me to go back and do the other. The one thing I have learnt with glue in purse frames is that patience is most definitely a very valuable virtue! If you try to do both sides at once you will have a nervous breakdown and probably take it out on the cat! I now glue one side (usually the back as you can sort out any glitches on the front) let the glue go off for about 15 mins before I even try to put the fabric in. Once the first side is in neatly I will wipe off excess glue and then go indoors and do not go anywhere near it till the next day. Seriously, you may think the glue is dry but if you start fiddling too soon it will come out and at best you will have to start again. There will be cursing!!!

I have however finished a bag that I started ages ago, but because it was for me it kept getting shelved. Its is pictured above. I have to admit I learnt another lesson with this one too! I glibly thought I did not need to mark the placement of the catch on the main body before I gathered around the handles. I could find the middle couldn't I? Well as you can see from the first pic I did not. However a bit of quick fixing and fiddling I have it sorted and am most happy to call it my own.

Where I Work

I mentioned in my last post that I had added some non-baggy links to things which I find valuable. One is `The Garden Carriage Company`. The relevance here is that I own one of these and it is where I create my bags. I got so fed up with getting everything out to work only to have to clear away for dinner etc. So after much searching for something which would serve the purpose and fit into the small space I had available, my loveley hubby bought me one of these.

They are hand made by a wonderful craftsman in Norfolk. I can safely say it lives up to every boast made on the website. It is waterproof, it does not get damp as it is fully insulated and following the craftsmans suggestion we have installed a very low energy tubular heater which just keeps the worst of the cold and damp at bay. I have lights and a heater for when its seriously parky, but dont need it on for long as the carriage keeps its heat for quite a while. Its a real home from home. I have a portable telly and this Christmas I even got a cheap digibox so I can have entertainment while I work. I havent gone as far as a kettle as others tend to bring ME tea for a change.

Its my little sanctuary. I say little as mine is only 8ft by 4ft but they can be much larger. Indeed the one I viewed prior to purchase had a bed!

I recommend it to anyone wanting a space outside of the home.

www.garden-carriage.co.uk/
http://www.garden-carriage.co.uk/

Cold blues in Perfect Purse Land

Its been a quiet weekend in perfect purse land. The dreaded cold bug has hit the house so not much sewing has happened due to the fact my head feels like someone hit it with a rather large mallet. I have started a new design using a purse frame. These can be tricky little buggers and have always made me curse when I have used them before. Safe to say, not the best thing when you have a throbbing head! The pics above are some previous work (the source of all the swearing). The new purse will be shown if it works. Fingers crossed.

I have added a few links in the blogs and non baggy links. I will explain the relevance of the garden carriage in my next post. It may seem weird , but has a great deal of importannce as you will see.

I have to brave the yukky weather today and go into town. New suitcase needed for other halfs impending business trip.
Have a good day.

Ok here we go

This is my first blog.
I am a handbag maker. I believe we all need those little things that say who we are and hope to be able to provide just that. There is nothing worse than buying a new bag that you wanted for ages (costa fortune) and see three more of them on other shoulders on your way home.
I endeavor to never make the same bag twice. I may use the same fabric, but will vary the design or embellishment to make it your special bag.
I am keeping it brief today as I need to get a proper feel for this.