Satchel Loving

Monday Monday. Ah most people dread this day; back in work, up early. I however can never wait for this day of the week to come round again. Although it is a day of work for me too, I work from home and get to spend the whole day sewing.

Today has been no exception.

I've made a couple of satchels out of offcuts of leather than were kindly donated from Alys the Pocket Pirate. I also raided the big bag of old pillowcases and vintage sheets. Here's what I came up with!

I have a bag of vintage buckles that my grandmother had given me a few years ago and have never used them on a project up until now. I think this is a good use though. I also added rivets to the holes for the buckles so the leather doesn't take all the wear and tear of use.

Inside I added a small pocket and the front is lined with a contrasting fabric on all of the bags.
 

 

 

 

I think this last one is my favourite. I'm totally smitten with this buckle and I also quilted the fabric on the front.

I haven't yet made straps for all of them. I've added loops so it will be easy too but haven't yet decided what to use. I'm not sure the gold chain I have will match but I don't have enough leather to make straps. I will hunt something out I'm sure!!

Bank Holiday Handbag Making

Ah Easter Monday, two days off in a row so of course I have itchy sewing fingers!  We had a lovely relaxing day yesterday with lots of lazing round watching films and then eating tasty food round at Ma and Pa's with a full house of family. Today however I was feeling inspired to make something new. 

I don't know about you but I spend a lot of time perusing through pretty things on pinterest. I keep seeing lots of things that inspire me to make stuff and today I followed through on my vision.

I'd seen a lovely example of a folded over clutch-esque thing.

I'd picked up a beautiful green leather offcut the last time I was at recreate picking up things for a class I was teaching and knew that if it lived in the stash pile it would one day get used for something fun ;)

I picked a few complimentary fabrics and a contrast zip and spent this morning sewing away. I started off by adding a heart applique using a sweet pink and red polka dot fabric.

I then overlocked all the edges of the fabrics that would fray as i wanted it to be quite hard waring.

I added a top stitch to the zipper seams to give them added strength. I find it means that the fabric doesn't catch in the zip when you're using it too.

I used a magnetic snap to keep the bag folded over  when closed

 

As I was stitching around the outside layers I also added a loop on each side so I could attach a handle. I have a huge reel of gold chain and thought that it complimented the green of the leather quite well.

I quite like the black and white gingham lining.

There are definitely a few tweaks I'm planning when I make some more but for now I really can't decide whether to keep this one for myself or to put it in the shop......

Love the Weekend!

Ah this weekend is definitely a good one! My gorgeous sister and family are down visiting from London, it's my friend Becca's birthday and all systems are go at CFQ!!

I had fun picking a new outfit out from my rail of clothes for my display mannequin this morning. I've gone with one of my handmade tops, a cute sailor collar and some revamped shorts! What do you think?? I know its the end of October but it's warm inside!

Yesterday I thought it would be fun to get the ol' spray paint out and re-do a frame that I've had kicking round the house for ages. It was a gordy gold and not very appealing; much better now!

I made a birthday handbag for Rebecca too! Craftster have some awesome tutorials on making things and I used this one as a guide for the bag. I cut up a beautiful old pillowcase and found some plain bright cotton for the lining.

Also at CFQ this week I revamped a lamp with a couple of pretty braids and I painted a few arrows on the door showing people the way!

Come say hello!