Handbags and Gladrags

After living with a very,very cold house due to running out of heating oil. Oil delivered then boiler would not re-light, then no hot water as the backup immersion heater failed too. Thankfully Robert my plumber took pity on me and came out on a Saturday to mend things for me. That was his good deed for Easter. So now Molly and me are toasty warm again.

To keep my self busy I have made a batch of vintage fabric aprons. Plenty of free patterns on Tip Nut . No pictures because the camera decided to hide in the glove box in the car!!! Naughty camera.

We had a very successful class at Slack Space in Colchester, Cherry and Linda blogged about that here and here again my camera was still missing.

Cherry, Andrea Farmer and I went to the opening of Miss Annabel Dee Gallery in Leigh on Sea Essex. We all have art on display in her spring Open Exhibition. You all are going to have to peek at Andrea's blog as that camera was still AWOL.

Now I have caught up with the camera, so you lucky people you get pictures of my first attempt at making a handbag.

Lovely vintage embroidery rescued from a damaged tray cloth.

Vintage doily, edging only, sewn onto a strip of fabric. Fabric given a wavy edge by using an embroidery stitch on the sewing machine. Then gathered up and sewn firmly with strong thread. Button covered with same fabric and sewn into middle. Then all sewn to bag. I think these would make great broaches too.

Another doily on the corner, with vintage buttons.

Finished bag. Main fabric is a pair of fine cord jeans and top & handle are old curtains. Same fabric used for lining. As with any first time make there is always something you could do better. But I will be making more as I have booked a craft fair for 4th May.

Note one pair of men's jeans leg 34 inches will make two bags. One half of a pair of curtains 60 x 60 will make two or three linings, top and handles. The curtains cost £4.50, jeans free, donated by Gilly, trims under a £1 and iron on facing for two bags £1.50.

This is the pattern Glam Shopper have a look at the other bag patterns. They come with actual size patterns, some pieces have to be joined. The instructions are clear but could have had a bit more detail as a lot of knowledge of sewing is assumed. So if you are a real beginner you may need help. Really nice ebay seller and as she was late sending my pattern out, she sent me four of the patterns!!!! I promise I did not nag her.

Handbags and Galdrags written by Mike D'Abo. I got to meet him and the rest of Manfred Mann at a concert. Went back stage straight into the dressing room where the band were in various stages of undress. Mr D'Abo was in his underpants and calmly signed my show poster. Ho hum something I will never forget. Paul Jones was pretty nippy getting his trousers on too.

Hope you are all well :-)