Springtime Handbag

I found this pretty piece of fabric in Keswick last week.  When I first saw it I immediately thought 'little handbags'. There was just enough to make four handbags - one to go in the craft shop at the museum where I work part time, two to go in my Folksy shop and one to keep for myself.  It's the perfect size for my sandwich, a drink and a paperback (I'm anticipating some decent weather to have lunch in the park).  I lined them with some linen Sanderson fabric and put a magnetic clasp on.

The only problem is that I cycle to work and therefore the prettiness of my new bag will be hidden in my bike pannier until lunchtime - shame because I want to show it off!!

Wild Flowers

Another lovely walk today, but very, very cold.  I think all these wild flowers have been led into a false sense of security with the warmth we had 2 weeks ago, I bet they're wishing that they had stayed wrapped up!

I can't wait to go and visit my very favourite wild flower place, although I will have to wait a couple of weeks for them all to come out.  It's up on a hill above a village near us and there are more species than I have ever seen all in one area - it's so beautiful.  I hope I don't forget my camera so that I can show you them all. 
Hope you've had a good weekend too.

Ancient Woodland Walk

Today we went for a lovely springtime walk in these woods near where we live, though it has to be said that it was more autumnal than springlike.  The trees are so old and gnarled they have formed amazing shapes, but then others are extremely straight and tall.

There are lots of fallen rocks amongst the trees and these ones form a perfect cave to hide in - even if you're 22 years old (one of my twin daughters)

Craggy Wood is an ancient woodland that was enclosed within a deer park from the 12th to 14th centuries, it's an amazing place to wander around - full of mystery, I often think about what the people were like who worked and lived here.

 If you find a rope swing hanging from a tree it would be rude not to have a go, wouldn't it? (my husband)
All in all we had a thoroughly enjoyable day.

Co-Ordinating Shoulder Bags

Hello again, yesterday I made these bright shoulder bags from some co-ordinating furnishing weight cotton that I had.  They have two shoulder straps (which you can't really see from the photo) and they fasten with a magnetic clasp.  Quite a useful size I think and lots of fun!
I've put a couple in my Folksy shop if you're interested.  Have a great weekend.

Cabbages and Roses

The other week I made a roman blind for a friend from this beautiful linen from Cabbages & Roses.
As there was some fabric left over she asked me to make her a shoulder bag, and this is the result.

I think it's one of the lovliest fabrics I've seen recently and I'm hoping to order some for myself to make a little summer top.  I'll just have to be careful not to stand by her window in it otherwise part of me will disappear!

Funky Red Bag

Hi, I've just made this funky red patterned shoulder bag from an odd piece of fabric I had.  It's so bright and fun I wish I had more of it!

As with many of the bags I make I want to use them myself but that's neither practical or sensible considering I'm trying to sell them!  So, I've listed it in my Folksy shop http://folksy.com/items/3187846-Red-Shoulder-Bag
I hope everyone gets lots of Easter Eggs tomorrow - we all need chocolate in our lives! Happy Easter.

Cosy Camera Case

I made this little camera case today for my new camera.  It's just a simple rectangular shape cut from a quilted padded cotton fabric and then lined with a co-ordinating floral cotton.  I've inserted a little pocket inside for spare battery and it fastens with a piece of velcro and an elastic strap.  My little camera will now be all snug and cosy.

Naughty but Nice - Fudge Recipe

After a busy session finishing off sewing some curtains for a friend today I decided to treat us to some home made fudge - you can't beat it for taste, only problem is trying not to eat it all at once!

FUDGE RECIPE
400g caster sugar
100g butter
medium tin Condensed Milk
Vanilla Essence

Put all ingredients into a heavy bottom pan and stir gently over a low heat until sugar has melted.
Then boil for 15 mins stirring constantly until brown and thick.
Pour into a greased baking tin and when cold break up into bite size pieces.