Unexpected

Just thought I would sneak in and do a little post. Well I hope you all thoroughly enjoyed Christmas, ate too much, drank too much and laughed with friends and family. More importantly did you all get that 'me' time you all deservedly needed?

We had a quiet Christmas, it didn't plan out anything like I had envisaged as C's Granddad passed away two days before Christmas. A lovely man at the age of 96 will be sadly missed by everyone, especially C. It was only the weekend before I was helping him to tie his shoe laces and chatting away about the football and the weather. He wasn't ill....I think it was just his time.

So I've spent my Christmas making sure C and the in laws are OK, making dinners and lunches where required, helping out organising the necessary and listening to so many brilliant stories about Frank's life. So unfortunately we will all have to face the new year with a funeral. We're all getting together on New Years Eve to have a meal and a drink and light 3 Chinese lanterns in memory of Frank.

Its not all been sad though we have embraced the Christmas spirit (Frank would have been disappointed if we hadn't) C was spoiled by me with a PS3 and Fifa13 so you can guess where he has been spending his time? :D And today we ventured out to the shops and I made a start on updating my wardrobe (it seriously needed it). I'm a huge fan of Long Tall Sally but have never actually bought any jeans from there, surprisingly comfy and even though as per usual I'm in between sizes a size 12 was a nice fit, lovely and long at 34" and spotted a pair of raspberry coloured skinny jeans in the sale so bought those too. I also tried on a nice shirt but they didn't have my size (feeling an online order coming soon!). I then bought I gorgeous long jacket from John Lewis which is a Barbour and was half price in the sale.....BARGAIN! Its a start....a new year and a new me.

I'm also feeling ready to get back to work with a new attitude (and no more ridiculous overtime) and get my website filled with lots of new gorgeous bags. I'm determined to go into 2013 with a positive mental attitude!

Christmas at last.....

Yesterday was the last day at the day job until the New Year and boy was I glad to be driving out of the car park. To say that I need a rest is an understatement, there has been so much going on over the last 6 months (most of it exciting) I feel exhausted.

Now I can take my time to enjoy our new home, now festively decorated and look forward to spending time with family and having some 'me' time.

A very good friend reminded me the other day that writing on our blogs should be something for us, yes we love to know that there are you lovely people out there reading it, but we should never feel pressured to write something just because we haven't blogged in ages. Like most people we all have times where we're too busy or just don't have the blogging mojo to write something and I have to admit I am there right at the top for disappearing and then reappearing weeks later.

I have been busy with new makes, custom orders and supplying some of the very lovely shops that stock my items, then I had to squeeze in some handmade gifts, along side doing way too much overtime at the day job. So after feeling like I was missing the run up to Christmas excitement I am now on overload.

Almost all my gifts have been bought/made and wrapped and are sitting tucked underneath our Christmas tree, the decorations have been up for a week and we have a huge new conifer tree in the garden with gorgeous sweety coloured lights twinkling away. We had family down last weekend and again this weekend. Then that's it! It will be Christmas Eve and we are off out for a meal with C's family then back to his parents for Sherry and present swaps.

So this is me wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and all the best for the coming New Year. Thank you for reading my sporadic posts and leaving your thoughtful comments I really do appreciate it. I will see you on the other side of 2012.......I wonder what next year will bring?!?!

Hugs
Em xxx

Sewing journal...

 

Look what landed on my doormat this morning!

 

If you're an avid sewer/crafter and you love to write and sketch you're going to love this. This wire spiral bound journal is Rachel Goodchild's latest addition to her gorgeous online collection.

 

It has 70 pages (140 sides) of blank paper in a 100gsm weight, with an added lined separate sheet. and is 160mm x 220mm, so its a perfect size to just pop in your bag. The journal is printed on FSC recycled paper and comes wrapped in a cellophane bag.

 

And check this out!!! The page marker is a tape measure!!!!! *Squeals*

Now you cant tell me you don't just love, love, love it?

 

I love dressmaking and sewing and this journal is right up my street.

 

The drawings are so exquisite, from the pattern pieces to the needle and thread detailing.

 

I especially love the bobbin of thread on the back page.

 

At £8.00 this journal I think is a steal, and I cant wait to get my first list written down. If you would like to own one of these fab journals you can get your crafty mitts on one

 

here.

 

They'd make a fab stocking filler for Christmas too. I have a feeling I'll be adding a few more to my Christmas list.

November...so far

 

Saw me finish a very special order...I love these little fella's especially these 50!

 

I also became the proud owner of a Kenwood Mixer, I've wanted one since I was a little girl, now I have one the same as my Mam :) cupcakes!!!!!!

 

I had a manic 2 days cutting out lots of new items, most will be for the Christmas fairs I will be doing in December.

 

Which then made my shiny new studio look like this :( now it looks like my space lol

 

And I had a little fun with some felt in a patriotic theme.

A new chapter...

I always knew that moving house would be one of the most stressful things I would ever endure in my life but I never spared a thought of how my very usual routines would completely fall out of sync.

 

I've found it quite difficult 'getting back on the horse' so to speak. Mainly due to the nice shiny house I have to play with ;) but its been such a massive upheaval for us all it took me a while to find my feet.

 

I'm starting to feel more settled now and after my final 10 'Theo' Gingerbread are completed tonight I will be throwing myself full speed into catching up on my order list (which is humongous) and my prep for the 2 craft fairs I signed myself up for pre move.

 

 

Since my last post showed you my old studio and my departure, I thought it only right to show you my new creative space. Now bare with me, the word is in the pun, it is a little bare but I'm sure once I start making stuff in there it will start to feel more 'me'. The ceiling height is larger and the space more usable than the last, I have a lovely big velux window which lets in the most amazing natural light and plenty of space to actually put up a full size ironing board (not possible in my last studio).

 

There was of course the ritual outing to IKEA to pick up some extra storage (which I had great fun organising) and that's me in.

 

One photo I haven't shown you yet is that on the same floor I have 'baggsied' the walk in wardrobe as my new 'storage cupboard' where all my fabric is stored with a few other treasures. Once this space is organised (and not a total tip) I will show you that too.

 

So now you've seen my new creative space, let the creating begin.........

bye bye

One of the saddest parts about moving was saying goodbye to my studio....here it is just after C finished converting our loft.

I have lots of fond memories of some exciting projects I undertook there.

Everything had its one place and it really was my little 'haven'.

Sadly this was the scene the day before we moved.....couldn't believe I was leaving that gorgeous wallpaper.

After moving day, a few days, a few trips to IKEA and a little bit of effort my new studio is starting to look like 'my space'. It just needs that little something......not quite sure what that is just yet but I'm sure I'll figure it out.

Connected

I'm back!!! Did you miss me?

This morning a very lovely man from BT's Open Reach came and connected a phone line to our new house. It was quite eventful as they needed a cherry picker and had to trim the huge Oak tree in our front garden to connect the line to the corner of the house.

A short while later, we now have a phone line and internet connection Woop Woop! So I am officially back in action, I've re-opened my etsy shop and stocked it with lots of Christmas decorations and my website is fully restored for you to buy lots of lovely gifts for your friends and family for Christmas :) And of course I am back to Blogging and FB. So do stop by for a chat I've missed you all.

I have some serious blog reading to catch up on, there is only so much you can do on a Blackberry.

I'm sure a few of you are wanting to know how the move went....well it was not very well organised, the actual day was so stressful I spent the whole day crying (not like me at all) HOWEVER it was worth every second of it. I love our new home, its going to take us a while to get everything in place but I love it here. So quiet living in a village, I'm sleeping so much better now, its amazing what difference a good nights sleep makes to your frame of mind.

I have a beautiful new studio, which still needs me to tweak it a little until it really feels like my space but its perfect. The cats are settling nicely and as a couple we are so relaxed in our new space its refreshing.

Right I've just been told I need to get off the computer as we need to go and sort some things out......see you all very soon.

xxx

Out of the loop....

If you have paid a visit to my website lately then you will know that I am on an extended vacation. Hopefully all going well I will be back in action round about 20th October when we will be having broad band installed.....we have moved :)

 

More to come about that later. I'm missing blog land and Facebook but thankfully I still have Twitter so if you want to have a chat you know where to find me. Please feel free to leave me a comment as I will be using the in laws Internet connection when I can.

 

See you all soon :) xxx

Handbag Illustrated

Art work by Maya Wilson

If there ever were such a magazine this would be right in there....

How fantastic is this illustration by Maya Wilson!?! If you hadn't already guessed its ME!! Maya and I agreed a while ago to do a 'talent trade' I made her a baby/changing bag out of some of her very own hand printed fabric and in return she would immortalise me in one of her wonderful illustrations.

I have to say I absolutely love it!! I like to think of her as my alter ego 'Bagladee' ;) She is currently sitting pretty on my home page of my website with a message (more about that later). She will also be my inspiration for my revamped website and blog.
I really cant thank Maya enough :) thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

By popular demand...

There has been little blogging of late, but since the photos of makes are starting to pile up I thought it would a shame not to share. By popular demand I have made some more of the storage boxes. I can pretty much make them in any colour scheme so if you are interested then please do shout up.

Hopefully this set will be winging its way to Paris!! I know tres Chic!!

I do have other news......which will be coming soon....however I can tell you that I will be moving into a new studio. Watch this space!!

My Etsy Wish List

I know we're all feeling the pinch in the purse this year and I'm so pleased that the depressing, gloomy start to the year was quashed by the vibrant and uplifting Jubilee & Olympic celebrations. And it continues with the Paralympics which is just utterly amazing! Such inspiring athletes.

 

Some evenings when C is at football I like to have a bit of window shopping on Etsy, its ideal snuggled up on the sofa with a cuppa (tonight the Paralympics on in the background). Its been tough this year with C and his work/job, me going back full time and not being able to spend a penny (no not in the public convenience sense). So the next best thing is to add my goodies to my favourites, revisit, add, delete....in the hope that when things settle down I can treat myself a little.

 

Leather Messenger Handbag Satchel Yellow from TheLeatherStore 

 

I am already lucky enough to own a bag from The Leather Store, its a beautiful Aubergine colour leather and this yellow one is just stunning. Perfect for cheering me up on sunny days.

 

Vinyl Wall Decal 'Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass it's about learning to Dance in the rain' from   InitialYou 

 

I love wall decals and this one is very much my outlook on life. And let me tell you I have done plenty of dancing in the rain :) 

 

14K GOLD Leaf Necklace - As Seen on Courtney Cox And Jennifer Aniston from classicdesigns

 

I've had my eye on this little gem for a loooonnnnng time (hint hint Mr. C!!) ClassicDesigns have some beautiful silver and gold Jewellery for sale I'm a huge fan.

 

Strapless Grecian Silk Wedding Dress, "June-Lily" Gown by rschone 

 

And lastly but no means least if C and I ever do get around to finally tying the knot I would love to wear a dress like this one. Wearing my feather necklace of course :)

 

Best get saving those pennies up........

 

Whats on your wish list?

New frames

 

After a mammoth 6 month search I have finally got my mitts on a box of these frames. They are the same as the others I use for the mini clutches but if you look closely they have little loops on the top for attaching a chain strap!! Cant wait to make some shoulder clutch bags.

Quickly, quickly...

 

If I'm not careful Mr. Bagladee will start getting jealous that I'm spending most evenings with 50 very dashing gingerbread men ;) they aren't just ordinary gingers Oh no, once they have their spectacles added they will be 'Theo' Gingerbread men.

 

Who knew that I would not get bored of making so many! In fact its actually made me want to make more. Which is a bloomin' good job as when these are finished I need to start on some more. A huge transition is coming soon and I'm racing through my To Do lists as quickly (but carefully) as I can to make way for a 2 week break. I feel excited, with butterflies in my tummy but extremely nervous at the same time. I think I'll feel a lot better once I can finally let you in on it. I actually feel now that I've built this all up to something spectacular and when I do tell all you will all say 'Huh is that it?' :)

Dear everyone.....

I hate to keep popping in and out of my blog in a flash but at the moment time is precious and you all know that if anything gives in a crafters 'To Do list' its always the blog (well for me it is). I've barely read any blogs of late and for that I do apologise, I miss all your funny, clever, imaginative, sometimes sad but touching posts and no doubt it will take me an age to catch up. So if you see me commenting on old posts you know why.

Its weird but I almost feel out of the loop, I've made some good friends though my blog and hope that you're all still there waiting in the wings to read another post :)

I'm still sewing (like mad) and there will be some updates soon, I am working on a post about craft fairs so bare with me (I may be some time lol) and if you're a twitter fan (@bagladee) I'm always on there because my BB is stuck to my hip (or so that's what C says).

The boxes above are another set I've been working on, I seem to have had a mad moment and cut out about 4 sets which still need sewing together :/ Oh well lets add those to the 'work in progress pile'.

Right I'm off peeps, hope you're all well, I'll be back soon :) xxx 

Trinket box

A while ago you might have seen the 'Jubilee' fabric box set I made, well this mini version is from the same pattern just adjusted slightly. The original pattern came from the same one I use for my clutch bags, they have the same design boxed corner, just larger and minus the bag frame they have the same method of sewing in the lining and turning them through.

At the moment I seem to be having new ideas at totally random times, mostly when I'm supposed to be making something else. I'll be mid flow, stop grab a bit of paper do a quick sketch then dive straight into the fabric stash. The down side is that I know have a wip pile the size of a mountain. The upside is that I seem to have found my crafting mojo again and new products are flowing out of me regularly :)

If you look closely you can see the 'new' fabric tags I've made this week, they now say "handmade in England".

Finally things (outside of Bagladee) seem to be coming to fruition and thankfully look like they are to settle down soon. So I should be able to share in the next few weeks. It will also mean I will be taking a break for a couple of weeks, which will give me time to come back with an updated website and some new items.

Watch this space :)

A special order

For the past few weeks I've been working on a special order of Gingerbread Men Decorations. There are 50 of them and them and they are special because they will be wearing the 'Theo' inspired glasses that i created for Theo Paphitis himself.

Where are these ones going? Well they will be adorning the Christmas Tree at the Ryman Stationary HQ 's I'm so excited and hoping that I can get a photo of Theo standing next to the tree once its decorated.

So far they have eyes (50 pairs of brads) and as you can see I hand folded 50 bows, which can be quite fiddly as each one is only about 3cm (folded).

This morning I've been busy sewing the bows on and adding a smile to each of them.

I've spent most of this weekend watching the Olympic events, wasn't the opening ceremony amazing!! I felt so proud to be British. Go team GB!!!!

Hello Russia

I noticed these last few weeks that the traffic coming from Russia has increased and taken over my visits from the UK and USA, which surprised me but I'm delighted.

So if you're visiting from Russia *waves* Hello to you, why not leave me a comment telling me where abouts in Russia you're from and how you found my little corner of the blogisphere :)

Mission Acomplished - Collaboration Completed

Now that Maya has received her custom baby bag I can show you (lots of) photos. Some of you already know that I have a base pattern for a changing/baby bag that I adapt and change depending on the specifications of the customer. Maya supplied the fabric which she hand printed especially for this project.

Its the first time I have taken on a collaboration project. I couldn't think of anything better than working with a textile artist. I was a little nervous and I was as precious with Maya's beautiful fabric as I am with my own creations. I had to make sure it was perfect.

The bag has an adjustable strap which can be worn over the shoulder, across the body or can be hung on the buggy.

I love these chrome buckles and sliders, clean and simple.

I decided to add two heights of magnetic fasteners, which means the bag can be compact for short journeys or expanded when you want to pack loads in. An addition to the original pattern I added two pockets to the front of the bag, well you can never have too many pockets when you're carrying the kit you need in your baby bag. I used the lining fabric that Maya chose to add a little detail to the pockets.

Inside there is a central divider with 3 medium pockets at the back for bottles and two large ones on the inside front of the bag for nappies etc. Plenty of room for everything.

Of course there had to be somewhere to put my signature Bagladee tag!

I also made a matching wet bag to pop inside when needed, which has a waterproof lining.

We discussed 'buggy' handles/straps and after quite a lot of sketches and sleepless nights (yes really, cant switch off when I'm trying to solve a sewing conundrum) I came up with these nifty little straps. Now they may not look that clever or exciting but.....

When you shorten the bag strap to the shortest length and hang over the handles of the buggy (these were designed for the type of Urban Buggy Maya was having)....

.....the straps then go around the straps and the buggy handles keeping the bag safely in place. So no sliding down the side of the buggy!

So there you go, from fabric to a complete changing bag set. Custom made for Maya and her baby, Luca. Congratulations to you and Marc on the birth of your beautiful baby boy!! xxx

Right off to get on with my next project!

**If you are interested in a custom changing/baby bag why not pop me an email (emma@bagladee.com)**

Changing bag progress

After having a well needed lie in this morning its time to get cracking on the final stage of Maya's baby bag. These were photos from earlier last week where I had all the pieces completed ready for constructing the bag.

I've loved working with Maya's fabric, the fabric weight is similar to upholstery weight, which is very durable and will wear nicely over time. And the print design is just so fab, I love the little birds and nest elements.

So here we are ready to sew the lining in now, this is a photo of the front of the bag which has two pockets and the flap folds down over the pockets. By the time I'm ready to post on Monday morning, Maya's baby should have arrived. How exciting!!!

Ooops there it goes again...

...another week has flown by and already its Wednesday tomorrow crikes!! I cant believe we in July!!

This week progress on Maya's baby bag is coming along nicely. I have the main body of the outer bag made and the lining with all the pockets and dividers done too, just the strap to sort with something a little extra on it and sew the 3 components together. Which is just as well as Maya will be going in to be induced tomorrow so baby will be arriving a week earlier than planned. I will show you some photos tomorrow.

Today I was emailed a sketch. Maya is making me into a cartoon!! I am so excited the sketch looks amazing, it still has to be inked and coloured but I cant wait to see it. I'm planning on putting it on my website on my 'About' page when its finished. She really is a talented illustrator, its so exciting I cant wait!

When you dont have one to match...

This weekend I went to my OH's cousins Wedding reception (they got married in Mauritius a couple of weeks ago). I'd bought a dress and luckily had some shoes that matched but didn't have a bag to match.

Thankfully I seem to have the nack for making bags ;) so I decided the day before I would make this little cutie. As my dress had a flowered pattern I decided blocks of colour would be better.

Now she may look small and dainty but in my clutch bag I had x2 Blackberry phones, tin of vasaline, house keys, car keys, bank cards and money. Its all in the pattern cutting ladies. Small but deceiving :)

Already had requests for this style to be added to my website, so watch out for some new bags coming soon!!