The last for sometime

If you have caught up with my blog lately you will know that I've made the tough decision to give up making bags for the time being to pursue other things that make me happy.

It was an even tougher decision as I had just finished this custom bag for a lovely friend of mine. I have really pushed myself this year to not be afraid to dive in and try new designs and I'm proud to say I think I nailed that one. 

As always I loved making this bag and loved the brief I was set by Michele. It took longer than I anticipated but I got there in the end......

Its a little bit ridiculous that I was so scared of zippered pockets, they weren't half as difficult as I thought they were going to be and this year they have appeared in every bag I've made.

Michele was as pleased with her bag as I was with the end result. I have no doubt in my mind that there will be more bags in the future but it will be as and when I feel the need to get back in the saddle so to speak.

I feel content that I "went out with a bang" with this bag, although it did make me question my decision to stop making bags. That was until I reminded myself of all the new projects/tasks that I was looking forward to getting started on.

I'm hoping all this practice with piping will stand me in good stead to get cracking on those cushions I was planning to make over a year ago!!! :D

So I leave you with this picture........

Bagladee xxx

Almost...

Proudly displaying my very first attempt of piping properly!!! It turned out better than I had hoped. To me it looks magnificent but I think that is mainly due to the fact I have always wanted to accomplish piping and that I didn't have to unpick it once. Was it a fluke I got it first time round? 

I can't really say that for the piping on the seams of the main part of the bag, now that was tricky!! I've come to the conclusion that the thick piping along side the canvas material and extra interfacing to make the bag really sturdy was just too much for me and my little machine to handle. There was quite a bit if swearing and unpicking but it paid off in the end.

I'm really happy with the overall shape of the bag. I just want to do a little bit of tweaking (as I always do). There are some little side panels to fit, a twist lock and the strap of course. Then I am going to tackle the lining, which includes the next thing on my "learn to" list which is to master the zippered pocket!!! 😧

Wish me luck x

My first magazine advert...

...was placed in this months issue of Elle Magazine! Unbelievable!!

I've just been to pick up a couple of copies as this is a huge milestone in Bagladee world. I have toyed with the idea of ads before but kinda passed it up as I didn't think my bags would sit well in most magazines, craft wise. Most people who read craft magazines can pretty much make anything they want and will most likely be looking for places to buy supplies. So when I was contacted by Elle Advertising team to be part of their 'Best of British' I sat and gave it some serious thought. Leaving it right up until the week of the deadline I said yes and bagged the last spot.

So here I am (bottom left) in amongst some lovely jewellery and accessories. I never dreamed that I would ever be able to open a magazine on the level of Elle and see one of my creations staring back at me!! Very surreal (I almost wanted to walk up to a stranger in Tesco and say "that's me!!").

I still cant believe what a month I'm having, Small Business Sunday Winner and then this......at one time I thought I was silly day dreaming about having my own business making things that I love. Finally I can now stand up proud and say "I made it!".

Cant wait to see what happens next...................

Just in time for the Summer

This is Florentine and she is also now available from my website. She can be worn full length across the body or as a shoulder bag at the shortest. I am now the proud owner of a Betty Bag. Lovely spacious bag to (shove) put all my daily essentials and more. Well I did think it was about time that I carried one of my own creations, its pretty shameful that I haven't up until now.

I'm even taking her with me to Madrid next week, 5 days in beautiful Madrid. We will also be going to see Red Bull XFighters at Las Ventas again, really looking forward to that. Not only will it be 1 year since C proposed it will be a chance for us to spend quality time together. This year has been pretty manic, the time has gone over so quick because everyday has been filled with a multitude of tasks.

I have been busy this weekend making a bag for an order, some purses for a trade order I'm sending out this week and some very pink birthday cupcakes for C's Aunties birthday. *Note to self: must buy other colourings than pink.* They were vanilla with pink frosting and pale pink and white flowers and butterflies......Oh yes and a heap load of edible glitter!!!!

HIB 2011......done

4 days in the beautiful city of Bath and I am now home. Hitting the ground with a little bit of a bump having to go back the day job this morning. Set up and the preview evening was on Thursday and then we have 3 days open to the general public.

Its been quite sometime since I last did a 'retail' or craft fair if you like, infact I think it was getting on close to a year. Other than the fact Handmade in Britain was being held in such a beautfil location and city and that I had already made my own assumptions of what I thought it would be like, I hadn't read or spoken to anyone who had previously shown at this event.

The Assembly Rooms have to be one of the most pretty buildings I have seen inside. The chandaliers were gorgeous and the fair was held in the 'Ballroom'. The detailing on the ceiling was beautiful.

It made for a 'perfect' venue for showcasing British Designer makers..........however. Attendance of the Private View evening was dissapointing, the only Trade customer I spoke to was a shop owner that I already supply and I had sent her a free invite so I'm guessing that doesn't really count. Over the 3 days I did make some sales and there were quite a few people through the doors but not half as many as predicted. Was it just a sign of the economic climate? No one can know for sure. If I were local to Bath and didn't need to pay for accomodation for the 3 nights and petrol to drive there and back then I think it would have been a very different outcome for me. This is just my personal opinion of my experience and if you were thinking about showing at next years show then I would get a collective opinion of other crafters who exhibited this year. But for me it just didn't work.

On the postitive side of things: I did get to visit Bath. I made some lovely new crafty friends. I made a couple of contacts which might lead to other things. C and I got to spend some time together on an evening without me being distracted by sewing, internet surfing or Tweeting :D And all in all I had fun.

I am quite the person where I didn't feel down that it hadn't been a success for me. I've just taken it on the chin and I am moving on. I loved how my stand looked, same set up as BCTF, but with an added perspex shelf for my purses and it was full, full, of bags. I swtitched the bags round a couple of times trying out different layouts and said goodbye to some of my bags.

I did finally meet the very lovely Judith Brown whom I have been chatting away to on Twitter since BCTF, her jewellery is so gorgeous if you have never seen it before check out her website. I also had the pleasure of having a stand next to Maya Wilson who designs hand printed textiles and makes the most gorgeous cushions and lavender cats, very stylish table runners and napkins. Helllooooo to my new friends *waves*.

So whats next on the agenda for me and bagladee??? Well at this exact point I have no idea :/ there is nothing booked in for me until April next year. So I guess I'll follow up some of the contacts and work on my website for a while. And maybe I might just get round to painting the upstairs of the house?? Who knows.....

Twin (Peaks, well a mountain really)

I'm so glad that I am finally starting to feel better, time is ticking and there are lots to be made before June 16th!!!
Yesterday was the first day that I've really felt up to 'getting stuck into it', being ill when you work for yourself and you are the only person in that business is not ideal. But I think the few days of rest did me good.

To go with the photo that I posted yesterday of the Ruby triplets here are Phoebe and Cordelia twins. I really loved this print, hence why I bought it in purple and white :)

These are all ready to be packaged up and off on their travels this week and then I can add my new stockists to my website and blog.

I have no idea how many purses, clutch bags and cosmetic pouches I cut out yesterday but I now have 3 huge piles ready to be sewn together. Its gonna be a huge mountain to climb in 3 weeks but I am more than ready for the challenge!!!

Ruby Triplets

Out of all the bags that I have made since starting up bagladee I have never made the full 3 all at the same time. I have used this print before, but in mustard and brown and I love it. Raspberry is the Pantone trend colour for this Spring/Summer, which I think is what attracted me to this one. Let me introduce you to 'Ruby'. Or should I say Rubies?

Before 2 of them go off to their new homes I thought I'd take the opportunity to photograph them altogether.

It feels weird as this is the first time that its felt like a proper 'run' of designs, so to speak. I think the last one will be sad when the other 2 leave next week ;) I'm sure she will find a home too soon.

Now that I have some medication (previous post : ill) I am ready and raring to get stuck into making some stock this weekend for Bath. Watch this space :)

Sewing + sunshine = makes me happy

Its a beautiful sunny morning again, we have builders in the back garden so its not so peaceful but good to see progress at last. If you've been reading my blog for sometime you will know that since we moved into our house everything has been ripped out or changed. Now the house is complete its time to get the garden/outside sorted. After 5 and half years I think its about time :)

We already have a new fence (the old one was decrepit) and we are having a garage built, decking laid and a new (very much in need) lawn as its all just weeds at the mo. Thankfully C is sorting all this, I have enough on my plate to be getting on with without worrying about builders :)

Posts have been lacking here on my blog simply because I have been in the studio every day working on orders. So far so good, but I'm very conscious that in only a month or so I have to have some serious stock in place to go to Bath. Progress is slow but its not a race. So slow is good for me for now. This is a photo of what will be Ruby's doppelganger and soon there will be triplets.....but alas they will be separated soon, one is going to Devon, one to Cumbria and one will be travelling to Bath with me. I have booked me and C into a lovely, modern B&B for the duration of the show. Yes I did say both of us......can you believe it, he's been such a trooper with my shows he really is the crutch that holds me up when I'm being crazyladee and stressing. I don't know what I will do when he goes back to work :(

Well today is going to be spent partially in the studio (until the builders have gone) then I think I will walk to the shops and then have lunch in the sunshine.

A little treat

I thought it was only fair that with me spending so much time sewing and not showing much that I needed to give you a little sneaky peek at what I've been doing. These new metal framed purses or 'Mini bags' as I like to call them are adorable and only 9cm x 10cm. I have made 5 for the show but they will be added to my website soon.

Do you remember the 'betty bag' fabric, well she is now a saddle bag with an adjustable strap. Sorry for not showing the whole bag but I needed to keep something a surprise for the show. I have to say I love this bag and will most definitely be making one for myself. And I couldn't resist adding a little bling :D

Thank you for all the good luck messages, I am feeling considerably calmer now. Just the packing and organising to do......oh yeah and the dreaded 'Press Release' to write :o/ Eeeeek!

Sore fingers

While you are reading this post I will be in the studio wrestling with a zip, lining and bag. I am not afraid to say it but sometimes things are just a little bit beyond me and it takes a little while to 'work it out'. Meaning sewing it together and unpicking numerous (6) times :D Well it wouldn't be fun if it was too easy, right? ;) Cutting and sewing and cutting some more and then sewing something else, is what I have lived and breathed for the last 4 weeks. And I have to say I have a bruised middle finger from hand sewing.....never had this before. So I'm gingerly typing with that finger Ouch!

Its all coming together though, even if I did have a semi breakdown last week. As they say its good to get it out of your system, even if you do look/sound like a crazy woman in the process. After I have 'mastered' the zip......and I WILL!!! I will be cutting out one more bag. I have already packed up the finished bags and Chris has pretty much taken care of everything else. What would I do without him??? Meltdown that's what! :D I

I have a few more posts planned before I leave on Saturday and I will be taking my laptop so I'm hoping to post a few updates from the show. Really starting to look forward to it now. Hurrrahhhhh!! Much better than stressing out.

Something a little bit different

...4 days to go until set up day for BCTF 2011. Its been a manic one preparing this year. I am almost there! One of the new bags that I have designed for this years show has these very lovely 'o' rings on the handle. To say it was a challenge is an understatement ;) I got there in the end and I have to say I am quite impressed. They look fab. If you are near Harrogate 3-5th April (this weekend'ish) you should def check it out, details can be found on the website. More photos coming soon.

Have I pushed myself too far?

Known to be a typical Geordie who wears her heart on her sleeve I have always been honest while writing my blog. I don't profess to be an expert bag designer/maker (I make plenty of mistakes) or that I am at all perfect (dear lord no)......warts an' all as they say what you see is what you get with me.

Hot bath running (with bubbles), glass of wine to hand and feeling absolutely E-X-H-A-U-S-T-E-D.

Admitting that I am a tad bit stressed in the run up to the first of this years trade fairs would be me being totally honest. Up until now I have not been able to say that out loud with fear that I would implode on myself and turn into a heap of mush. I have to keep going as I am on the final stretch and I am certainly not giving up now!!!

If I can remember how to think rationally, I'm almost there, I have already completed a large chunk of the items I am taking. But somewhere along the line (as good as it is) I decided that I needed to move up a level, pushing myself that little (huge) step further. And today I think I have aged myself about 10 years ;) who knew that cutting out very gorgeous (and expensive) fabric to a new pattern, that I haste to add had not been trialed (I just don't have the time) would make me feel so nervous I thought I was going to be sick. If it all goes wrong and I have wasted time and fabric I think I might cry, as trivial as that may sound in comparison to what is going on in the world, everyone has a breaking point and I think that just might be mine.

I know I am being : irrational/drama queen/ridiculous (please feel free to choose any of these options) but I am putting it solely down to the fact I am soooooo tired. The day job, although being part time is still so mentally draining and having to do extra hours because of staff cuts has not helped matters.

Sitting in my studio holding metal 'O' rings and rectangle sliders and buckles for one second I thought "what are you doing? Are you crazy woman?" The stressed out side of me stood up proud and said "YES I AM!!" and then the rational Emma came out and said softly "Its OK, you can do this!"

I decided that the complicated sections need to be sewn together tomorrow when I am not so emotional/exhausted/cross eyed ;) fresh eyes as they say. Thank you for listening (well reading) to Crazyladee as she is known today. I promise I will have pulled myself together for my next post :D and hopefully will have mastered the art of bag making without unpicking too much stitching.

Hugs xxx

Fabric to make you go weak at the knees.

And this pretty little bundle certainly does that. I love the 'grown up' print of this fabric. For those of you who would like to know the fabric is: Lecien House Designer, Garden, Bouquet in Navy & Lecien House Designer, Garden, Fresh buds in Navy. I have teamed it with a peach 100% cotton and have already decided what 'her' name will be when she becomes one of my new bags.

As I thought it deserved a post of its own in the correct way I have blogged about the Japan Earthquake Tsunami here. A sad day indeed.

Remember this photo? Well just look at her now!!

Remember this photo from this post?

After some gentle persuasion, a little bit of ironing and top stitching she now looks like this.....

Isn't she pretty? She's a little reminiscent of Spring, full of the hope of Summer and her name is Cordelia. Some might think it a little strange for me to name each of my bags but I think they all have a personality of their own.

I have sold 1 already and the other 2 are available to buy here.

Ugly duckling

How can something so ugly as this alien looking thing turn into be something so beautiful??? Easy....turn it in the right way through the lining :D

She is sat on my work desk waiting for her flower corsage.....she is soooo pretty, her name is Cordelia. I will introduce her to you at the weekend.

Meet Aurelia....

Isn't she pretty (if I do say so myself) :) Perfect for this season, although I don't think I'd have any problem carrying her around any season. She has sumptuous chocolate brown lining and plenty of pockets for storage. There are only 3 available and you can get your hands on one here!

Today I ache in all the places that I have obviously not used in sometime. But on the upside I have a newly painted kitchen (walls, ceiling and woodwork) and the dining room is half way there. Egyptian Cotton on the walls, Jasmine White on the woodwork.....it looks warm, inviting and sophisticated. I love to paint (as in decorating), maybe its because my Grandad on my Dad's side was a painter and decorator by trade (hope I'm doing a good job Grandad, where ever you are in the universe). I love losing myself in the concentration of it all, its my version of meditating.....Oh yeah and getting a work out at the same time :D

Last

The last of my sneak peeks is here. Fingers crossed I will have all the new bags listed on my website by Friday. The radiator scenario if anyone is interested (I know its such a boring subject), is disconnected and capped off for now. We now need to find somewhere that has ones that fit (off the shelf ones do not :( oh well, nothing is every easy in the bagladee household).

Photoshop'ing and cutting fabric are at the top of my list today......lets see how far I get?

Corsages

This is a photo taken late on Thursday, I am pleased to say that these are all sewn together with their sparkly jewels and attached to completed bags. They all looks so yummy, like a colourful bag of sweeties :D Just photoshop'ing the backgrounds and then I will be listing them on my website.

My pumpkins are all carved ready for tonight/tomorrow!!! Now I'm off to make some more cosmetic pouches......I'm on a roll!!!!

Almost

I'm almost there, just got the corsages to finish for the new bags, sew buckles on the clutch bags and then I can list everything on here.

Another little sneak peek :D

I have to say that the new list I made was fantastic, planning tasks down to the hour meant that I was constantly motivated to get the job in hand done. Most def the way forward for me. I have a weekend of little tasks ahead which I plan on thoroughly enjoying.

Watched Finding Nemo again (for about the 100th time) yesterday, I wonder what I can find in the DVD cupboard to watch this afternoon???

Autumnal

8 years ago on this very date Chris and I had our 'first' date. Every year we buy each other a card and can you believe it we bought each other the same card. We didn't buy them from the same shop but both managed to pick the same one!?!?!? Weired huh? This is not the first time we've done this, Oh no, this must be the 3th or 4th time. I chuckled to myself opening my card this morning and left Chris his on the kitchen bench with a note 'You have great taste in cards :D xxx'

Just finished this bag this afternoon and thought it was quite fitting with the feel of the season at the moment. She just needs her corsage and then she's ready for the website.

Off to get dolled up now as we are going out for Japanese Tappenyaki tonight, Chris's treat.......YUM!!