U-handblog

There is an outside?

2009-10-23T11:41:04+01:00

Hello my lovely blog friends! How are you keeping? I miss you all heaps; it's rubbish not being able to blog as often I usually do. ((Waving frantically to you all!!))

I'm not complaining though, life is wonderful if your work is also your hobby. That said, with my book writing I have kinda disappeared under rock lately and I have suffered a few other unforeseen consequences:

I can't do my emails right now (my beautiful assistants are taking care of them).
What? My chin? What the hell is that on my chin? I grew myself a fuzzy chin?!?
Upper lip - see above
Legs - see above
Eyebrows - see above
and umm...other bits - see above
I have mysteriously gained 8 pounds
Even my pyjamas look a bit more frumpy than usual...
Haruumph! I don't remember signing up for this little lot in the book contract.

Next week Lorna the photographer (isn't she amazing!) and Charly the book stylist are coming to my house to do the first round of photography for the book. So I gotta smarten up my act, my mop, and get me a manicure hand treatment thing (because I don't think my construction worker's hands are where it's at) and I actually have to wear something other than pyjamas in my home. It's all so exciting and quite surreal.

This is where I been working away for the last 6 weeks. And this is a really tidied up version. Usually it's a bomb site and Al and I argue over the merits of not tidying up your WIP (he just doesn't understand because he's a tidy freak). See that sewing machine in the bottom right corner? It's a Janome 6600p and I flipping love it! Beside it's other cool wing dings it's got a seriously strong motor and it's super fast. Janome have loaned it to me for me to road test and fickle ol' me has left my own Janome 350 to gather dust (sorry girl).

And everyday Beans waits patiently (snuggled in his bed) for our early evening walk. He's so lucky!

Meanwhile across the pond my bag buddy Amy has launched an amazing fabric line and a couple of to-sew-for patterns. Just when I don't have to time to make them up myself. I mean, I even have my own luscious copies of the patterns right here on my desk mocking me. :(

Amy does a great job working the English Country Vintage look doesn't she? This Sweet Harmony bag has such pretty lines, a sweet curved pocket, and the handles have a really nice cut-out design detail.

Love Love this Liverpool Tunic! It's instantly slimming (perfect for concealing a superfluous 8 pounds) and as you can make the sleeves and overall length to suit it's great for shrimpettes (like me) or your taller willowy types (like Amy).

Amy's fab new fabric line is called Love and it's available in different weights: Quilt/fashion; home dec; laminated and flannel Flannel!!! (as above) Oh I soooo want pyjamas in the blue and the pink colour ways on the right.

I hope you are all looking after yourselves and enjoying winter food and winter crafting! Big hugs!!!

... and the winner of the Mega Newsletter prize is ...

2009-10-19T15:02:53+01:00

Sorry again for the late announcement! It has been soooo busy here!

So Miss no 163 is ...

Evan who says ...

I would love to see a bag that's big enough for my yoga mat :)

Congratulations Evan and commiserations to all you other lovely people with your wonderful ideas. As soon as I have finished the book I will definitely be putting some of your ideas into action!

Stop that Etsy thief!

2009-10-04T11:46:54+01:00

Just finished a ppppppocket-tastic nappy bag for the book. More pockets than you can shake a baby bottle at! I really enjoyed developing this bag partly because I designed it with you in mind - yep I am so lucky. I ask you what you would like me to design and then you tell me!

All in all, pattern development, mess ups sampling, and construction for this bag took around 4 afternoons and 3 evenings so that hopefully it would take you approx 2 evenings to whip this up for yourself.

I'm sure some of you already know how much work goes into developing an original pattern and instructions for anything (be that knitting, cooking, or sewing). So of course when your work is born and published it's only right that you claim your work as your own and decide what others can do with your work. Which is why I was totally gobsmacked when Marianne very kindly emailed me to let me know about an Etsy seller who's PDF patterns looked kinda familiar.

This Etsy seller is taking other people's FREE patterns and is re-selling them. How cynical.

Seen any of the bag patterns before? If you're a newbie to this blog, you will find these bag patterns to the right of this blog for free. Yep, I designed those patterns, they are mine, but they are yours to use for GRATIS.

This seller has helped themselves to 5 of my designs. I told the Twitter folk about this seller and they told me that ALL of the patterns available in this shop are actually free patterns designed by other people. You might want to check to see that they aren't profiteering from your free patterns...

I'm delighted when folks try my patterns and they are welcome to make items to sell from ANY of my patterns (indeed, I wish them every success if that's what they want to do), but selling-on my free (or pay for) patterns? Eyes-wide in disbelief, splutter, cough cough!

**Update** I've reported them to Etsy (as have some of you lovely people) and I've sent the seller a prickly message (see below). I'll keep you posted on what happens next...

" Hello,

Listing: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31993057

This is one of five designs that you have taken from me without my permission. I designed those 5 bag patterns and they are available for free from my blog. No one has permission to take any part of my patterns to sell on. I know that all of the other patterns that you sell in your shop are by other designers who also provide those patterns for free and I'm positive they would feel the same as I do. You did not seek permission, you helped yourself in the hope that I (and any of the others) wouldn't find out.

May I say that your actions lead me to think that when it comes to business you are underhand and you lack integrity. You are happy to profiteer off the back of hours of other people's work and creativity. I and several others (some of which are the authors of the other patterns) have reported you to Etsy because a person with intentions like yours has no place in forwarding the 'made with love' craft movement.

I would go as far as to say "you should be ashamed of yourself".

Lisa Lam,
owner of U-Handbag (& 5 of the patterns you are currently selling)."

Right, I'm off to make meself a herbal tea and say oooommmm!

***UPDATE 2*** Yay! Their shop is no more. Either Etsy told them to buzz off and/or they felt the collective clout of our efforts and they scuttled off. See? This is part of the reason why I love hanging out with the crafty gang. It's in our nature to be really inclusive and supportive of each other, that is until some lazy Ratfink attempts to cash in on someone's ideas and work. Thanks heaps for your support, you all rock very muchly. You should all have a nice cake and give yourselves a pat on the back. The Crafty Blogosphere proves yet again just how strong and how gaarooovy it is!

What with book writing and things I'm finding it hard to blog nearly as often as I would like - which I HATE because it makes me feel like I am missing out on the party. So (for the time being) until I grow another pair of hands you'll find me hanging around more on Twitter. If you're interested in my chatter I'll see you there. OX!

Last call for Newsletter Sign Up for a MEGA Prize...

2009-09-29T11:25:18+01:00

This rather unexciting post is about exciting news of a Super Duper give away that is for U-Handbag Newsletter readers ONLY.

Up for grabs: 1 finished Easy Peasy Purse; 1 finished Fortune Cookie Clutch; 4 decent quality back issue sewing mags (one of which has 5 cool full-sized skirt patterns); Crafty Chica's Artful Sewing book; 2 Home Decor Amy Butler Sewing Patterns, 1 Clover Yo=Yo Maker; Acrylic Bag Handles; and finally, 1 skein of Cascasde 220 Skein colour 7805 (yummers!) All together, worth at least 50 smackeroos ($80)

If you fancy a chance at scooping up this little lot, you need to be a subscriber to our Newsletter.

I'm just in the middle of tappity-tapping out the latest Newsletter. I'll be sending it out tomorrow at approx 1pm UK time. Inside the newsletter is info you need to know in order to enter the draw.

If you are already a newsletter subscriber you DO NOT need to subscribe again. If you want to sign up please fill in below. It's free; whatcha gotta loose?

...and the winner of Baguette Clutch and Amy Pattern is...

2009-09-28T16:40:39+01:00

Soreeee! So late in announcing the winner of this draw.

As you might have guessed, it's the book writing preventing me from blog writing - acchh!

Loads of really useful suggestions for my bag designing endeavors with some very clear themes emerging too. Your suggestions have been taken on board and I'll definitely use them to guide my design work. So thank very much for taking part!!!

Up for grabs was a finished Baguette Clutch Purse.

Here are our other yummy Purse Making Kits.

So, Miss Number 34 is...

Just_Sami who said...

Oh i love the moment summer starts to turn to autumn...its B-e-a-utiful!.

I'm a big fan of the Frame purses...they are vintage, but can instantly be moderned-up with a snazzy fabric.
So for a purse pattern to design, I suggest doing one for a DOUBLE purse frame....
I've seen 2 types of the frames, one where its like a small purse frame within a large purse frame(The inner frame has clasps just like the outer), and the other where the inside frame acts more like a divider. I love to see a pattern for either of the frames.
I think a pattern for this type of frame purse would really compliment the already fabulous frame purse patterns and kits you offer.

For a purse/bag kit....(again here i go with the frames) I suggest making a kit for a frame Wallet (rather then a purse). One that is relatively thin(like the width of the frame), can hold your cash on one side and then your credit cards and photo ID on the other side.

Actually both of my suggestions could be for a either the Pattern or the Kit, which ever would work out easier....
Please get in touch Sami and I'll organize getting your Baguette purse to you. Congrats! Sorry to all of those who didn't get lucky this time. I'm sure it won't be long before I have else something crafty tasty to give away...

Before I go I just wanted to let you know about this new Japanese Craft themed site run by Kyoko (one of the members of the A1, super duper, U-Handbag team).

Cotton and Cloud. Kyoko's new craft site. Check it out, it's lovely!

Win a Bagutte Clutch Purse and Amy Bag Pattern!!

2009-09-16T09:44:27+01:00

Yep that's 2 posts in a day. After this I have a whole chunk of writing to do so I won't be blogging for a wee while (though I will be checking in on the blog as I always do).

Some folks might dread the onset of Autumn, but me, I love it. Loads of new craft books, fabrics and other craft delights are launched Autumn and we all start to batten down the hatches to stay in and make pretty things. But for me what is most important about Autumn is I start hunting around for the ideal pair of winter slippers. I am VERY particular about my winter slippers, they have to be snuggly warm, soft, but hard wearing enough for me to wear to the supermarket, post-office and corner shop. A tough call I know, but half the fun is tracking down the perfect pair - you see, I do things like sky-diving (yes I do), but I am also a hardened slipper nerd.

Lots and lots of you asked me to let you know when these 2 purse making kits and their purse frames were back stock so, as I don't have time to write a newsletter this week (I'll do it next week) I'm letting you know via the blog. If either of these kits are your cup of tea, get them while you can, they never hang around for long....

This above finished purse is up for grabs (see below). The Baguette Clutch Kit is available here.

The Purse Frames are available here.

The Fortune Cookie Clutch Kit is available here.

The Fortune Cookie Clutch frames are available here.

Do you fancy getting your mitts on a finished Baguette Clutch AND an Amy Butler Field Tote Pattern? Yep yep yep? Then read on...

Win this Amy Butler Field Tote Pattern.

Contest Details (please read carefully)

Okay, hopefully you know the drill by now :) I'll send a finished Baguette Clutch (that features in this post) and the Amy Butler Bag pattern to one winner.

To enter all you have to do is comment on THIS PARTICULAR POST by:

Suggesting bag making patterns for me to design. A few details about the design would be very helpful thanks.
AND suggesting small sized purses for me to design as purse/bag kits - the designs need to be small sized because it keeps the price down for everyone.

Contest Official-ness :

I'll select the winning name in a weeks time - 24th Sep and announce the winner the following day-ish. Good luck!
I'll need to ask the winner to make a donation for the postage.
Sorry I can't notify winners, so please keep an eye for the winner announcement. This is made easier for you if you subscribe to this blog so you don't have to keep checking back, although it's always great to have you pop-in for a read :0)
Prizes which are not claimed within 3 weeks of the winner announcement will be carried forward to the next draw.
Sorry I can't reply to contest/draw comments, but I do love reading every single one :)

New haircut.

2009-09-16T08:44:41+01:00

Brrr! It's chilly here in Donlon. I actually have a hat on as I write this so my hair doesn't look quite as smart as it did when I stepped out of my hair dressers last Friday...

As I have been going there a while and I was so happy with my cut I promised Pierre that I would give his JLT Salon a mention on the blog. Pierre does a great hair cut, has a sympathetic ear, a GSOH, twinkly eyes and a yummy French accent; what's not to like? Ha ha! this sounds like a lonely hearts ad, but alas Pierre is family man so he's taken :)

I heart Harris Tweed for bags

2009-09-09T13:36:52+01:00

Hellooo!

Yep still very much here, still very much at home, still very much writing like the clappers. My work is not glamorous or exotic, but I am grateful nonetheless.

I've just finished a Vivienne Westwood-esque bag made in the most divine pink and purple Harris Wool Tweed for the book. Harris Tweed has to be the most gorgeous cloth I have worked with so far. The quality of the cloth is just superb and no wonder, from the moment you unpack your parcel, the rich patterns peek out the wrappings - grabbing you for swim in their deep colours. Then you breathe in the earthy scent of the wool, run your palms over the woven fibres, and you are then transported into a lone windswept cottage in Scotland where a man is working hard at his loom creating the very fabric that you behold. To me (a self-confessed fabric nerd) it's a very personal and sensual thing.

You get these labels sent to you when you order Harris Tweed cloth, or they appear on items made from Harris Tweed. Cute aren't they?

A sneaky peek cropped photo of my latest bag (that will appear in the book). Made from pink and purple Harris Tweed. In case you were wondering the tweed I have used is: A032 Fuchsia/Back

The cloth is so amazing not just for the depth of colour, but for the fact that each and every yard is hand woven by men in their own homes on the Isle of Harris or Lewis. Then each and every yard is checked over by human eye. The wool yarns may be machine spun and dyed, but the Tweed cloth is only ever woven by hand - before being taken back to the mill to be washed. It's been like that for centuries and I hope that's the way it will stay for many many centuries more. Harris Tweed is the antithesis of mass production. It's true that mass production has it's own place for keeping prices down and ensuring ready availability, but it's for those reasons that a mass produced product can never be as meaningful and special as an item that has been made by hand (as if we crafters didn't already know).

Oh it was so hard to cut into the Tweed to make my bag! After drafting my bag pattern before cutting the fabric I suffered a serious crisis of confidence - was I going to be able to do justice to this beautiful material? Was the result going to be good enough for the book? Nearghhh! Very happy to say that the result was (to my mind) flipping gorgeous and the cloth a absolute delight to work with.

If you fancy getting your mitts on some of this amazing wool try this Harris Tweed Store. They have a fabulous range of colours and the owner Catherine, is a sweetheart who knows her Tweed (she also has the loveliest Scottish accent). Oh and the prices are very reasonable too (if this was sold in London, it would be stuuuupid money!)

It just so happened that there was a very interesting Harris Tweed documentary on TV last night about the cloth, folks who create the cloth, and an unsavoury chap that wanted to corner the market with his tweed jackets... I'm not sure if this programme is available to folks outside of the UK, so apologies if it isn't.