Awwwwwww!! Thank you everybody for your lovely comments about my book and for welcoming me back to the crafty fold. And thank you to everyone who has purchased or wish-listed my book.  I'm touched that you trust me enough to go ahead and spend your bucks on some of my writing :)

  This is for you; a big fat virtual 'squhuggle' (a squeeze, a hug, and a cuddle all rolled into one).

Sorry I couldn't reply to all of your comments, but for what it's worth I read every single comment that you lovely folks leave for me - always have, always will.

There were a few questions from your comments that I can answer here:

• What's the publication date?  September 2010
• Can I use that author photo for the blog? Yep, I sure will use one of the  fancy pants piccies when I know which one my publisher will use on the book cover.
• Will I be doing book signings?  It's very likely that I will (oooh!!!) My publisher is going to try and have some advance copies ready for the Festival of Quilts in Aug. If my publisher manages it, I will be book signing on the same stand as Amy Butler (The Cotton Patch stand). Fingers crossed! It would be ace to see ya!  I'll keep you posted.
• For the step by step photography were there several bags already made in varying stages or did you have to make each bag from scratch and photo them as I went along? I made one of each bag.  I wanted the instruction shots to be close-up detailed shots (you don't get to see a wide view). This meant I could (to a point) make up various different parts of a given bag for the various shots without necessarily having to complete the bag. That said, I did have to do a fair amount of sewing, but Jack was very patient so I didn't get (too) stressed about having to make him wait in-between shots.  As I mentioned in my last post, a lot of thought can go into creating an instruction shot.  It has to look attractive, be well lit, but importantly it must illustrate what you want it to say in a quick and impactful way (that made me sound ever so nerdy).
• Will I be selling signed copies in my shop?  Thanks for asking!  Yep I sure will.  All copies sold from U-Handbag will include a friendly paw-print from me.  But you still might want to pop into Amazon because it will cost less (they buy books by the truck-load so they can get hoooge discounts whereas I can't to the same level). 
• A baby quilt?  Yes Linda, you're right.  I will have to get on with making a baby quilt - at some point soon (but not just yet!)

So now book writing is finished the publisher is busy putting the book together by amalgamating the photos with the text.  I will then have to begin editing the whole thing at the end of this month.  That leaves me with a little bit of a breather to get on with life things and shop things. It goes without saying my in-box has big fangs and my stock room over-floweth.  You know how I am moving house this summer? (she says that with such certainly even though she hasn't started house hunting yet - EEEKKK!!!)  Well, I have to clear out loads of my crafty gumpfh to help  lighten the load.  To be honest I'd much rather do some sewing than answer emails and clear out my office. I have mad urges to sew my first quilt and sew some summer dresses.  But duty calls. Phoooooey! 

I will having a good few of these crafty clear out giveaways over the next few months until I can see the floor of my stock room again... I couldn't think of a better home for it all to go to - yours! 

  My 1st crafty clear out consists of: 3 Sewing World Mags (one of them current. I'm not in any of these). They are a mine of sewing information with full-sized patterns too; 1 Quick & Crafty mag with a sequins & glitter pack; 1 Artist's Cafe Iss 1 by Somerset Studio; a yummy pair of metal 3D floral ring handles (perfect for weddings), a small sew-in purse frame and a piece of my very fave type of fusible interfacing. Phew that's enough to keep anyone anyone busy for while!

Contest Details (please read carefully)

I'll send the all of the crafty gear in the picture to one winner.

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

• Telling us what you really fancy making/learning craft-wise this year. 
• Only one entry per person please.
  

Contest Official-ness :

1. We'll randomly draw the winner in 5 days time - 24th March and announce the winner the following day-ish.  Good luck!
   
2. I'll need to ask the winner to make a donation for the postage.
   
3. 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)
4. Prizes which are not claimed within 3 weeks of the winner announcement will be carried forward to the next draw.
5. Sorry I can't reply to contest/draw comments, but I do love reading every single one :)

Hello Folks!  How are you all keeping?  In good health and happy spirit I hope.

Yes for those who don't yet know my book is to be called The Bag Making Bible and it's now in Amazon in the UK & US (so it must be real then). I can't tell you how weird it is to see my name in a shop in which I've spent way too much money....

Oh I and thought I should mention that Amy Butler is writing a foreword in my book. I know?!

I tell you what, I'm a sooper good mood.  Not only is it gorgeously sunny, I have finally finished writing my book. Yeah, I finally finished!!! I sent the last bits and pieces of writing in yesterday.  All that remains is one final (and thorough) check-over the book before it goes to print this April. What a journey it's been. Thank you to you for keeping me company during the process and putting up with me being (at times) a wretched moany pants.  I have kinda have gone on about it sometimes...

Everyone who has worked on the book has been brilliant in pulling it all togther. Lots of stuff goes on behind the craft book creating scenes; the craft author just writes and designs. Without a talented and caring team to put the author's material together in a clear, presentable, and LUSH package it just aint gonna happen. And the results?  I can report the book looks stunning.  I think even a person with a more objective eye than mine would still agree :)

I'm positive I will at some point write more books.  They are very hard work, but at the same time very magical.  I love teaching anyone who will listen.  For a person like me who's a tad shy and who loves the process more than the product; teaching through the medium of books is great. But no book writing for a year though.  We have to move house and we want to have a baba - eeeek!

To everyone who has got in touch and said Hi; I'm doing great, thanks so much for asking XX  (I really am touched that you asked, you know?  I mean really, how lucky does that make me?)  I'll be back to blogging more regularly.  There is so much I want to share with you.  It's all been kinda building up.

I thought you might to see some pics of Salcombe, Devon where I went to stay for 5 days to do the book photography.  Almost all of the step by step shots were taken in a bright studio (with the freshest and cleanest light I have ever seen inside a building). The studio is called Bangwallop and they are nicest most helpful bunch you could hope for to take gorgeous pictures for you.  Unfortunately I'm not able to post those pics here.

  Soo pretty! This was the view from my guest house.  The studio was a 10 min stroll away (very close the 3  pointy roofs in the middle of the pic, at the bottom).

I walked pass this every morning.  It's enough to put you in good mood on the way to work!

Salcombe is a very pretty and tiny town by the sea.  Very quiet in winter and packed to the rafters in the summer.  Every lunchtime I would sit on a park bench and munch on my sarnies looking at this view - bliss!

There are pretty pastel coloured houses everywhere.  The only way in and out of Salcombe is up this mad steep hill - and yeah, my guest house was up the mad steep hill.  Great for walking off my supper though!

Cute and chocolate box pretty.  Great shops too, but I didn't indulge...

This is the front of the Bangwallop Studio where most of the shots were taken.  It's got a cool gallery where you can buy prints and pictures and it has a few studios where the in-house photo action takes place.  Inside there's a little cafe area where Little Jack makes THE best cappuccino.  Hiya Debbie, Little Jack, Jack, & Lorna!

Inside the shop part of the studio.  Sat behind those drool-worthy huge screen Macs are (right to left) Jack - my photographer and Little Jack the studio's go-to guy.

Some of my sewing mess tools and equipment (Marilyn is probably thinking; 'Why the hell can't Lisa just tidy up as she goes along?')  That's not the half of it, there was loads of my stuff strewn all over the studio.  In the end Jack took well over 2500 shots and you can't do that by keeping things nice and tidy!

Tools of my trade (and loo roll for keeping coffee away from fabric!)

See that pile of papers in the middle?  That was what Jack and I were working from for the photography.  The sheets are called '1st pages'. 1st pages are your text and images laid out as they will more or less appear in the finished book.  As you can just about see there are a few grey boxes where the photos are going to be placed. At the 1st page stage my editor and I have to check over all of the text to ensure we are happy with the way the text and pictures are laid out.  The corrections and additions then go to the design team at the publishers.  Later I will receive what is called the 2nd pages and the 2nd pages will have everything all laid out and included.  The 2nd pages are where my editor and I get one final chance to make sure that my writing makes sense that all is present and correct before the book goes to the printer in mid April.  Ohhhhh!

See that uber sexy camera there?   It's probably worth more than my house!  And to think Jack left me alone in the studio with it more than once!  Hehe!

Here's Jack in full concentration mode. I really have to hand it to the guy.  It was dead easy to explain to him what part of the bag was important to shoot.  Actually, getting the right shoot can take a good bit of thought, but you'd tell him once and he'd get on with it.  Plus he was easily as fussy as me (if not more)  about getting the right shot.  In the end I swear he could write a bag making book himself!  Don't even think about it Jack - I know where you work...

Yes I know the place looks untidy, but wait until you see the finished results, you won't believe your eyes (in a good way of course!)

My trusty Janome 6600p which I used all though the writing of the book. I've probably driven her up the wall these last 6 months, but she stuck with me the whole time.  I love her! 

See that blue and white gingham tea towel at the bottom of the picture?  Between you and me it has a very naughty word embroidered on it (only click here to see what if you are not offended by swear words...)

Yes Mum that really is me!  If you ever get an opportunity to prance around in a studio with a pro photographer - DO IT!!  It's such a gas and much cheaper than placcy surgery.   Here is one of the many author shots that Jack took after we finished the craft photography. I dunno which my publisher will use.  We'll have to see.

Oh!  It is sooo good to be back, I really missed you all!  XX

PS:  Thanks heaps to Jen (who is the lovely lady from D&C who approached me to get this book shenanigans started - so double thanks) for my award :)

Hello all, that is if you still out there.  Hello, hello hellooo ((echoing)). Well, if you are there I hope you are happy and well.

I really do miss dropping in regularly.  Lately I have been the absent wife (still not officially wife yet, but as good as), daughter, sister, boss, and blogger.  Book writing has really taken over my life, I have found it so hard to fit it in with all of the other work I set for myself.  I will be eternally grateful that folks had the faith in me to write in the first place, and it is still is a dream that I am lucky enough to be able to fulfil...  It is very hard work though, and chats with other craft authors confirm that; yep book writing is a nightmare, but (a bit) like childbirth it is a worthy and satisfying thing (eventually ha ha!)  I will never be dismissive towards other craft/cooking/instructional books again.

There are worrying bits and bobs happening with friends, I'm not the most organised person in the world and teamed with the fact that a majority of the book's projects simply blow shop bought patterns out of the water (yes that sounds arrogant, but I have worked so so very hard on them, so I don't feel bad about taking credit), this has resulted in me being holed up at home day after day not visiting friends or family (thank God for my iPhone). And this is not healthy.  I need to get a grip, because all this complaining is utter nonsense when I know that life is good.  There are far huger fish to fry - more about that in a minute...

Anyways!! Bitching over! Every new day brings a chance to improve upon the last. Yesterday I left the house (for more than 1hr) the first time in 3 wks to get me a 'book jacket worthy haircut' at me local Toni & Guy whilst they still had 20% off, woot! 

    Chopped loads off (I now have chilly neck) and put a raspberry red in the fringe. I'm dead chuffed with it.  I even bought myself some Pat Butcher style earrings to celebrate :)

  I just wanted to show you the results of Al's pancake tossing skills. Poor love, he was so disappointed - I just grabbed my phone to snap the event and split my sides laughing!  I did give him a big encouraging cuddle afterwards though.

Right I have to get back to my Blue Peter style phot prep.  I have to attend and prepare for a 4 day photshoot for the instructions photography in Devon with Lorna at the beginning of next month - YIKES!!!!  So I'm not sure when I'll be back on the blog. I do know that when I resurface I am going to donate LOTS of lush stuff for auction for Haiti aid. Included will be items like finished bags, purses fabrics, bag making supplies, patterns - you name it!

I still read every one of your comments (and delete the spam - thanks!) so thank you so much for your  sentences of happiness, they really do cheer me up.   Whilst I'm away from here I do hop in and out of Twitter so perhaps I'll see ya there!  Love & cuddlinks Lisa X!

So this cold weather is getting really yawnsville now...

But never mind there's always lots of nice crafty stuff to keep us busy inside the house. I for one have a bag book photography shoot list (as long as a bus) to prepare for. For anyone wondering, a photography shoot list is a list of instructions as to what needs photographing.   My lovely publishers have been very generous with the amount of photos allocated to my book. Lots of pics will make life sooooooo much easier for all readers - but will amount to lots of photo prep work for me :(   That's why you don't always get a ton of step by step photos in craft books; they take a lot of time, work, and they cost.  I'm lucky that my editor is a craft fiend who agrees that photography really helps clarify text instructions. 

Anyways, whilst I get on with fabric cutting for the book (ohh just wait until you see the fabrics!) here's a super sneaky peek inside Wendy Mullin's (of Sew-U)  Built by Wendy: Dresses book - it's not even in the shops yet!

  The book is spiral bound and comes with full sized pattern pieces, from which you can sew 25 different dresses.

The pattern pieces are actually for 3 different dress shapes: (left to right) Shift, Sheath, and a Dirndl all of which can be modified to make up 25 dresses (or more - as your imagination allows). Dress sizes covered are: Bust 32" thru to 41"; waist 25" thru to 34"; and hip 35" thru to 44".

A description of body shapes and what suits them.  Turns out that I have an 'Athletic-boy' figure - I'm not sure that has me jumping for joy :(

Suggestions for modifying sleeves, also included are necklines, collars, and hem lengths.

How to modify pattern and clothes to better fit your body.  I find this section most useful because (I'm a short stuff and) it's always easier to gain dressmaking confidence from modifying shop bought clothing before you take the plunge and start from scratch.

One of the pretty summer dress you can make.  The following 2 photos are the pattern altering, layout, and sewing instruction for the above dress.  All of the projects are laid out in this way: options are given for altering the pattern to you (if necessary), then you are shown how to lay out the fabric, and finally you are shown how to sew up the dress.  ALSO there is an alternative suggestion provided for each dress (which is really nice touch I think).

Some of the dirndl shape dresses you can make. Love the yellow one in the middle!

Also love this dress too.  The next 2 pics relate to the dress above.

My verdict of Built by Wendy; Dresses.

I love this book!  I haven't yet looked at her other 2 titles, but I think on the strength of this book I'll check out her Stretch book.  Wendy has a clear and friendly writing style. The plentiful line diagrams are as clear as day.  The book is written to be instructive (which it really is!) but she also peppers her instructions with lots of cool suggestions. Included is a whole heap of useful dressmaking information and tips (more than than I could ever blog about).  I think a beginning sewist could pick up this book and make themselves a simple but striking dress. More experienced sewists can explore the finer details of getting the perfect fit and playing around with collars, sleeves and so on.  Yep, this book is well written, inspiring, and great value for money. One to pop into the wish-list methinks! 

Have you folks seen Wendy's other books or sewn with her patterns?  What do you think of them?

I happen to know that I am in the company of a heck of lot of soup fiends.   Crafters (and avid readers alike) love soup; each spoon is delish, it requires only one hand operation, and as long as you know where your mouth is, nil concentration is required to feed oneself.  But isn't it a hoooge bonus when said soup is also low fat!  Pretty darn magic if you ask me.

What are your fave soupy recipes?  I'd love to see :)

.

Here's a foodie conversion calculator thingy.

  Brazilian Prawn Soup - very flavoursome so requires no stock cube.  Can be made more filling by adding brown rice and you can up the chili if you're a spice-head like me.

Spiced carrot and lentil soup - quick, warming, and yummy lunchtime special.  V nice with nat yog or sour cream.

Bacon Bean & Cabbage - so savory and it's a meal in a bowl. I prefer to use smoked bacon.

Hot & Sour Soup - I have made this so many times!  If I'm having a meat free day I'll pile in loads of quorn, tofu, mushrooms, egg drop, bamboo shoots etc.

  Moroccan chickpea Soup - beanfeast filling soup. I like to add kidney beans and chilli flakes as well. It's best to have to house to yourself after this soup - parppitty-parp!

Chicken noodle soup - I can eat this til the cows/chickens/pigs/farmer etc. comes home. You can substitute the chicken for prawns, tofu, or quorn. A dash of sesame oil/and or toasted sesame seeds works a treat.

  Wild mushroom, bacon & barley soup.  More a stew than a soup YUM!!!  Parmesan cheese melted on top is wunnerful, but if watching the cals you should give the cheese a miss :(

Veggie chilli - another one that is more a stew than a soup, but in my book, if it's in a bowl and you don't have to cut anything; it's a soup.  Ace with a blob of sour cream, I also add harrisa to mine as well.

What are your fave soupy recipes?  I'd love to see :)

Cor-blimey! (as Dick Van Dyke would have said).  Over 250 entries and a squillion cool bag name ideas. Thank you so much for taking part.  We read though every single one of your suggestions - honest!

There were loads of great contenders, but after a few mugs of tea, and some serious pacing up and down the office, we chose:

Haven't done one these naming contests in while. This babette is to be the newest addition to the U-Handbag Kit collection. I finished work on her just this morning and photoed the heck out of it before the light failed. 

All in all I'm very pleased with how she turned out. Lots of cooing from the girls in the office too (which is essential). She may look complicated, but she's actually quite easy (that sounds impolite...I mean, saying someone is easy...heh!)

I hope you dig her as much as we do!

Bag measures = 28cm (at widest point) x 18cm (11" x 7")

Sorry about the loads of pics; they will be used for the kit description in the shop:

  OK so it's a nice enough tote bag made pretty with arty looking (Moda, Laura Gunn) fabrics...

...with clean lines and tidy flat bottom, and you can use the bag in this form if you want to...

    ...but look what happens when you pop one of these clever frames into the top of the bag!  In terms of convenience and security these bag frames are excellent. They are spring loaded so they ONLY open (and shut) when you want them open (or shut). Pull the top open and the bag pops open (and stays open) until you snap it shut again. No naughty (dirty, thieving) mitts in here thanks!

 

  With the frame inserted the bag turns into a bottomless pit that can carry all manner of things; a good book, bottle of water, a camera, your phone, keys, wallet, even a mini umbrella!  All in a neat package (because when the bag is shut she reverts back to more petite proportions.

The bag opens up nice and wide so you can clearly see your bar of choccy hiding at the bottom :)  Pop your keys, money, tickets and lip balm in the slip pocket.

The bag bottom is neat and clearly defined because it has been stitched through - instructions are in the kit.

Inside view for scale.  I mean this baby is roomy!

Contest Details (please read carefully)

Okay, hopefully you know the drill by now :)  I'll send the bag in the pictures to one winner.

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

• Picking a name for this BAG KIT. As a couple of pointers I tend NOT to name my items after girls names (such as' Alice Purse') because IMHO that has little meaning.  Instead, I prefer names which in some way describe the item.
• IMPORTANT: when picking your name please DO NOT focus on the fabric (in the pictures above) as they will change with each batch of kits. Ta!
• You can enter as many times as you like.

Contest Official-ness :

1. We'll select the winning name in 5 days time - 17th January and announce the winner the following day-ish.  Good luck!
   
2. I'll need to ask the winner to make a donation for the postage.
   
3. 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)
4. Prizes which are not claimed within 3 weeks of the winner announcement will be carried forward to the next draw.
5. Sorry I can't reply to contest/draw comments, but I do love reading every single one :)

It's not that I don't have faith in myself to see things through, it's just I'm not going to be hard on myself if things don't work out quite the way I wanted. Surely, it's just as important to try, as it is to get what you were after.  If I've learned anything during my 30 something years it's that you get back what you put in oh, and you should acknowledge that you're a fabulous person at least once a day - every day. It's not cheesy; it's healthy.  

So (in no order) here is a little ol' list of NOT resolutions that I've written up for myself in Jan 2010.  

  We want to move to Brighton. I was born by the sea and lots of green fields in Dorset so I miss both very much.  Brighton is a cheerful, arty, and colourful place with lots of sea and countryside all around. Later this year Al has to go to Brighton for his 2nd year as a junior doctor so hopefully we'll have found somewhere to live in Brighton by the time he has to go. Fingers crossed!  Also because I love the countryside so much I wouldn't want to raise a family in London - which brings me onto my next New Years (NOT) Resolution....

 I'm most fortunate to be able to feel like I've achieved a fair few things that I hoped for myself, that is except for one thing....  I'm now on the wrong side of 35 so I know that we don't have any time left to phfaff around with this immensely important and scary decision. But I don't mind admitting to you lovely readers that I STILL don't feel ready and I still feel like I'm a child myself (I know Al feels the same way I do!)  That said, something in me says I should just shaddup and DO IT! Friends have told me that the fear (more or less) melts away to be replaced by feelings of love and protectiveness - and I can see that.  But there's so much to worry about and I know from my lovely Mum that as soon as you become a mum you spend a whole heap of time worrying - that and being proud, and learning, and teaching, and laughing, and being driven up the wall,  and wondering, and running around, and sewing (yep boy or girl they will know how to sew), and cooking, and being very tired. Yes it has to be one of the most engaging and rewarding and hardest things you can do in a lifetime, which is why I've left it rather late. Was it the same for you before you became a mum/dad?  Did you (over) worry about it, do you still?

  I will have finished writing my book by Spring.  I'm writing for David & Charles publishers who are lovely to work with and they are utter craft fiends (I couldn't ask for more).  My book will be released in Autumn 2010.  You might find me mooching around in your local bookshop putting my book at the front of all the craft display shelves (I'll be the deranged woman hiding behind a plant pot - thinly disguised in a spotty headscarf and Hollywood sunglasses). He he!

So the thing about writing book is you end up with writers cramp/block/muffin top.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not a muffin top fascist. You have to love who and what you are, but for me that is a bit tricky when I can only wear elasticated clothing. I didn't envision possible book signings and all of that jazz wearing a tent.  I'll be dammed if I have to shop for new larger size wardrobe (especially when I hate clothes shopping).  You can giggle at me if you want, but lately I admit to huffing and puffing around in my front room to the dulcet tones of the Troll Woman in the picture - Jillian Michaels.  She's not a troll per se, more her exercise regime is ugly and vicious. Ouch! but it's beginning to work... Blimey if I end having a body like hers... don't be daft, I'd just like to get back into my jeans again.  "...and another 8 squats and 8 lunges; a body like this doesn't come for free..."

Of course there's no point in subjecting myself to muscular aches and pains if all I'm going to do is stuff my face with KFC (mmm I LOVE KFC). Nope, it's out with the KFC and in with more veg, tofu, quorn, oily fish, and less meat. I'll still eat cakes (I'm no one's martyr), but I'll try my best to stick to cakes that I have made myself - um yeah!

When my book is finished I will be getting into more designing - I can't wait! Al got me the above posh pencil for Xmas.  It's a joy to use. So all my patterns from here on in will have been sketched with the aid this splendid pencil.

  I am going have a go at keeping up with my abandoned Facebook this year.  Above is my FaceSlap profile pic. (I did it messing around with mac Photobooth).

I'm sure this is overly optimistic (what with everything else), but all through the book writing process I have dreamt about clothes making. So even if I don't get round to cutting any dress making cloth, I can still drool over the idea of making and wearing this cute dress by Collette.
 

Do you have any New Years (NOT) Resolutions?

Happiest New to you all!  I hope you had a fun, friends, and family filled holiday.  I spent 80% of it in pyjamas and did some work.  It took us exactly 4 days to get through the Xmas leftovers.  Goose Paella anyone?  Really happy that it's 2010.  There's lots of good things to look forward to and the feeling of a Fresh Start is always nice to ride with (whilst it lasts - heh!)  Isn't the snow pretty and my hot choccy tasty?

As some of you might already know, it's my duty to pick the family calendar.  I usually get 2; 1 for my work room and the other lives in the kitchen.  Like selecting slippers, I don't make this (calendar) choice lightly - after all we'll be living with the thing for a year.

I usually wait until the end of Jan when shops start discounting.  Here is a selection of crafty, cooking, & cool calendar ideas that you might like:

Whip up available here.

The Sewing calendar.  Loads of sewing projects collected from crafty blogs.

 Knitting a day calendar

Crochet a day.

  Quilt blocks
 

Origami - a - day.

Cake recipe calendar - drool

Yummy Cookie recipe  calendar

Lovely Miffy.

My fave. Sock Monkey!!

50's ads 

Chinese Folk Art

PDF printable Silhouettes

Cool Letterpress 

Sheep & labels printable

Sweet Kokeshi Dolls

 

What are you doing for your calendars this year. Making or buyin'?

Not that I want to add to the pressure, but it's December - Ahhhhhhh!!  (And before you ask, nope I'm not nearly and nope I haven't!)

Never mind, we'll soldier on and somehow it will all come together beautifully (like it always does in the end).  AND perhaps the thought of maybe winning one of these FABBO prizes will put a shine on the countdown to the  holiday proceedings.

This is the last U-Handblog giveaway of 2009 and we're ending it with a big ole BANG!!!  Big fat festive hugs go to all of my readers and customers who have shopped and/or popped in and said hello.   I simply couldn't do any of this without your support and I couldn't have gotten thus far without you being out there.  You've been very lovely to me :)  

There are 3 prizes up for grabs. 1x first prize and 2 x runners up. 

The draw is open to EVERYONE. Janome will be delivering the Sewing Machine.

Regular readers will know that I've reviewed each of these prizes separately in their own blog posts.  To read the reviews of each prize just click on the link below the pictures...

  A fantastic Janome 8077.  

Read the Sewing Machine Review.

 The Sewing Bible: Curtains book AND a Janome Mega Sewing & Craft Tote worth £50!!

Read The Sewing Bible: Curtains review

  Free & Easy Stitch Style book AND a Janome Mega Sewing & Craft Tote worth £50!!

Read the Free & Easy Stitch Style Book review

Draw Details (please read carefully)

I'll send 3 winners one of these smashing prizes each.  The draw is free & open to everyone. Janome will arrange for the sewing machine to sent to wherever the lucky digger winner lives.

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

• Right we wanted to make this holiday draw extra special; so we would like you to do something extra special... We would like to see photos of you doing some extreme sewing (see photo below for explanation of Extreme Sewing.  

  What is this chap up to?  Well, he's doing a spot of Extreme Ironing of course.  To enter this draw we want you to do some Extreme Sewing.  All you have to do is grab your sewing machine and take it anywhere you wouldn't normally sew. There's no right or wrong way to Extreme Sew, but daft is always good :)

The only rules are:

1. You can enter as many times as you like - you must repeat rules 6 & 7 for each entry.
2. It doesn't have to be you the pic.
3. The machine doesn't need to be plugged in.
4. There needs to be some 'sewing' under your machine foot - a scrap of fabric will do.
5. If you don't own a sewing machine take some hand sewing out instead.
6. All pics need to be posted to our U-Handblog Extreme Sewing Flickr...
7. ...then you need to comment on this post with your Flickr username and a link to your Flickr pic or your entry cannot be counted.

I've added my own Extreme Sewing Pics and I'll keep adding more...

The draw ends on the 20th December so you have lots of time to get your entries in.  I'll post a selection of your Extreme Sewing Pics on the blog in the days running to the closing date.  I hope you can join in the fun - we can't wait to see what you get up to!

Stuck for Extreme Sewing Ideas? How about: the bath - empty & fully clothed; the pavement/sidewalk; the supermarket; the park; the beach - careful!; a car park/lot; a library; at the bottom of the garden...

SORRY THIS DRAW IS NOW CLOSED

Contest Official-ness :

1. I'll randomly draw the 3 winners on 20th Dec and announce them the following day-ish.  Good luck! 
2. I'll need to ask the winners to make a donation for the book postage.
3. 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)
4. Prizes which are not claimed within 3 weeks of the winner announcement will be carried forward to the next draw.
5. Sorry I can't reply to contest/draw comments, but I do love reading every single one :)

I'll also announce the winner blog post on Twitter on the 21st Dec -ish.  Good luck!

Hello all!  How are you coping with the gruesome exciting countdown to the holiday?

I've managed to; get all my pressies made (and purchased), keep an eye on the shop, carry on with book writing (and various other things that I usually get in flap about), and I still have a sense of humour?!

It'll be a relatively quiet Xmas for me.  I'm going to spend a day with the family, a day with my ol' man and for the rest of the time I have to work. What a Humbug eh?  Ah well at least it's the sort of work one can do indoors, shuffling around in flannel Pjs, slippers, and fluffy trapper hat.  Glamming-it-to-the-max, that's me.

My week 51 in pics follows....

  I baked this Carrot Cake it's as easy to make as slipping up in the snow (we have snow outside!).  Being a piggy-wig I slathered the top with this delish Orange Buttercream icing.  Very very tasty, exceedingly gnom-gnom!

  Unfortunately, excessive amounts of buttercream icing require specialist containment and control facilities.  Sheesh! I've never been this weight before (this is what book writing does to you!)  As soon as this book is finished I'm going to hire Rocky's trainer to scream at me from his bike as I huff and puff around the streets of London running off my 'writer's muffin top'!  For the time being, these Spanx work surprisingly well and I am able to breathe in them. Now that's magic!

  Here's a sneaky peek of a bag that will appear in 'the book'.  Sent to my editor for approval this week - she approves :)

  This is the newest version of our popular Baguette Clutch Kit.  Went on sale this week.

  Here's Al in his doctor outfit.  See those shoes at the bottom?  They are shoes by the Simple company.  Al loves Simple shoes a lot so he was very disappointed when both pairs wore down rather quickly.  He emailed Simple (attaching the pic above) to let them know he was unhappy.   The lovely folks at Simple promptly offered him a new pair.  Power to the people!

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Here are some more entries into the U-Handbag Win a Sewing Machine draw.  Some of you are simply certifiable - and I love you for it!   I get such a good giggle each time I look you lot in The Extreme Sewing Flickr group.  My friends and family think that you are all crazy amazing too!  You still have time to enter the draw, it ends this Sunday 20th Dec.  Thanks to everyone who has entered (and entertained).

You're all Nut-jobs and you rock!

Totally unnecessary, but totally pretty wallpapers to pimp your holiday desktop. Follow the links to download for free. Enjoy!

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  From Made In England. I currently have this one on my Mac.

  All of the above gorgeous December calender wallpapers can be found on the excellent Smashing Magazine.

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  All of the above HD quality wallpapers can be found HD Wallpapers.

NB: I tried looking for non cheesy Hanukkah wallpapers, but it wasn't easy.  This was all I could find.

Hope you like 'em

Really enjoying the entries in the Extreme Sewing draw. They're certainly funny and inventive! Thanks to all who have joined in.  Here is a small selection from the madcap Extreme Sewing Flickr:

  Sew over the Moon! by Hands of Gold.

  Sew Biker Chic! By Boodie316

 

  Sew wet! By Lesley (Z) 

I'll blog more pics in a couple of days.

Why not join in fun?   Have a go at the Extreme Sewing Draw.  You have until the 20th Dec, anyone can enter, and you might win a Janome Sewing Machine!!

This fabulous sewing machine (and it is fabulous!) is going to be 1st prize in the End of Year U-Handblog draw, which opens on the 2nd Dec. 09. There are other tasty prizes that need their own review blog posts. So to prevent blog post clutter I am reviewing everything separately before chucking the whole yummy lot into one contest post on the 2nd Dec.

Yep, this has to be the most mega of mega-ist draws I've ever had the pleasure of holding.  It couldn't have come better time.  I know that lots of folks will be gifting or receiving sewing machines this end of year holiday (can't bring myself to say it!). And I still get asked  which sewing machine I recommend for bag making.

DRAW IS NOW OPEN!!

Before I start: Janome is not paying me for this review.  I never ever do paid reviews. I asked Janome to recommend  a selection of models that a beginning sewer could use to make bags (i.e. a machine that is simple to get to grips with and could handle nightmare bag making layers). So I chose this one.  It's no secret that I heart Janome machines (I've been banging on about how great they are for years).  When Janome offered me a machine to review and giveaway it was a no-brainer because I love 'em!   Please know that I wouldn't sing this machine's praises unless I genuinely loved it. A sewing machine is an investment purchase, I would never lead anyone up the garden path with something sew important.

However, despite the fact I am ga-ga over Janome I can still objectively review the machine's suitability to bag making and test the machine's 'newbie approachability' factor.  I roped in my knackered (and not overly amused 'just come off a night shift in hospital') partner to be my newbie guinea pig. Read on to see how we both fared...

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• It is a great machine for beginners and proficient sewers alike.
• Computerised, easy to select stitches. The stitch selected goes to the default settings, no need to remember stitch width/length just touch the button!
• Lock stitch: saves lots of time finishing off loose ends.
• Needlethreader.
• Drop Needle facility: if you begin sewing with the needle in the down position inserted in the fabric it will remain down for you to pivot your work when turning corners etc.
• Freearm: for all those awkward little places.
• You'll find that Janomes are built really well and they just keep on going - I've owned 3 Janome's  and used 5.  My sister has my first ever Janome (from around '99) and it's never needed a service!

Check out the full specs here (the Magnolia 7730 and the 8077 are both the same).

Check out the international site.

Check out the UK site.

Check out Kirstie Allsopp (yeah!  I know!) with her Janome.

Promo UK price = £330 £279 (I've seen it for £249 online - flipping ace value for money!).

Promo USA price = US$399 US$349

  In the US this model called the Magnolia 7730 and it has sunny flowers on it.

Click on any of the photos to enlarge.

  Out of the box: sewing machine, metal foot pedal a power lead, soft dust cover, manual, and sewing notions.  The machine has a sturdy feel and build quality, and it is a good solid weight (I don't like lightweight machines because everything jjjjuuuderrers when you are sewing at great speeds).

The machine has a fresh, clean, and uncluttered look (thanks to the clever selector button and LCD (more about that in a minute).

  Part of the sewing bed detaches from the machine leaving you with a free-arm. As a bag maker I LOVE LOVE LOVE free-arms because they enable me to more easily sew the nooks and crannies of bags and smaller  purses.  Free arms also make arm-hole sewing a whole lot easier.

  Notions:  3 machine feet, a button hole machine foot, needles, bobbins, screw driver,  reel holder, and your best friend and mine; a seam ripper.

  The 8077 has 30 stitches - more than enough for the sewing enthusiast.  See that button I am pressing?  It's a very clever selector button for the type of stitch, the stitch width, and stitch length.  As you select the stitch/width/length the changes you make are displayed on the LCD.  I like the selector button; it makes sense and it makes for a less cluttered looking machine. Don't worry, all is explained clearly in the manual.

  Bobbin all wound and ready to sew.  Method of winding bobbin is printed onto the machine and in the manual.

  The 4 buttons on left are very handy indeed: from top: needle up/down; locking stitch; reverse button, and lastly a 'stop/start' button which enable you to sew without using the foot pedal - groovy eh?  The slider switch to the (right of the photo) is a speed control which you can use to control the speed of the pedal and also the 'stop/start'.

  Yeah uh huh, but can it handle nightmare bag making style-y layers?   Yup, it eats layers for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In this pic the machine is merrily sewing though an utter nightmare layer-tastic scenario - namely: 2 layers of home dec fabric, 2 layers of fleece, and 2 layers of Flexi-firm - that's 6 thicko layers!!!  The machine stitched through all 6 layers smoothly, quickly, and without argument. That's impressive!

  Now, to check out the other stitches: notice how each stitch is grouped by a letter?  The letter refers to the type of machine foot that each stitch is sewn with.  The feet are each stamped with a letter so you can easily tell which foot to use for which stitch.  Simple and no-nonsense - just the way we like it :)

  OK Al over to you. "Yes love I know you're tired after your night shift, but it's for a very good cause, and this could benefit others...".

So bleary eyed (and understandably grumpy) Al was able to thread the machine, insert the bobbin, draw up the thread,  and stitch the 3 lines of decorative stitches with only the manual (and a little encouragement from wifey).  The stitches are nice, even, and consistent. He sews flipping straight doesn't he?  His stitches are nimble in hospital too.  I sewed the curved ended button hole - didn't want to push my luck with him too much.

  How to sew a button hole. There are 4 button hole styles to choose from and they are honestly easier than making a cuppa.  You just put your foot on the pedal and the machine does it all and then stops automatically, no need to start and stop and reposition. Very simple, pretty, and satisfying.

  The manual is very clearly and plainly written and there are also plenty of clear line drawings.  It assumes no sewing experience so a newbie who has never touched a sewing machine can get sewing pretty pronto. This is important because sewing machines do look kinda scary if you haven't played on one before.  If you can get it right 1st, 2nd or even 3rd time there's more of a chance that you'll get the sewing bug - which is a very nice bug to have!

A user friendly sewing machine manual can be all the difference between "happy handmade heaven" and "throw the bloody thing out of the window...ahh!!! I need to kick something!"

  Winding the bobbin.

  Zig Zag stitch.

  Sewing a zipper.

In conclusion:

the Janome 8077 is brilliant for bag making; it has a strong and powerful motor and very useful free-arm feature. It's ideal for newbies because whilst is it a very capable machine, it is also very friendly to get to know.  The host of useful features means that machine that will grow with you and your sewing ability.  The machine build is fab and there are a squillion of other Janome feet and accessories available for when you want to pimp your machine :)

If you want a decent quality sewing machine that: is simple to get to grips with; has a host of useful (rather than 'am I ever going to need that' sort of) features; and will happily be your sewing gal for many years to come than I can whole heartedly recommend the 8077.

Coming tomorrow: 2 fab craft titles for review & giveaway.

Ohhh Kay!  Here's another prize that is being added to the U-Handblog End of Year draw in which 1st prize is a smashing Janome sewing machine.  The draw opens tomorrow!!

DRAW IS NOW OPEN!!

This book is 1 of 2 just published craft books that we are giving away! Both books are published by David & Charles - the same folks who are publishing my tome.

The 2nd book to be given away is reviewed here.

First up we have a clearly written book on curtains and window treatments.  It's written by Wendy Gardiner who is the chief editor of Sewing World Magazine (the magazine I usually write for - when I don't have books to write). So rest assured that Wendy knows a sewing thing or two about a sewing thing or two!

With bespoke curtains costing  squillions (and shop bought not always coming up to the mark) why not make your own.  My Mum does (Hi Mum!) and she always makes fab matching cushions too. 

With a fresh clean look, the 144 pages will explain many of the most difficult parts of curtain production in a clear, no nonsense way.  Take one window, add a sewing machine, throw in some fabric, mix well.... it's curtains for the days when you didn't know how to make curtains!

  Wendy Gardiner's new book: The Sewing Bible: Curtains

  Love the art deco fabric on this swish looking window treatment.

  These modern looking eyelet curtains are reversible. Cool eh?

 I'd love to have round windows in my house!

  Beautiful pinching and pleating.

Very cute tab tops on these cutains

Graceful country style pinch pleat curtains. 

Coming next: Book review no. 2

Ohhh Kay!  Here's another prize that is being added to the U-Handblog End of Year draw in which 1st prize is a smashing Janome sewing machine.  The draw opens tomorrow!!

DRAW IS NOW OPEN!!

This book is 1 of 2 just published craft books that we are giving away! Both books are published by David & Charles - the same folks who are publishing my tome.

The 2nd book to be given away is reviewed here. 

Here we have a fun and breezy craft title on free hand and free style machine sewing - literally doodling with your sewing  machine.  I have to say 'doodling around' looks very appealing especially as I spend all of my time sewing accurate seam allowances and neatly up matching up edges.  In the book Poppy Treffry encourages you to do away with the neatness and 'colour over the lines'.

For those who haven't tried it before there is a clear and good introduction into freestyle machine embroidery and whilst Poppy provides lots of inspiration and advice she encourages you to throw caution to the wind and dive in.  I like it when there's no right or wrong in something.

 Poppy Treffry's new book: Free & Easy Stitch Style.

  How cute is this self portrait?

  Can never scoff look at too many cup cakes.

  Housey door stops.  Loads of fun templates are provided at the back of the book.

  Perfect for weekend breakfasting.

  Sweet pleated bag with happy flowers.

  I love this version of a wall tidy.  It's so vibrant.

Coming tomorrow: the U-Handbag End of year draw. It's a BIG 'un you don't wanna miss it!!

Woo hoo!  Do we have a smashing end of year treat in store for you?  Oh yep!  I have the most amazing blog draw lined up.  I won't say much more for now, but first prize is a flipping fabulous Janome sewing machine (I picked it for it's suitability for bag making). Yowzers!  I'll be putting it through it's paces and photographing it in action very soon. There are are also excellent 2nd and 3rd prizes too so there are more chances to win. This incredible draw is open to everyone so watch this space!

If a brand spanking new Janome sewing machine sounds like your kind of stocking filler it's well worth subscribing to the blog  so you don't miss out on the draw opening date!

So whilst I wait impatiently on my doorstep for the machine to arrive, here are some cool links for you to check out:

1. Delish recipe for Salt and Pepper Ribs - but also works a treat for chicken wings, pork cubes, tofu, mushrooms, aubergine...drool.
2. Christine has a new freebie bag tutorial on her blog up for grabs.
3. Kyoko is giving away the cutest Debbie Bliss knitted baby goods book.
4. 10 awesome things to make your blog rock.
5. ...Um might be a good idea to ensure your boss/partner/little ones aren't around whilst you have sneaky peak at this video... Like, phew that's hot!