Now the party's over...

I can blog about the wallet/purse I made for my sister-in-law's birthday. I confess to being rather proud of this one - I love the colour combination and the way that the different elements involved - sewing and crochet - have come together. The fabric is Kaffe Fassett Floating Flowers in purple (one of my absolute favourites) and it's lined with solid purple. The crocheted fastening is Rowan wool cotton in Bilberry (yummy). I've used a fantastic tutorial fromSew Christine which Hannah recommended to me, as the basis for the pattern, but tweaked a bit. I decided to have a single fold with the crochet fastening rather than having a more traditional purse shape with a flap. I also used fusible fleece interlining to give the wallet structure and a soft padded feel. I want to develop the pattern further by creating more space for paper money (!), so will probably do another version soon.

I am really pleased to be taking part in Blotted Copy Book's Time for Tea Swap. Tea is a big deal for me - I am fuelled by copious quantities throughout the day. I've recently discovered the joys of Tick Tock Rooibos (Redbush) tea. At first I thought it was pretty foul but I'd bought a whole packet so I persevered and now I love it. I also have an ongoing addiction to Clipper Organic Indian Chai which I like to drink strong with a little bit of milk. Preferably in a pint enamel mug. Mmmmmm. Anyhow - back to the crafting! I have no idea what I'm going to make yet but was absolutely delighted to discover that my swap partner is Izabela who makes very beautiful things indeed. Brilliant news!