Wallet 1.0

So after a bit of time thinking, drawing and sewing, here's my 1st attempt at a wallet. Don't look too closely or you'll spot a few mistakes. Put it this way - it wont be appearing in my shop any time soon! I've found that it's very rare for me to hit upon a design that you're happy with the first time round, and this time is no exception. There's quite a few slightly dodgy sections here! The positives: I'm really happy with the outer section - it looks very simple and (I hope) sophisticated - although I must say it's really hard to go wrong with this yummy Amy Butler fabric. I also like the layout - 3 card pockets, a little section for change, another pocket for receipts, shopping lists, stamps and all that other ephemeral I seem to collect in my wallet, and a section for paper money (that you can't see - it's in between the outer fabric and all the inner pockets. The negatives: in my enthusiasm to get it all finished I forgot to topstitch the pockets, which means they look a bit wonky and a bit home-made rather than handmade... There's also a bit too much clumsy stitching and bumpy seams for me to be completely happy with it - that was mainly because I miscalculated the seam allowance, so had to squeeze everything a bit too much so that it would fold up right. The main design problem is that seam down the middle of the inner section - it makes everything far too bulky and hard to sew and fold. So, I'm off to have a rethink... By the way - if you want to leave a comment, I would love to knwow what you look for in a wallet..

Some Commissions!

I've had some commissions lately which is really great - it's good to be working on something that you've already sold! Far better for your confidence, although it can be more stressful, especially as you have a customer's expectations to worry about too. But my customers have all been lovely so far, so fingers crossed. It's a real mixed bag of projects. Gill wanted a hat... it's just been finished, and this is me wearing it - excuse the crazed smile (see below, I'm very tired). The yarn is Colinette Point 5 in a shade called Velvet Damson. It really is lovely and a real pleasure to work with. I've also crocheted up another in a shade called Bright Charcoal (I couldn't go to the shop for just one thing could I?) - can't decide whether to sell or keep that one! I am becoming slightly obsessed by Colinette yarns, they are such blissful colours and I love the different textures and structures that they produce. I've had some requests for proper full-sized stockings, so I've been having fun working on designs. I thought it might be interesting/scary to post a picture of my initial design so that you can compare it to the final result. So, here's my design.... The customer requested pink and wanted the stocking personalised, and I suggested the applique. I think the one thing that this tells everyone is that my artistic skills are extremely limited. And don't you like the use of the pink gummed paper I pinched from my sons' craft box?! I'm going to be using pink corduroy for the main body of the stocking, and felt for the tree and the letters. The stocking is going to be lined with some gorgeous Michael Miller fabric called Yule Trees (the link will take you to Hancock's of Paducah - I warn you not to click on it if you suffer from fabric issues). We tracked down a UK supplier of this fabric on Ebay - it's been a very helpful service so far from Quilted Mouse Fabrics. Another item I've been asked for is a blue hippo amigurumi with a nurse's hat and apron. I'm thinking felt for the hat and apron - I'm hoping it's going to look pretty cute. Other stuff I have almost finished at the moment are: business card wallets made with some really funky Free Spirit fabric, 2 or 3 crochet brooches and a patchwork bag. Phew! And of course there's just the small matter of my lads' 6th birthday party at the weekend and finishing decorating the front room by Christmas. See, I told you there was a reason I look tired...

Bunny and Clyde

Bunny and Clyde
Originally uploaded by Craft Matters

I've been away for a while - yet again! I've been overwhelmed by the sudden demand for bunnies and by the very strident demands of our garden at this time of year. I've crocheted 4 bunnies so far, and have an order for another 4. When I got up this morning I noticed another Etsy sale & had a slight panic, but fortunately it was for the already-completed owl needlebook, I think I might have freaked a bit if it had been another bunny order. And of course, I have the Tea Swap items to complete and send by a week on Friday. Hmm, well, at least I've selected the fabric for that one... I took this photo of the 2 new grey bunnies yesterday, and Mr SM's immediate reaction was - it looks like Bonnie & Clyde... I've tried to think of a joke involving bunnies, Bonnie and Clyde & Warrens, but I just can't think of a punchline... probably for the best.

I popped up to my local wool shop this morning to buy some more Sublime Organic Merino (lovely stuff, lovely colours) and was inveigled into an impulse buy (well, it they will display books on shelves). I spotted Super-Cute Crochet by Nicki Trench and was absolutely bowled over by the really lovely designs. What I think is really lovely about these are the little touches like bows, ribbons & flowers. She also recommends some great yarns in gorgeous colours. Looking forward to having a go at some of these - I am hoping that it will add to my skills and ideas (that's what I told Mr Seasonal Matters anyway).

Owl Swap Update and Crafteroo for Comic Relief

I had an email from my owl swap partner today to say that my swap parcel is on it's way - how exciting! I wonder how long it's going to take to get here from the USA?

Amazingly I finished my owl swap gift way ahead of schedule (early last week I think) but I haven't managed to get it all wrapped up and posted yet. The weather has made it a bit tough to get to the Post Office this week, and I was waiting for a delivery of something extra that I wanted to include in my package.

I didn't think it would be giving too much away to give a sneak preview of what Yvette will be getting... To be honest it's just an indication of how bad at drawing I am!

The other thing I wanted to mention is the Crafteroo shop for Comic Relief on Folksy. Generous folks from the Crafteroo forum are donating handmade items which are being sold for the Comic Relief charity. Great idea! Pop round there and have a look!