Getting My Mojo Back

I've been suffering from creative block recently. With plenty of other distractions around and a lack of craft fairs or farmers markets booked, I kind of slipped into a 'can I be bothered?' space. I guess it happens to everyone, writers get writers block. I know I've sat there on an evening, my pad on my lap, pen poised and nothing comes; but I haven't had the same situation with my sewing machine. I have plenty of new books, new projects I quite fancy doing, a board on Pinterest of things I'd like to make. But could I be bothered to get into my workspace and get on with something? No. The most I'd managed to muster recently was a couple of library bag books for the girls. And that was mainly out of necessity borne from a fear of losing the large quantities of books they now bring home.

But all good things come to those who wait. In the end it just took one bag to kick start things. I saw a photo tutorial on Pinterest and it dug in there, to the point where I had to make it. I'd forgotten how much I like looking for material and accessories, and I had the added challenge of drawing up the pattern from scratch too. I was up until midnight sewing the handles on, determined to finish it, but it was SO worth it.

Probably one of my favourite bag designs, it has oodles of storage without being huge, having pleated pockets on either side and a zippered compartment in the centre.

The girls did a ballet performance today and alongside the usual clutter I tote around (general handbag bits and bobs) I fitted two pairs of ballet shoes, two pairs of shorts, sun cream (hopeful!) and a camera. Got a bottle of wine in it yesterday, (an essential test given the poor quality of bags supplied by our local shop). I think the fittings -the handles and twist lock give it a great finish and I took the time to sew on my bias tape properly, something I rarely do.

And of course, a new handbag deserves a new purse too.

(For some reason all of my photos are squished today. Apologies.)
Well I was putting an order into U-handbag (who's service is great) and the pattern for this purse was in the latest issue of Mollie Makes, so I thought, why not?

So I'm back on the horse, so to speak. The creative one that is. Never did get a long with real ones, but that's another story. So sometimes, maybe having a break from things refreshes you, gives you a new perspective.

Inspired by TV

I watch quite a lot of TV. I know I probably should cut down. Then again, there are probably other bad habits I should attend to ahead of that. Aside from my Masterchef and Prison Break addiction, recently I have been caught up by The Great British Sewing Bee. Didn't think I'd like that one, I must admit, even though it is a programme about one of my main passions. But I'm hooked and it has inspired me to stick my toe into dressmaking.
I did have a go last year at making a dress. I'm impatient though. I like things done in an evening and clothes invariably take a lot longer than that. So I've taken my foot off the gas pedal a bit and had another go with a pinafore pattern that was in this months Making magazine.

I must admit that I had to shape it a bit around the waist, as initially it looked like a shapeless sack and was far from flattering, but on the whole I'm pretty pleased with it.

But it was also time for a new bag. Because you can never have too many bags. I love the satchels that I make, but I also know that the buckles would drive me crazy after a while. A very short while. So time for another slight adjustment to the original.

Looks like a normal satchel with buckles. And Kung Fu girls. Don't forget the Kung Fu Girls. But it fastens with magnetic snaps:

Perfect.

Then I thought I'd make a draw string bag I seen in a book I've had on my shelf for a while and inspired by 'Sewing Bee' style fabric, of sewing machines and sewing patterns. Loved the fabric, loved the look of the bag but once I'd made it I found it just gaped open which isn't ideal for a handbag, too much of an open invitation. I suspected it might do that as the draw string was only on the front side.

So I put a matching draw string around the back too, which has altered the shape of the bag, but has made it usable.
All three things are from existing patterns, but every ones tastes and requirements are different, so never be afraid to make changes.

And finally to the total custom fit. The corset. This is something I've been taking my time with (about six months) because I have found it a little daunting. However, now, it's pretty much finished bar a few embellishments, and today I laced and tried it on. And it fitted!! Chuffed is not the word. I am particularly happy with the end result. Its the simplest way to make a corset and quite probably corset makers would shudder at my technique, but I'm the one who's wearing it.

Quite literally.
And on that note, I'll be off. Got flutes to fettle and soprano saxophones to fix.

Take care. xx