Wednesday 27 March 2013

Large Shopping Bag and an Extra Surprise!

Good evening all,

I won't waste no time here, so how about this for a shopping bag?


I designed and made this is a large shopping bag / tote, measuring 17" x 15" x 6" across the base, from a really pretty, yet sturdy curtain material. I have always loved the heavier duty materials and have seen a few bags floating around the high street and thought, hey, I can do that! So I did.

My priorities were:
1) Large with flat base
2) Long lasting
3) Pretty yet sturdy.

The power of three prevails.

But I also wanted:
1) Great looking material
2) Lining
3) Metal magnetic snap.

So I got it!

But then, as I am obviously greedy, I also wanted this:


A matching purse! I just couldn't resist and it only took about an hour to make, so I was really pleased. In fact, there was so much material I have made three sets so far... *Insert smug face*

So, they are both lined with a complimentary cream cotton material, the bag has long straps so that it sits comfortably on the shoulder but can also be held at arms length, the bag has a magnetic metal snap closing and the purse has a zip and handy key split ring. Grab some cash, attach your key, throw in the bag and off you go! Shop till you drop (you'll drop before the bag does!).

Does this sound like a really cheesy commercial? Sorry, even though I say it myself, I just love these, they made up much better than I anticipated and I want to share. :) I will be putting on Etsy soon, although...

...on Saturday I am off to the Craft and Gift Fair at the Old Methodist Church, Matlock Bath, Derbyshire and I am REALLY looking forward to it! (So I'll be taking them there.) It's my first time there and the venue looks great. With it being a bank holiday weekend and it being Matlock Bath there is sure to be huge footfall - I just hope I get some interest and sell a few things. It's a three day event so I'm packing in the comfy shoes! I'll let you know how it goes...

If you like this article, leave a comment please. Or Like me on Facebook and share with your friends.


Take care,
Julie.

(c) FMN Crafts 2013

Sunday 17 March 2013

Peak District and Patchwork Wrist Go Bags

Hello all, hope you are having a good weekend.

We are just back from a truly wonderful week in the beautiful Peak District, at a farm called Monks Retreat. The owners still run the farm and they have made a fantastic job of a barn conversion, making three holiday cottages from it. They are in Millers Dale, which is close to Buxton and we regard these cottages as a home from home - we have been at least four times now and will, God willing, go back again.

We had a mixed week of weather, from rain to snow to sun to frost, we walked around 30 miles in total and we loved every minute of it. During the time of the snow, we walked through the open tunnels on the Monsal Trail and they were full of icicles. They were huge! And falling... and scary. But, we still loved it!


And so now, we are back to the real word and back to the sewing machine - I must confess, I missed it! I wouldn't have thought it possible, but as soon as I got sewing again, it was such a good feeling. Sad? Maybe! But hey-ho.

So this is what I have just finished making, Pink and Blue Patchwork Wrist Go Bags. I actually started them a couple of days before we went away hoping to finish them in time, but it wasn't to be, so I have finished them today. I have made them before, after quite a lot of planning and mistake making (!) and they are designed to grab and go. There are three pockets inside for store/credit cards, your mobile and a chap stick or lipstick, then the main pocket for a few tissues or a coin purse, or a snack bar - whatever you like! This time, as they are a little easier to make now (practice I guess) I made six. They are for those times when you need to take your essentials with you, but don't really need a full bag of stuff, like the school run or a run to the shops. These were designed through necessity.. ;) The handle is easy to grab and hold safely over the wrist, and the key fob is ideal for your front door key. Perfect!


  

As I was making them, I took a few pictures and I have collated them here:


They sure were fun to make! See them on my Etsy shop soon...

For now, I'm off to eat a wonderful Sunday dinner my husband has made for us and relax into the evening...back to work tomorrow!

Have a good week, leave a comment if you like, 'Like' me if you like and share if you like too!

Julie.

(c) FMN Crafts 2013

Sunday 3 March 2013

Wollaton Park Community Hall Fair

Evening all,

Today I want to share with you a few pictures from the craft and gift fair I attended today in my home town of Nottingham. In fact, the fair was so close to where I live, I could have walked there had it not been for the amount of stock I needed to take. It was an OK day, I made some sales, I got a lot of interest and my name is out there even more. Oh, and I made some new friends, so all is good. :)

The pics:
My Craft Stall at the start of the day

One end showing a lot of toiletry bags, totes, purses and chalk boards

The other end showing cross-stitches, necklaces and hand made cards etc

My mini cross-stitch initials and signs of the Zodiac

My Mother's Day Specials! Beautiful rose tins full of goodies she'll love

My hand made cards, only £2 each!

A good view of the bags

And a good view of the hall during set up
When I first got there, there were one or two stall holders already setting up, so I got stuck in and found I was about the last to be ready. Then, at the end of the fair, I was the last to leave! Did they just scoop their items into bags?!

The stall was made of two different sized tables so I had to change my stall around to how I planned, but I think it still looked lovely. I made some sales that I was surprised and pleased at, so more of them to make to re-stock and it's onto the next fair! Thanks to all those who came, thanks to the organisers of this fair and thanks for reading this blog. Please leave a comment if you wish, I'd love to hear from you and share if you wish too.

Thank you, I'm off to bed - cream crackered!
Julie.