I got into bag making initially to have something I could embellish with embroidery, appliqué etc. I progressed from converting jeans to using patterns, then got hooked.

I have made loads, supplied myself, my friends and friends of friends. I take commissions as it challenges me to move outside my comfort zone. I have used different hardware, zippers, foam wadding and interfacing and quite a few indie designer patterns.

I had just started to assemble a collection big enough for a stall at our local country fair when lockdown started. Now they are packed in boxes gathering dust. I don’t want to start a business, or open a business account, so I guess I am stuck with them for now.

It means I don’t want to make any more. I don’t need a bag to stay at home. So sad.☹️  [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]  

  I learnt to do dressmaking and embroidery at school, in the 60s and 70s and it has always been a part of my life. Back then I made my own clothes and also toys and dolls. In the last 15 years I have done a lot of appliqué and free motion machine embroidery, mainly to decorate aprons.

I have learnt how to make bags (with hardware) and use hand embroidery, silk ribbon embroidery and appliqué to embellish them.

I have also learnt new skills from several Craftsy online courses. I did Pattern Drafting from Ready-to-Wear by Stefanie Lincecum and Hand-Embellishing Knit Fabric: Stenciling, Appliqué, Beading and Embroidery by Natalie Chanin. I also found Piece, Patch, Quilt: Basic Quilt-making Skills with Gail Kessler useful!

I have done various curtain and garment alterations (as required by my non-sewing friends and family) usually helped along by a YouTube video!

I used to write regular posts for sew-what’s-new.com, now sew-what’s-new.net, but it got lonely as I seemed to be the only active member, and I gave that up in 2019.  I have also written guest posts for Chris W Designs, an Australian bag pattern designer. I have an Instagram page (also aunty stitches) and happily respond to queries and appeals for help from other sewers on there.

Lockdown was fine as it gave me more time to sew, but I now have two crates full of bags I had hoped to take to a Craft Fair, and no room to store more!

A new white puppy  with sharp teeth and claws put a stop to my sewing the ornate Alabama Studio garments, and as my sewing room is my conservatory it is far too cold to be in there now!

So I am looking for inspiration, involvement and perhaps entertainment whilst sat next to the fire, dreaming of sewing something new as soon as a heater is enough to keep me warm in my sewing place!