Well hello strangers!
May I start by apologizing for such a long absence! It has been nearly 6 months since my last blog.
I have been far from idle though my bloggy friends.
Firstly I went quiet as I concentrated on producing a fabulous new bag design.
I hired a big beast of a machine, I cut, I planned, I sewed and I cried!
It seems that to produce a bag of the level I intended you need like actually training!
Who'd have thought it? Not I!
This failing, or set back landed me in a bit of a funk.
I adopted a little black raincloud that loomed close for the whole of January.
I then picked myself up and started to stock my bags in a gallery/shop near me, which went ok, but slowly slowly.
The problem was that it only covered a tiny bit of me, I needed something more solid, more, me.
It was around this time I was forced to look way way deep into my person, and at my stash and my sewing room and reach a new and productive phase.
After that process begin life speeded up, so much so it became a blur of empty shops, bank managers, business plans and grant applications.
Which brings me to where I am today.
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to my shop, Margo
I have a twitter and a facebook account, I'd love to see you there.
Have a look, see if any of your wonderful things would look good in the shop, and we can chat about getting you stocked.
I hope your all well & now that everything is starting to calm down I may even get to read and even comment on your blogs again!
Bonnie
:)
Tuesday 28 June 2011
Wednesday 15 December 2010
"Livin' la Vida Loca"
Having spent many hours on paperwork and not being creative I have no news as such, but whilst going through my paypal receipts I did notice that I had bought some Zebra print bags from none other than Ricky Martin.
Oh and I banked some money into my business account yesterday!
I felt like a millionaire until I got a bill for more than I just paid in.
Ho hum. Ricky's bags are rocking though!
Bonnie
:)
Oh and I banked some money into my business account yesterday!
I felt like a millionaire until I got a bill for more than I just paid in.
Ho hum. Ricky's bags are rocking though!
Bonnie
:)
Tuesday 7 December 2010
Double dip frosting
The weather here has been less severe than other parts of the UK, so I am still enjoying the cold snap.
The snow has now stopped, and instead we have had a couple of days of freezing fog which has made the trees look like they are in full bloom, but with ice.
Choomia is sick again, in bed with a temperature, so no work related post today, have a look at this lovely photo's instead.
Bonnie
:)
The snow has now stopped, and instead we have had a couple of days of freezing fog which has made the trees look like they are in full bloom, but with ice.
Choomia is sick again, in bed with a temperature, so no work related post today, have a look at this lovely photo's instead.
Bonnie
:)
Sunday 5 December 2010
Totally Cool
Actually, Totally Severe.
I am loving this girls work, and she is super generous, with almost all of these images available to download for free as wallpaper, backgrounds and iphone screens!
Her blog is very interesting, and very nice to look at Totally Severe
Enjoy!
Bonnie
:)
I am loving this girls work, and she is super generous, with almost all of these images available to download for free as wallpaper, backgrounds and iphone screens!
I first found her via Spoonflower,
in fact I am about to buy the pattern above for my prototype bag.
in fact I am about to buy the pattern above for my prototype bag.
Her blog is very interesting, and very nice to look at Totally Severe
Enjoy!
Bonnie
:)
Wednesday 1 December 2010
Absence makes the post seem longer
Welcome to December!
November has been a pretty non sort of month. I had spent so long blogging last month that I didn't seem to create on the same level as previously, and so I haven't had much to say.
The pause in my blogging was in no way reflected in my day to day life.
Life as they say, goes on.
I made plenty of changes though, lots of decisions, lots of baby steps forward towards my goals.
In February I have signed up to present to Liberty of London open design call.
This has also meant I have had to hire one of these scary looking beasts:
That is not my beast, mine is yet to arrive, hopefully it will happen this week as time is running out to complete the prototypes.
To make way for this beauty I have had to be brutal about my creative space and focus on one design, one medium. This has meant a huge clear out of the womb.
After:
November has been a pretty non sort of month. I had spent so long blogging last month that I didn't seem to create on the same level as previously, and so I haven't had much to say.
The pause in my blogging was in no way reflected in my day to day life.
Life as they say, goes on.
I made plenty of changes though, lots of decisions, lots of baby steps forward towards my goals.
In February I have signed up to present to Liberty of London open design call.
This has also meant I have had to hire one of these scary looking beasts:
That is not my beast, mine is yet to arrive, hopefully it will happen this week as time is running out to complete the prototypes.
To make way for this beauty I have had to be brutal about my creative space and focus on one design, one medium. This has meant a huge clear out of the womb.
Before:
After:
Its seems very bare, but its focused.
I might even get round to decorating it now.
I found this gorgeous wallpaper in B&Q that would look lovely
I found this gorgeous wallpaper in B&Q that would look lovely
I have also had to fully commit by selling the craft tools I no longer need or that I know I will not use, like my first sewing machine and my Leclerc Table Loom.
A sad, sad day :(
A sad, sad day :(
Apologies to everyone I usually visit at your blogs.
I will resume normal service shortly, whatever that is! I am going to try and post at least three times a week at the moment, but forgive me if I don't manage it!
I hope you are all well.
Speak soon
Bonnie
:)
Sunday 14 November 2010
Half Job
It will seem to most of you that I have disappeared recently.
Whilst I have not posted, I have still been keeping up with y'all, behind the scenes.
I think perhaps I have been suffering a little from blogtoberfest burn out, or if not burn out, clean out,
of anything useful I had to say!
I have been busy, all the time, but nothing is complete.
I have mostly been working on a new bag design which is complicated, structured and unlike anything else I have ever attempted before.
I cannot share this with you until February, for reasons I cannot reveal until February, but in February you will know all.
In the meantime, have a look at my sewing machines and my inspiration wall ( I don't know why, just to prove I am thinking & working)
I also started on a new dress, which as ever means I have to re-size and alter the pattern to fit my, shall we say curvaceous frame.
Couple of tips for you:
1. after you have cut out your pattern pieces Iron them, on a low heat, without the steam on.
2. hang them up on a trouser hanger with a note telling you about your pattern pieces.
I would tell you more, but I don't think that my way of altering patterns is the actual way of altering patterns, so I will show you my fabric choices instead:
I have also been battling on with pottery, attempting to finish one job before moving onto another. There is nothing worse than having to spend a whole night glazing or slipping (cos its boring) so this term I am keeping on top of it.
This means not much to look at though, I did make another Margo Vase and another egg cup & plate.
The grey stuff is slipped (in white) and the wet brown stuff is the new efforts:
So that's it really, a whole bunch of half Jobs.
Oh one last thing, I have added a photo of me over on my about me page so you can put a face to the words. I guess it makes it more real!
Enjoy the rest of the weekend!
Bonnie
:)
PS - apologies for the crap photos, I have been using my phone camera :(
Whilst I have not posted, I have still been keeping up with y'all, behind the scenes.
I think perhaps I have been suffering a little from blogtoberfest burn out, or if not burn out, clean out,
of anything useful I had to say!
I have been busy, all the time, but nothing is complete.
I have mostly been working on a new bag design which is complicated, structured and unlike anything else I have ever attempted before.
I cannot share this with you until February, for reasons I cannot reveal until February, but in February you will know all.
In the meantime, have a look at my sewing machines and my inspiration wall ( I don't know why, just to prove I am thinking & working)
Couple of tips for you:
1. after you have cut out your pattern pieces Iron them, on a low heat, without the steam on.
2. hang them up on a trouser hanger with a note telling you about your pattern pieces.
Grey wool mix (only £3.50pm) and some lovely Crepe de chine for the lining
I have also been battling on with pottery, attempting to finish one job before moving onto another. There is nothing worse than having to spend a whole night glazing or slipping (cos its boring) so this term I am keeping on top of it.
This means not much to look at though, I did make another Margo Vase and another egg cup & plate.
The grey stuff is slipped (in white) and the wet brown stuff is the new efforts:
Oh one last thing, I have added a photo of me over on my about me page so you can put a face to the words. I guess it makes it more real!
Enjoy the rest of the weekend!
Bonnie
:)
PS - apologies for the crap photos, I have been using my phone camera :(
Saturday 6 November 2010
Winner!
Sorry I am behind with this, and sorry I haven't managed to do a video of the girls picking a winner, I have had to rely upon random.org to do the do.
Without further ado, the winner is:
I think this is a good book to start with. I have found it is easier to adapt patterns before making your own, and this book seems like the perfect way to start learning.
If like me and Vintage mum you are wanting to make plus size clothing, alteration is key! It is so much easier than you think, start with something simple and in no time you will have the whole spectrum of patterns open to you!
This title features sewing techniques for "knits" - off-the-shelf knitted fabrics of all types. It includes materials popular with fashion designers, such as: slinky knits; lycra/spandex blended with natural fibres; and matte rayon jersey.
Jay@Finki, Taulahblue and Aliza all wanted a book about techniques.
The best book I have found for techniques, which I revert back to all the time is:
Faith Hope Cherrytrea wanted a good bag book, please visit my review on books for bags here!
Jane @Groovy Pumpkin was after some felt goodness, in a small size, so I recommend:
Bonnie
:)
PS if you missed out, then Little Miss Shabby is having a super giveaway too!
Without further ado, the winner is:
Congratulations to the lovely Gill who said "I'd like to see more craft books aimed at the intermediate sewer! the novice and the advanced seem far better catered for!"
Everyone had very good suggestions and wish lists for what sort of book they would like, so I thought I would make some suggestions.
Sparrow Primitives, Gill, Peach Rainbow, Paula, Quilary and Pippirose all wanted books that showed you how to alter patterns and draft your own patterns.
Everyone had very good suggestions and wish lists for what sort of book they would like, so I thought I would make some suggestions.
Sparrow Primitives, Gill, Peach Rainbow, Paula, Quilary and Pippirose all wanted books that showed you how to alter patterns and draft your own patterns.
I think this is a good book to start with. I have found it is easier to adapt patterns before making your own, and this book seems like the perfect way to start learning.
If like me and Vintage mum you are wanting to make plus size clothing, alteration is key! It is so much easier than you think, start with something simple and in no time you will have the whole spectrum of patterns open to you!
However if like Gill you have already reached this stage maybe its time for this book:
This book covers measurement and block patterns, circular patterns, simple pattern designing, yokes, dart manipulation, sleeves, collars and necklines, skirts, and the one–piece dress foundation.
I would think that this is a great book for intimidate sewers, a chance to really test your skills and advance them further, so perfect for you too Peach!
There is also an excellent collection of books by Wendy Mullin on making your own clothes that is very easy to follow such as:
Jennifer said "The craft book I would like to see published (but may already exist) is one on sewing knits with a "normal" machine. I'm assuming it can be done with a regular machine. The book needs to be picture heavy with explanations following each picture"
There is also an excellent collection of books by Wendy Mullin on making your own clothes that is very easy to follow such as:
Jennifer said "The craft book I would like to see published (but may already exist) is one on sewing knits with a "normal" machine. I'm assuming it can be done with a regular machine. The book needs to be picture heavy with explanations following each picture"
Jay@Finki, Taulahblue and Aliza all wanted a book about techniques.
The best book I have found for techniques, which I revert back to all the time is:
Sew Wonderful Silk: The Guide to Gourmet Sewing With Silk and Silk-Like Fabrics
Jane @Groovy Pumpkin was after some felt goodness, in a small size, so I recommend:
Lovely Emma wanted a book for sewing for boys and men, something that is short supply, but I did find these:
and last, but not least Womble and Wonky Owl both wanted something with a retro twist, so we have:
I hope this covers all of your needs!
The boy section is vague for sure, definitively a market there!
Diannaessie wanted a book on fabric printing, but I give you the wonderful Spoonflower!
The boy section is vague for sure, definitively a market there!
Diannaessie wanted a book on fabric printing, but I give you the wonderful Spoonflower!
Thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway and to the wonderful team at D&C Publishing for generously giving a copy of the sewing bible to our winner Gill.
Bonnie
:)
PS if you missed out, then Little Miss Shabby is having a super giveaway too!
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