Hi Lovelies,  There's been such a positive reception to my retreat pattern collection, thank you so much for your kind words! Today we're sharing the first batch of the tester pics from the Fiesta Tote.  The Fiesta tote is perfect for beginners, or for those who want a quick and satisfying sew. It's easy to modify and they all look so different, just with different fabric choices! First up is Agent Bushy with her whimsical Fiesta. I loved it so much I bought it from her! Next up is Anna from Messy Rooms who made this beautiful Fiesta tote, I love the hot pink straps! Annette we ..read more

Hello lovelies, We were very fortunate to have a few extra goodies left over from our super generous Bag Retreat sponsors! This was our 'selfie with the sponsors' poster, a great way of saying thank you to them! We've got the following goodies to giveaway, so scroll to the end to enter! 3 x Janome Swatch Buddies 1 x Butterfly Sling purse paper pattern from Emmaline Bags 6 x Pearl Wallet Clutch paper patterns from Swoon Patterns 4 x Tape Measure keyrings from Bags by Bags of Style Even more exciting than goodies, is that we've released the tickets now for our next retreat in O ..read more

Hello lovelies,  It's time to share some exciting photos with you today! Last week I released my Toiletry Tote pattern so today it's time to start showing you some of the testers' pics!  First up is AJ who chose to highlight her zips in a contrast colour, I love it! Next is Amy of Virginia Girl Design , I realyl struggle to choose fabric combinations, but she nails it every time!  Next up is Anke with a fabulous purple and polka dot version. Thanks for the wide open shot Anke, your bag has a lot of space! Next up is Casey JC Mila Designs who made ..read more

Hi Lovelies. Becky from R.j.A.f.MAKES is with us for the last time to talk about how to take better bag pics, and this week she's looking at lighting. Why is it all about correct lighting? Correct lighting is needed to show off the true colours of the fabric you have used. Daylight is the best lighting to use, but it has its pros and cons. The most important thing to remember about daylight is that the sun and clouds will give off different colours at different times of day. The human eye will not always see this but your camera will pick it up, trust me on this one. The sun gives off a ..read more

Hi lovelies, Lots of people have asked about fusing vinyl to their fabrics to make the Toiletry Tote, so I've prepared a comparison for you of the most popular three. To be compared are  Pellon Vinyl Fuse - £7.22 for 15” x 2yd Buy from Amazon.co.uk Heat n Bond Iron on Vinyl - £5.45 for 17” x 1yd Buy from SewHot.co.uk Vilene Lamifix - £5.99 for 18” x 1m Buy from Minerva Crafts I’ve used the Gloss finish for all three. Packaging & Information Pellon Vinyl Fuse – Comes rolled in a box, with instructions printed on the box. The roll is protected by the box and unrolled with few creas ..read more

Hello lovelies,  It's time to share some exciting photos with you today! A few days ago I released my Machine Bag pattern so today it's time to start showing you some of the testers' pics!  Tara made her bag in monochrome and used chunky piping around the outside. I love her fabric choices, her bag looks fab! Amy used this fun Tula Pink print with contrast hot pink webbing for her Machine Bag. I love to see it styled with the fabric in her stash, it's perfect! Christine made a few edits to her pattern adding some fun hardware and a very clever fold up pocket to hold her ma ..read more

Hi lovelies, today I've got the brilliant Becky from R.j.A.f.MAKES on my blog for the first part of Taking Better Bag Photos. Today, she's going to be looking at how to frame your picture and delving into the depths of cameras. How should you frame your photo? Personally, I wouldn't have too much happening in a photograph. For example, you may want to photograph your bag outside.  You won’t want to put your bag on a park bench full of people sitting on it, as this will take the viewer’s eyes into overdrive!  They will be looking all over the photo and not looking at the b ..read more

Hi lovelies, today I want to introduce to you Becky from R.j.A.f.MAKES. I first encountered Becky in the Facebook group British Bag Makers. Becky creates really fun and beautiful bags, and her photography is exquisite! Becky's going to be talking about how to take really great bag photos over the next couple of weeks, but to start off we've got a profile so that you can get to know her!  Hi! I'm Rebecca Alexander-Frost, the founder of R.j.A.f.MAKES. I’ve just turned 34, been married for 3 years and have two wonderful step children. My mom was a keen sewer and my dad is a keen ..read more

Hello lovelies,  It's time to share some exciting photos with you today! On 1st March I released my Bag of the Month Club offering, The Captivating Clutch, so today it's time to start showing you some of the testers' pics!  First up is Michelle from Barabooboo Designs with this ultra classy Starlet. Her use of pinstripes is so smart, and I love her attention to detail with her matching zipper pull! Next is Katie with her bright and cheerful Leading Lady, who added bag feet for an extra wow! Tara from Uh Oh Creations modified her flap shape and used metal edge ..read more

Hi Lovelies, I'm so excited to introduce to you my pattern for March's Bag of the Month Club...the Captivating Clutch! Leading Lady Oversized Clutch The pattern comes in two sizes, the Starlet Clutch and the Leading Lady Oversized Clutch. I'm torn between which is my favourite! Starlet Clutch I really wanted to push myself as a designer for this club, and create a pattern which came together smoothly, but with tons of features, and I hope I've achieved it! Both sizes are constructed the same, but with slightly different proportions. Open the top flap to reveal a full wi ..read more