I have been a bit distracted recently with arranging to move the workshop. So it has kind of snuck up on me that I have a stall at the Hollinwood Rugby Fun day on the 2nd of April! Oops
So this week I have been fretting that I don’t have anything to sell (I do) and decided to put the Prom dress to one side 😥 and make some crafty things.
Still a little bit to do but here’s the progress so far….
Kids tool belts
Bow Pillows
Mini Messenger style bags
Before Christmas I’d been helping one of the Sewing Space ladies create some soft toys from her nephews baby clothes. You may have seen various version of these “memory bears” on the internet. Inspired I decided to make two for myself (one for each bub), it’s a shame I gave away all of their baby clothes, doh! So with the only cot sheets to work with ( I’ll let you ponder why I would still have those (!)) this is the first. Made with Amelie’s sheets.
A picture I posted got a lovely positive response on Facebook and a friend asked if I could make one for her little one. But it seemed she had a similar problem, what to use….
After a little think she brought me his gorgeous christening outfit. Now cutting up babygrows and vests I can do without a twinge but this was a different ball game (or bundle of fabric if you like).
I will be totally honest I cut and started to make the basic bunny to give myself time to sneak up on it. The first cut might not be the deepest but in this instance it sure will irreversibly wreck the clothes. I was fairly sure I could take the features and shape of the outfit and create a bunny looking like he was wearing the same. So with the painful first cut done and some strategic pieces cut, Bunny would be wearing trousers, a waistcoat and a dapper bow tie.
Here he is a fleecy bunny, stuffed in polyester toy filling and wearing an outfit fit for a prince.
Wondering if he’s missing something? Yep took the pictures before I gave him his cheeky grin *facepalm* Even with it though he’s still not as cute as the little guy who donated his clothes so his mum could have a treasured keepsake ❤
It’s been a busy week this week trying to catch up from an enforced break last week (sick child). And a lot of the focus has been on Sewing Space as I kicked off Kids Sewing Club on Monday and had two drop in sessions. But I still found time to develop an idea I’ve been having for a handbag.
It all started with a handbag kit Barbara brought to a drop in session, you know when something is really neat but not quite “you”. Or in this case my friend who’s animal crazy. So created my own handbag design and the cat flap bag was born and although it was a ridiculously late Christmas present she loves .
So all fired up and wanting something I can carry round to demonstrate my skills I began to think about a bag for me. I had some faux leather left from a commission before Christmas, in fact offcuts but big enough. And I have recently bought some tartan for a Kids Sewing Club session later in the month, but hey how much tartan do you need for a dolls skirt….
So this is my handbag, it suits me as I love bright accessories, it’s on trend, colour blocking and tartan, and I LOVE it. I also nearly burst with pride when my husband just assumed I’d bought it ❤
And if you’re wondering about the gladrags, I was really honoured to be asked to make a prom dress this week. I can’t wait!!!!
Well variety certainly is the spice of life at the moment. But I think that’s the joy of running your own business and not something I’m ever going to complain about 🙂
I spent most of my birthday talking to people about my future and where I see myself going. From the nice lady at the job centre (my work coach), to my sister (my life coach), to the fabulous lady at Penna Outplacement (my business coach). I feel like I’m bubbling with ideas and enthusiasm but it needs moulding into something more solid. And that’s why it’s good to talk!
From Monday I’m attending Oldham College Sewing Academy (OCSA) where I’m hoping to hone my skills and learn the “professional” tricks. I will also gain a certificate in Textiles and Fashion, which for someone almost completely self taught is something I’d really like. A course courtesy of OCSA and the DWP, ta guys much appreciated.
And then in August I’m planning to attend a Self Employment Awareness seminar which I’m quite excited about because I’ll be able to mix with other people looking to start businesses too. But also because I get to pick the brains of some successful and knowledgeable people. I’m also going to be meeting the lady Penna have introduced me to who is going to help me with marketing, not my strong suit 😦
And then on to September when I’m going to be on a Training and Education course. I have been designing and delivering training for years but my workshops will be different as the focus will be much more about having fun. As much as I loved this aspect of my previous job I have not met a single person on a SAP course who was there expecting to have fun (although I tried).
But in all the exciting things there’s the spectre of chaos, of time wasted, of failure. Which is why, although it’s taking some time that I’d rather spend designing or sewing, I am working on a business plan. I won’t lie working through HMRC expense claim regulations and doing product costing is NOT fun. But at least I can see it could be successful, all it takes is hard work, a little luck and the continued support of my nearest and dearest. Let’s do this!
Oh were you wondering about the bags? I snuck in some sewing because how else can you cost if you don’t do a prototype? So here are a couple from the “girly” range, they’re reversible shoppers for those who like a change every now and then. And if you look really carefully (or scroll to the last picture) you can see my brilliant new labels from easy2name.
Mand Made Sewing 