Blog School

OK, so I'm a teacher, but that doesn't mean I can't go back to school, learn something new and improve my blog. I've joined up with a blog school as I want to improve the way my blog works and how it reaches people.

Lesson 3 is all about images, so whilst sewing and making, yesterday, I paid more attention to taking shots and rigged up a mini studio, like this one here, using natural light, a lamp and a piece of light card - high tech, I know!

Look at the photo taken before, at night, using lamplight. Blurch..

The next day, using natural light in my 'studio'!

Here's another before and after.

The colours of the fabrics are a true
likeness on the second image.

I also had a go at telling a story and using Pic Stitch to show how the make-up bag was made.

The fabric pieces, the pinned pieces,
partly made bags to completed bags.

I also used the studio to take better pics of my new bags.

I'm pleased with the results of my 'homework' and now all I need to do is learn how to make a widget to link to my Fabcebook page! Until that time, you can find and 'like' me here at Alli Handmade.

Happy Saturday

Alli :)

Whizzy messenger bag!

I like the challenge set here - 32 minutes to whizz up a messenger bag. You'll find the challenge here: tutorial here.


With two birthday presents to make, I accepted the challenge and made them both within an hour! 

• With extra time, I'd interface the outside fabric and put wadding on the straps. 
• Remember, if your fabric has a one-way pattern, then you will need to make the outer piece 3 cm longer, fold in half and cut in the middle, turn one piece 180 degrees and stitch along the bottom seam so fabric is right way up on both sides of the bag.
• I've included a hook to keep keys safe.

Happy stitching....

Alli

X

Image transfer paper fun

I've always wanted to have a go at transferring images onto fabric, and now I know how easy it is, I wish I'd had a go years ago.


I bought a few sheets to try out from Vic at Paper Village in Bristol and had a brainwave one morning to use some images from my grannie's sewing box. The end result is a design in sweet needle cases using vintage tape ribbon, available from Flo-Jo's Boutique.

TIP - you will need to reverse the image either in something like photoshop or check the settings on your printer as some printers will reverse the image for you. Especially important if you have text or numbers on your image.


At a birthday party this weekend, we are going to set up a photo booth, include props etc and take pics of the party goers, transfer pics onto the image transfer paper and iron them onto plain canvas bags. Voila, personalised party bags! We've also got a selection of fabric pens to decorate the images.

Here's a sample I produced for my own use...I think the printer needs a clean!


















I'll share any other adventures with FTP here in the future....have a go. It's easy and fun.


Alli :-)

A handbag?!

I have a lovely book, with lots of lovely, stylish bags by Amy Butler. I have a special event to go to and decided to make a bag.


First I needed to select some fabric...I couldn't resist this 'Big Bloom' fabric from local shop Poppy Patchwork

Pleating the fabric was an exercise in dodging being scalded by the iron, but the result was gorgeous.

Assembling all the pieces and the zip

 My favourite bit about making a bag in when you pull the whole bag out through a small opening in the lining, termed 'The birth of a bag' by a friend. You have to have faith that you've matched everything perfectly and stitched it well...stitching faith.

Give the whole thing a big press...more scalding opportunities

Both sides of the finished bag

All it needs now is a name and an outing! Ideas on a name? Fleur? Big Bloom?!

Have a lovely weekend. Alli x