Handmade-ish Christmas

In the run-up to Christmas this year, I was somewhat snowed-under with work on a certain little dress pattern. The HANDMADE XMAS I'd planned didn't quite come together as originally planned.

The (last-minute) gifts I chose to make, I chose to make in leather... which always takes a lot longer than I think it will ...and then it breaks my heart with flaws on centre-front, bulk that doesn't want to go into frames, stitches that can't be unpicked... and then in the end it looks alright. Talk about emotional rollercoasters...!

The zipped purse morphed organically from one idea to the next and finally settled into a long, boxed corner affair with holes punched out in a random fashion - red interlining showing through. It's large enough to hold a phone or sunglasses ...or camera, notebook, handbag essentials (sewing kit?)... or even one of those cute little Flip cameras that I deperately want.....

I also made a Spec Case in Leather. Oh... and I added a swivel hook to it.... seems to happen a lot lately when I make purses.

(And to answer all those questions I get about my interfacing range and leather - yes, it fuses nicely! I even pressed the leather from the outside, using a Rajah Cloth).

The rest of the xmas presents are a result of last-minute scrambling through a crowded shopping centre and... ummm... a visit to my studio.

There'll be quite a few little girls in my extended family wearing dresses like these this summer.

..several variations of..... in a range of lovely cotton prints.

Made (...ahem..) especially for each of them... of course.

A very safe and happy Christmas to you - one and all!

xxn