Bon Voyage, Leah!

LAX Sunset Airplane Landing
Originally uploaded by Felipe Barrientos

Leah's off to sunny California for three weeks, the lucky duck.

I hope you have a wonderful trip, Leah - enjoy every minute.

AnnMarie will be in the hot seat for the next few weeks, so you can address all sales and enquiries to her.

Laptop Bag Pattern arriving soon....

I spent a great deal of time developing some pocket instructions. I've spent even longer developing the pattern for the rest of the Laptop Bag. I'm embarrassed about just how long it's taken to make a pattern for what appears to be a straightforward-looking satchel style bag.
Ah... but the devil is in the DETAIL. There have been structural changes and pocket changes inside and out.

And finally I'm happy with an expandable pleated pocket on one side and a compartment pocket on the other.

And a patch pocket on the front of the bag (concealed by the flap).

There were lots of other things to work out (read: sample, tweak, sample, tweak.....sample tweaksampletweaksampletweak...), like the size relationship between the bag and the laptop sleeve insert (which can also act as a divider or document wallet)...

And the size relationship between sleeve and laptop....

Jiggling around purse feet placements to accommodate our NEW large pursefeet (watch this space for news on those!)... Getting the SHOULDER PAD right, getting all the tips and hints for using PVC, webbing and velcro throughout the instructions....

There are lots of finishing skills to learn with this pattern and the instructions (as always) are VERY VERY DETAILED. It's been a long journey, but the end is clearly in sight. There will be news soon.... which means I should do my regular giveaway draw for a pattern hot off the press. Leave a comment here and I'll draw a lucky winner when the pattern goes up on the website.

Edited to add: The fabrics are (brown bag) Lindsey by Timeless Treasures and (blue) You Got the Notions by Robert Kaufman.

Leah was one of my pattern testers for this one. She made a very teenage-daughter friendly version in this Alexander Henry skull print. I think it's fab. (It won the approval of said teenage daughter, too - it'll be her school bag).

...

PS. Update on Rainbow comfort Packs HERE....

Help Wanted!

We're looking hard to find the right person to help out Leah in the office. Blogging it might be the answer!

We are looking for a sales and admin whizz (that means highly efficient...preferably with MYOB and sewing experience) to work a couple of days per week. The position is casual with a view to being permanent part-time.

The successful candidate will have great written and spoken communication skills, be highly organised, will learn systems quickly and value excellent customer service.

If you fit this description please EMAIL your CV to info@nicolemdesign.com.au .

PS. Of course, this only applies if you can get to work in Brunswick, Melbourne, AUSTRALIA.... Apologies to international hopefuls!! :)

Edited to add: Sewing skills are only so you'll have an understanding of the products and have some background information for customer service. There's no actual sewing involved in the job!

This is... SHOW OFF time!

I'm ALWAYS showing off... my work, my child's artwork, my sewing gadgets.... This week I thought I'd do a bit of showing off for Leah.

Some of you may already know Leah as the sales and admin whizz in the office at my studio. But did you know she's an experienced and addicted sewing gal? She really knows her sewing stuff - and she's also a brilliant admin and sales whizz.

Leah also tests and proof-reads pattern instructions for me, and this is the hat she made from my hat pattern. It's supposed to be a "fishing hat" but I think it's definitely a bit too stylish for fishing.

Thanks to Sharon for guest-hosting This Is while Angela was away. Welcome back Angela. Thanks Katie for this week's theme.

Thanks Leah for being an all-round whizz at Nicole Mallalieu Design!