Introducing my Owly Purses!

Last weekend my friend Kate asked me if I could make an owl purse for her fellow brownie leader as she wanted one to keep keys in for her brownie group.  This got the old brain in gear and I was very soon coming up with ideas, looking at pictures of all the different species of owl and the differences between them.

Tawny Owl Purses

 I found some pictures of owls on the internet and went with the tawny owl first as I loved its little beardy face and the oval shape lent itself to this style of purse.  I designed the owl face, cut the pieces from felt and then used fabric and a zip to make it into a cute little purse.

Original Tawny Owl

This was my prototype attempt which I am pretty pleased with.  I went with natural colours (which I have now run out of) and used this zipper lined purse tutorial which I have used before.  I wasn't sure if it would work with an oval purse, but thought I would try it and it worked!  This stitching on the zip is not quite up to scratch but I am getting better as I go on.

Blue Tawny Owl

I wanted to make this particular owl pattern again to test it out and to try and refine my late night zip sewing.  The colours are a little more intense than shown, I don't really know which one I like best, I like the different feels.

Both are backed with sturdy black cotton and have a pretty cotton lining.  I am a little worried about the lining catching in the zip but it doesn't seem to be too bad. I have been thinking about using patterned fabric and buttons but that might be a later development.  I am also going to look at different kinds of owls and will do some different designs.  I am hoping that by the end of next month I can try out my first craft fair so for now I am building up my stock.  Due to interest in these purses they are now in my shop :)  If anyone has any suggestions then I am happy to hear them :)

An introduction to me and my crafts

Welcome to my first blog and first blog post!  


My blog is all about the sewing and crafting projects that I have a great passion for.  I enjoy them and thought it was about time I shared how I get from A to B rather than just posting the results.  I often post on Craftster and The Sewing Forum so you may see my work popping up there, but I am hoping the blog will be more of a work-in-progress diary update of projects that I am continuing with, as well as the final finished garment or item.


I am also shamelessly trying to generate online sales in my Misi shop (like etsy but in the UK) so look out for things that will be going on sale soon!

So I thought I would post some of my most recently finished projects, just so you can see some of my work so far.

Polka Dot Dress

 I made this for my sister as a Christmas present although she didn't get it until after Christmas as I had to get the fit right.  It is from an out of print Simplicity pattern and it was very difficult to part with except that it wouldn't have fitted me anyway!

Fabric Yoyo Hairclip

This was to match the dress and was my first time making yoyos which are easy and very fun to make.  There are lots of tutorials on the web on how to make these.
 

Hanging Heart Valentines Card

For the bf, the heart is felt and stuffed and can come off the card to hang up afterwards.  We didn't have much money to spend this year and I like handmade cards when I have time to do them as they are much more personal.

 Maple Syrup Cake

I love baking and I like trying out new recipes so this was a maple syrup cake with orange and pecan nuts and whipped cream icing which I liked but Sam didn't.   I think its probs a 3/5 cake as its nice but not spectacular and really filling.


The link to my online shop is www.misi.sorbetsurprise.co.uk  :)