Looking forward to 2013, new fabrics, new patterns, new studio to work from, business expanding into bigger sizes and stocking local shops.

I have made project bags for years now and a long time ago a customer asked if I could make a mini version  to just hold some coins. I played around with my project bag pattern and came up with the 'coin purse' which is the perfect size for cash cards and a mobile phone. I've made lots and lots over the years and it seemed a good choice for a tutorial, something that you can whip up in an hour and perfect for a little gift for someone. You need a main fabric, a lining, some piping cord and a cord stop. Sewing machine, thread. Cut a circle pattern approx 4 " in diameter plus a little for seams. I do quite narrow seams. Cut one circle of lining and one of outer fabric. These are the bottom of the purse. Cut one each of lining and outer  12.5"* 6.5" (go up a smidge if you want it a little taller my Samsung 3 phone fits in a coin purse cut with a 7" short side.) Right sides together sew the long side of the body of the bag onto the round bottom

Pirates and some beautiful Autumnal fabric.

I had to go into my local fabric store this morning to buy some cotton and ribbon for a Fairytale dress that has been ordered and spied some lovely xmas fabrics on the counter which were red with silver on them - not gold but silver, woohoo, what a change and a relief as I am a silver fan not gold. (Unless it's jewelry and then I'll do white gold if the budget stretches above silver please!) This is the fabric, the red with stars or reindeer will be the top skirt and bodice and the green will be the underskirt with green straps/bow and green ribbon lacing down the front. These slots are up on FB at the moment so if anyone wants one, pop over there and let me know, there is a deposit payable now and the dress will be ready mid December.

and a custom slot listing on facebook for cars.  https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=417331074980805&set=a.135194646527784.21951.119190658128183&type=1&theater

A fabulous party dress. These are available as customs, I may do the occasional in stock but they use up over 2 yards of fabric in the bigger sizes. They look amazing with a net layer underneath as well. The straps go over the back and tie into a bow at the back making it adjustable size wise across the chest. The ribbon at the front holds the bodice pieces closed. Back Front Back Front Front Back Back Front Front Front

Prototype of the reversible padded camera strap slip cover. One of the ends is a smidge wonky and the fit on the cover is quite tight. Because of this it is on offer for £5 including postage :)

I've just listed this custom spot on FB https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=412360655477847&set=a.135194646527784.21951.119190658128183&type=1&theater This fabric I've had a manic day today, the general plan was good on paper, we went swimming with friends, had a lovely lunch but the boys ended up wired, I believe they must have a secret escape hatch to an underground fair at which they have access to endless bags of candyfloss.......

I've been trying to collect jumpers for months to make Katwise style coats but our charity shops are quite frankly dire! So whilst I'm not a fan of fleece it is a cheap 'fabric' and quite warm in winter. I'd have to get a seperate machine for it but would you be interested in patchwork coats in fleece? Or maybe a different fabric? I think a velvet one would be lovely. All sizes....... Katwise linky is here  http://www.etsy.com/shop/katwise?ref=top_trail

New fabrics in pre washed, dried and are going to be cut this rainy afternoon for some orders. It is midsummer yes? I feel like I've time slipped into a wet Autumn with none of the crispness or smells! We have finally done the prize draw, thanks to everyone for taking part and sharing links. The winner was Hazel but child no2  said he must be allowed to pick out a winner as well so Crumpled Mummy you are the runner up and I will send you a code for free postage.   Names in the top hat ready to go Clothes optional! Hazel is the winner (note to self: use black biro next time) and Edan was desperate to pick out a winner so we have the runner up of Crumpled Mummy. If you could let me know your address Hazel I will get the wallet in the post to you (when the rain stops!) and Crumpled Mummy let me know your email address and I will send you a free postage code for use in the shop. Use my email darkstarbaby AT gmail DOT com 

Unfortunately I've just had to put the flat rate postage up on the store to £2, I don't like doing it but I just can't absorb the extra postage. To cheer you up here's a picture of a gorgeous dress! This one sold at the fair at the weekend but can be repeated.

Had a drizzly day at Heartlands fair but met some lovely people. Here is a preview of some new things due to go on the shop tomorrow. There may be more but that's all I have photographed right now, I tend to go into a sewing frenzy for a few days before a fair so I've got new stuff for people to look at. Don't forget to enter the drawing wallet giveaway a couple of posts down :)

Tomorrow I am at Heartlands for Knit in Public Day. I have made some extra 'Do You Knit' project bags to take with me as hopefully they will appeal to the knitters! I will also have some of the new in stocks I made for Porthtowan as we had to pull out. Fingers crossed that the wind stays away.