It been brought to my attention that I neglected to comment on the commission  was working on. I think I got carried away with my next creative project - the bag! Two versions of the commission were completed and duly delivered and the person who asked for them loved them both so they are going to keep both, even though they only asked for one. I am delighted.

The weekend will find me back at the local dressmakers shop purchasing my next lot of material ready for more bespoke bags. I am so pleased that there is still such a thing as a local shop as I like to support small businesses. It also means I can go in and say I want a peice of material about 'this big' and they know what I mean and equally don't mind a bit that I don't  know the actual measurements. They are also helpful and informative, full of advice and support.  I've been looking at the Etsy and Not on The High Street websites to see what is out there and what other people are making - they are so inspiring!

Heres the finished article. I am really pleased with the results. The inside of the bag that can be seen just peeping out of the interior of the bag is lined with a lovely pink polka dot material. I can't take credit for designing it, I used a pattern from a book called the Bag Bible. My sewing machine was my mothers and is at least fifty years old, but it shows that you don't always need the latest gadgets, although of course such an old and basic machine wouldn't allow me to make anything too fancy.

I can't wait to get started on the next one. I think I will stick to this particular pattern for the time being until I really get used to it and don't have to keep unpicking my mistakes!

I love the fact that no-one else in the world has got this particular bag in this particular material - only me! And theres a great sense of satisfaction in havng made it myself, mistakes and all!

I've finished on the commission - a choice of two paintings. I'm having a break from painting and have been making a bespoke shoulder bag today. Its turned out quite well considering its my first attempt. I am so glad that sewing was on the curriculum when I was at school. This means that luckily I already know the basic's. Miss Smith - its down to you and I give thanks!  In fact I made several of the the pairs of curtains that hang in our house.

I do seem to be on a creative 'splurge' at the moment though, I'm chomping at the bit with so many ideas still floating about in my head. Its nice to try a different creative outlet from time to time though, like making the bag. Another hour or so of sewing and it will be finished. Who knows I may even persuade the lovely Roy to photgraph it so I can publish it on this site!