Bag making with Emma from Hole House

Last Sunday I treated my Mum to an early Mother's Day pressie - a bag making workshop at The Eden Workshop in Plumpton, Penrith, with Emma from Hole House.

Emma's bags are really something else, pop over to her Facebook page to have a wee peep.

We got there at 10.00am just in time for a brew  (bucket size) and some home-made scrummy biccies.

Then really, we just jumped on in and started bag making.  Although it did take me a little time to choose a fabric as I simply could not make a decision at home so ended up taking mountains of the stuff with me!

In the end I went for the fabric that I got at the Standfast Factory Shop a few weeks back - because it was glittery  :)

All the pieces cut out, with lining pieces too, and a bit of complimenting fabric for the piping - yep, we were making our own piping too!!

I was just so chuffed with myself having done this little bit - never made piping before, never had the need really, but it looked too difficult anyway.  It wasn't of course  :)

The lovely Emma showing us the next step.

Piping now attached to the flappy bit, which I deliberately cut to try and get the flower in the centre.

Once the lining and padding was added it was starting to look all professional - so soon into the class too.  I could have happily gone home then, chuffed with just a bag flap.

Then I did the body of the bag, sewing the two sides to the wadding.  I added a sneaky button to the centre of the flower too, coz I could  :)

Break for lunch, Jane from The Eden Workshop, makes the most marvelous lunches.  Three courses, although I have been strict the last couple of times and just had soup and pudding as I can't concentrate on the afternoon's work once my belly is full of delicious nosh.  I just need to sleep!

After lunch it was time to assemble.   But which side should I use?

 This one..... 

Or this one?.......

I went for the first option so I would have a flower, with button, on both the front and back.

Strap time, again all very professional looking with buckles and over-stitching.  Oooo I am so excited!

Voilà!   Look, LOOK, I made a bag!!  A real bag, you can put things in it and everything.

And it fastens, with a magnetic popper thing.

Proper straps and everything.

 AND A POCKET !!

I am just a bit too over excited about this aint I?  Here, have a photo of a button  :)

La, la, la, la, la, I made a baaaa-aaag!

Front view.

Back view.

Do you want to see my Mum's too?  Here you go then.

A nice dusky pink number, with poppers, straps and pockets too.

It's worth a closer look .......

I just HAVE to make another one now.  What can I cut up?

Sewing Bee for me next I think ;)

Crochet at The Eden Workshop

Today was my first class held at The Eden Workshop, nr Penrith in Cumbria.

The work space is on a farm in the beautiful Eden Valley, the views are breathtaking, even in the good old Cumbrian drizzly weather.

Jane  (who you see in the photo with the tray of cups) is the owner and marvellous host.

There was six lovely ladies that attended today's class for beginners crochet, and they all did brilliantly well.  Taking away Granny Squares to continue at home. 

Lunch was included - all home-made and deliciously good.   Leek & Potato soup with Cider Bread  (yeah, cider).

Followed by roast vegetable tart, new potatoes and salad.

Then Tarte Tatin, which I gobbled so quickly because it was quite simply the best pudding I have EVER eaten, that I missed taking a photo  :)  (I think cider might have been in ingredient in this too)

Actually, it was hard work going back to crocheting after all that - a quick jog around the wind swept, grass soaked fields would have been beneficial to wake up all back up!  (Like, coz THAT'S gonna happen!!)

Happy, smiley ladies all showing off their crochet.

Due to demand I will be taking another beginners crochet class on the 9th March, followed by crochet flowers on the 23rd.  You can find the details on The Eden Workshop website.

What a great day.