howieandcharlie

A little more Gossamer Dreams

2011-02-13T19:17:00.002+11:00

I very pleased to be a guest WAHM at this month's Gossamer Dreams stocking. I must not have offended anyone last month which is great news!

This month's theme has been announced and it is Zen. It has been really interesting to see a few sneak peaks pop up on the GD blog and see all the different interpretations of this. Japanese fabric, japanese inspired fabric - all the different ideas should mean there is something for everyone!

I have a quick sneak peak of my contribution to share. Not the best photos as it has been dull and overcast here - though I am pretty sure that if you have read my blog in the past you will know I always find an excuse for my poor photos...

Anyhow - now that my excuses have been made here is a quick pic. This one is a gorgeous set for a lucky Mama.

Previews will be up on the Gossamer Dreams site in the morning of the 15th with all the items going live in the evening. Check the GD site for details as I am sure I will stuff up the time zone conversion ( my past life as a navigator has not helped me with this important life skill!)

I have also been working on a few custom bags - some gorgeous Laura Gunn themed pleated sling bags (my new pattern) and something for the boys... ( oh how hard it is to think boy!)

The 20% off sale on instock bags ends tonight and there are only a few bags left - snap up a bargain or email me on howieandcharlie@gmail.com to get your own custom bag!

Its been a while...

2011-01-21T20:38:00.000+11:00

Its been a while since I last posted but I think everyone will understand :)

It seems 2011 has kicked off with quite a bang - so much is going on not only in my little household but around Australia. The devasation faced by so many has left me a little lost for words.

I was very pleased to do my own small bit by donating a bag to the Possum Pouches auctions as well as the proceeds of the sale of my bags as the Gossamer Dreams stocking in January. I doubled my money by donating the $95 through Woolworths as well which was great.

Here is a very dodgy picture of my receipt - did you know that documents are harder to photograph than bags? I would make a lousy spy wouldn't I?

Another reason I have been a little quiet is that I have had quite a few custom orders to get done! I am really pleased that word is getting around about my bags and the service that I can offer. I completed a gorgeous bag for a very lovely customer just the other day - its on it way to her now so I can't show you the full bag but I can give you a sneek peak of the inner with my sexy new labels! Just in time for me to use on the new bags I am getting prepared to re-stock the Facebook store!

What else is keeping me occupied? Hmm - My eldest starts school in a few weeks, my youngest is getting her first tooth, standing and cruising the furniture and has started at Childcare and my terror of a middle daughter has started preschool and decided she must learn how to read 'right now'... and of course I go back to work as well... no rest for the very very wicked I always say!

New Year - New Patterns!

2011-01-03T19:38:00.000+11:00

I hope everyone has had a great start to 2011 - floods and miserable weather not withstanding. I hope everyone affected by the floods starts to see some sunshine and a better outlook very soon.

I am have been very busy over the silly season testing out some new patterns and sewing up a storm.

Lots of skirts and tops and things for the girls but of course a few more bags to add to the store as well as some more custom work.

Here is a picture of my latest bag - this one is my favorite - fiery red cord and orange and red quilters cotton makes for a very striking bag! This latest pattern has lots of options and makes for a very versatile bag.

The bag below is another pattern that I use from time to time - this was a custom bag for a very lovely customer

And another pattern that was purchased by a wonderful friend.

I have added a few more bags to the store and the discount is still in place. Please send me a message if there is something you would like or something else you would like to see and I'll do my best to make it happen - I am always happy to take on customs!

Are you ready for Christmas?

2010-12-18T09:10:00.000+11:00

I think I am - just a little bit of knitting to finish off, some shortbread baking and a couple of little bits and pieces to gather and wrap. Not too bad really!

I need to get stuck into the sewing as well today - two custom bags to finish off and get in the post and two new designs to finalise. I have a few new pieces of lovely fabric that have recently arrived that are taunting me from across the corner of my craft room - I might have to hide them somewhere so I don't get distracted and start playing with them as well! Think elephants, giraffes, owls (perhaps for the kids or the young at heart?) and some fabulous retro fabrics as well.

I have loaded up some pictures of the fabric into an album on my facebook page. Much more to go but that is a start isn't it?

I have also started using the Facebook shopping cart system so now if you would like to purchase one of my instock bags you can do so via Facebook. It accepts Paypal so if you would like to Direct Deposit just let me know and we can arrange that too. I have set it up to charge a standard $9 flat rate for postage which includes your choice of registered or express post. I can arrange standard post or pick up on request.

In celebration of my leap into a new world of technology and of course in the Christmas spirit I have am offering a 10% sale on all my instock bags. This includes the bags I will be adding later today and tomorrow.

Facebook Sale - 10% off

Must run... the kids are quiet and that is never a good sign - hopefully they haven't found Santa's hiding spot!

A busy day of sewing for me...

2010-12-14T21:20:00.000+11:00

The bonus to having my husband at home is that I have managed to get quite a bit of sewing in.

I have three new bags to add for sale:

Polynesian Tote (black) - $40 plus post

Large Tote Bag in a sunny retro Polynesian print on heavy duty 100% cotton duck, fully lined in bright pink cotton duck with 2 internal pockets, black button and loop closure.
The bag includes interfacing for strength and has been double and triple stitched for added strength and durability.
The bag measures approximately 40cmx 30cm x 10cm (body of the bag) with a 50cm shoulder drop.

Polynesian Tote (brown) - $40 plus post

Large Tote Bag in a sunny retro Polynesian print on heavy duty 100% cotton duck, fully lined in bright pink cotton duck with 2 internal pockets, brown button and loop closure.
The bag includes interfacing for strength and has been double and triple stitched for added strength and durability.
The bag measures approximately 40cmx 30cm x 10cm (body of the bag) with a 50cm shoulder drop.

Retro Hearts - $25 plus post

A cute little tote bag for a little handbag lover. This bag is made from stretch denim and is fully lined in a funky flowers andhearts cotton drill and features a hand drawn quirky hearts applique. The bag has a snap closure and will be a great addition to a young girl's budding bag collection. (sorry about the very average photo - that is another thing I my list of things I need to master!)

I also managed to finish off the bag for my giveaway - a cute applique tote for Fee from Top End Tush Modern Cloth Nappies who was the lucky winner!

A very busy day today!

I am waiting on some fabric for some exciting custom orders and finalising a new design that I have been working on. That should keep me busy for a little while :)

Giveaway time!

2010-12-13T07:24:00.000+11:00

Reading the webs this morning I discovered it is Blogger's Giveaway Day today courtesy of Julia at Just One W.I.P.

What a great idea - so in the Christmas spirit I think I'll join in the fun.

I will be giving away an appliqued kids tote bag - all you have to do to win the bag is to leave a comment here on my blog - let me know what kind of design you might like to see as well.

If you join my Facebook page here I'll give you another entry ( all my current 'likers' will get an entry) and if you mention my giveaway on your blog I'll give you another entry as well!

I'll close off the entries at first thing tomorrow and as soon as I figure out the random number thingo I'll be in contact with a winner!

Now... back to it ...I have finished a few more things and am working on a new little something as well :)

A little bag for a sweet little girl...

2010-12-10T14:59:00.000+11:00

My eldest daughter is off to a friends 5th birthday party on Sunday. This particular little friend is a very sweet child and will be joining Mima at her new school next year so I thought I would make her a special little girl's handbag to celebrate turning 5.

Here it is - a stretch denim book bag fully lined in aqua polka dots and featuring a hand-drawn (a little dodgy but that just adds to the quirkiness right?) applique flower. I found the strangest little orange fabric button in my button tin that seemed just perfect for the centre of the flower. I have often looked at that random lost little button and wondered if it would ever find a home but now it has:)

If you would like something like this for your little princess shoot me a message and I will see what I can do.

I am currently working on some custom orders and waiting for some gorgeous new fabric to arrive. Two new designs will be available shortly. In the meantime I still have a few bags available in stock (just see the left column ).

And finally - a thankyou to my wonderful friend Shannon for her help in getting this blog sorted... now I just need to learn how to take better photos right? One step at a time... :)

2010-12-08T15:51:00.004+11:00

Do these tickle your fancy?

All the bags are hand made by me in my craft room at the bottom of my garden. They are fully lined and reinforced with interfacing and are double stitched for strength. They vary in size and internal construction - full details will be listed with each bag.

They can be spot cleaned if required and should soften with wear.

If you would like to purchase one please either PM me on Ravelry (howieandcharlie) or email me on a_k_s_75@hotmail.com. Prices are listed next to each bag, postage will be additional - Express or Registered Post is my prefered method of postage at this busy time of year. Payment by PayPal (no fees please) or Direct Deposit.

If you have any questions please let me know - thanks!

Lotus Flower - $60 plus post

Large tote bag, outer of heavy weight denim with bloom applique, inner of Emily Bloom fabric , two small internal pockets and one large internal pocket, button and loop closure with reverse button feature.

Measurements: 40cm x 40cm x 15cm (body of the bag)

~~Pet Deer - $50 plus post~~ SOLD

Medium sized tote bag, outer of plum stretch corduroy, inner of Michael Miller Pet Deer in Brown, two internal pockets, button and loop closure.

Measurements: 30cm x 40cm x 10cm (body of the bag)

Ming - $50 plus post

Medium sized tote bag, outer of heavy weight denim, inner of Anna Maria Horner Ming, two internal pockets, button and loop closure.

Measurements: 30cm x 40cm x 10cm ( body of the bag)

~~Wallflower - $45 plus post~~ SOLD

Medium sized tote bag, outer plum stretch corduroy, inner of blue/lilac wallflower quilters cotton, two internal pockets, button and loop closure.

Measurements: 30cm x 40cm x 10cm ( body of the bag)

~~Large Blue tote - $48 plus post~~ SOLD

Large tote bag, outer of pale blue upholstery fabric, inner beige drill, two small internal pockets and one large internal pocket, cream buttons and loop closure with reverse button feature.

Measurements: 45cm x 40cm x 15cm

~~Aqua Teeny Tiny Tote - $38 plus post~~ SOLD

Small handbag (well not that small - but small compared with what I usually lug around), outer of heavyweight denim. Inner 100% quilters cotton, external pocket in reinforced quilters cotton, internal reinforced pocket, button and loop closure.

Measurements: 27cm x 16cm x 8cm (body of the bag)

~~Vintage Teeny Tiny Tote - $40 plus post~~ SOLD

Small handbag (well not that small - but small compared with what I usually lug around), outer of heavyweight denim. Inner 100% quilters cotton, external pocket in reinforced quilters cotton, split - internal reinforced pockets, button and loop closure.

Measurements: 27cm x 16cm x 8cm (body of the bag)

Fancy a new handbag?

2010-12-07T17:20:00.001+11:00

I have been busy down at the bottom of my garden sewing up some lovely denim and cord handbags. I will pop up some pics later tonight and then offer them for sale tomorrow afternoon.

Check back later if you are interested or if you have any special requests for colours or fabric let me know and I will see what I can do :)

Some of my bags

2010-11-19T09:55:00.000+11:00

A little bit of crafting........

2010-11-18T17:58:00.000+11:00

Hmm - I think I must leave all my computer savyness (or is that saviness?) at work because I couldn't remember my password to log in to my blog and promptly forgot I even had one :lol

Never fear! I found it again thanks to my foresight that somehow told me to link my embryonic blog to my profile on Ravelry :)

I have been trying to find some time to post a little bit about the crafting that I enjoy doing. My wonderful husband indulges my efforts by letting me set up my space in our spare room at the back of our garden. I have a wonderful sewing set-up and some great wall units filled with yarn and fabric.

It is such a pleasant thing to wander down the back of the garden to my 'Wool Shop' as my girls refer to the craft room, and ponder my choice of yarn for my next project.

I have been busily knitting away, completing some test knits for my designer friends shannon, Stitchymama and Tikki. One day I might pluck up the courage to put my ideas down on paper but for now I'm just a follower when it comes to knits.

What I do enjoy creating from scratch are bags. Handbags, tote bags, messenger style bags - made from cotton, cords, denim and other delightful fabrics. I have made quite a few over the past few years and have gifted them to many and even sold a few here and there.

I will dig out a few photos and share them here over the next few days. Who knows - maybe you or someone you know might be interested in a handbag or two :)

To blog or not to blog......

2010-09-22T15:57:00.000+10:00

Well I figured if you can't beat 'em - join them.

So here is my new blog and very first post:)

Now to figure out how this all works!