The Bag Lady is at it again

If you are wondering what I have been doing while I have not been blogging (sorry about that!), well, I have been spending a bit of time creating, which is when I am at my happiest and most contented.

 I decided to make a small batch of little zippered purses. I have made them before and find the project very satsfying - that is, once I have mastered the technical side of putting in the zips neatly!

 Actually, this first one will be strictly for personal use, because of that very problem. The zip keeps catching on the lining, and no one can open it in a hurry! But it is the prettiest one, and I will enjoy putting something special into it.

 It was such a pleasure digging into the boxes of lace bits and pieces, and the jars of buttons.!

 This one has a Norfolk flavour, but is a little sombre.

 Someone on an email list I belong to was talking about Dorset buttons. I used to make quite a few of these, but I went off to Pinterest for some fresh inspiration, and came up with this little tree design.

 It was very hard to photograph it well. It looks much "hairier" than it is in reality, and I could not capture the dark red surround well. But I am really pleased with this one, and will definitely be doing some more, with some variations. They will be a great "away-from-home" project, because they do not need many materials. Just some old fashioned curtain rings (of which I have a fair collection), some no.5 Pearl thread, and a few beads.

 I began these little seascape bags ages ago, and decided it was time to finish them. I was feeling quite "immersed" in these particular marine colours when I started them, but the fad had passed, so I really had to discipline myself to make the finishing touches.

 But I am quite pleased with them now they are done. I hope I can sell them!

Meanwhile, I have been busy upstairs working on some more "Market bags". I have about 15 of them done, all just waiting for their lining. Perhaps I will be able to post pictures in my next blog.