U-handblog

(Non cheesy) Christmas Wallpapers

2009-12-09T12:32:28+00:00

Totally unnecessary, but totally pretty wallpapers to pimp your holiday desktop. Follow the links to download for free. Enjoy!

From Made In England. I currently have this one on my Mac.

All of the above gorgeous December calender wallpapers can be found on the excellent Smashing Magazine.

All of the above HD quality wallpapers can be found HD Wallpapers.

NB: I tried looking for non cheesy Hanukkah wallpapers, but it wasn't easy. This was all I could find.

Hope you like 'em

Bonkers Sewing Pics

2009-12-08T15:54:01+00:00

Really enjoying the entries in the Extreme Sewing draw. They're certainly funny and inventive! Thanks to all who have joined in. Here is a small selection from the madcap Extreme Sewing Flickr:

Sew over the Moon! by Hands of Gold.

Sew Biker Chic! By Boodie316

Sew wet! By Lesley (Z)

I'll blog more pics in a couple of days.

Why not join in fun? Have a go at the Extreme Sewing Draw. You have until the 20th Dec, anyone can enter, and you might win a Janome Sewing Machine!!

Win a Sewing Machine!! The U-Handbag Holiday Giveaway.

2009-12-02T17:14:17+00:00

Not that I want to add to the pressure, but it's December - Ahhhhhhh!! (And before you ask, nope I'm not nearly and nope I haven't!)

Never mind, we'll soldier on and somehow it will all come together beautifully (like it always does in the end). AND perhaps the thought of maybe winning one of these FABBO prizes will put a shine on the countdown to the holiday proceedings.

This is the last U-Handblog giveaway of 2009 and we're ending it with a big ole BANG!!! Big fat festive hugs go to all of my readers and customers who have shopped and/or popped in and said hello. I simply couldn't do any of this without your support and I couldn't have gotten thus far without you being out there. You've been very lovely to me :)

There are 3 prizes up for grabs. 1x first prize and 2 x runners up.

The draw is open to EVERYONE. Janome will be delivering the Sewing Machine.

Regular readers will know that I've reviewed each of these prizes separately in their own blog posts. To read the reviews of each prize just click on the link below the pictures...

A fantastic Janome 8077.

Read the Sewing Machine Review.

The Sewing Bible: Curtains book AND a Janome Mega Sewing & Craft Tote worth £50!!

Read The Sewing Bible: Curtains review

Free & Easy Stitch Style book AND a Janome Mega Sewing & Craft Tote worth £50!!

Read the Free & Easy Stitch Style Book review

Draw Details (please read carefully)

I'll send 3 winners one of these smashing prizes each. The draw is free & open to everyone. Janome will arrange for the sewing machine to sent to wherever the lucky digger winner lives.

To enter all you have to do is comment on THIS PARTICULAR POST:

Right we wanted to make this holiday draw extra special; so we would like you to do something extra special... We would like to see photos of you doing some extreme sewing (see photo below for explanation of Extreme Sewing.

What is this chap up to? Well, he's doing a spot of Extreme Ironing of course. To enter this draw we want you to do some Extreme Sewing. All you have to do is grab your sewing machine and take it anywhere you wouldn't normally sew. There's no right or wrong way to Extreme Sew, but daft is always good :)

The only rules are:

You can enter as many times as you like - you must repeat rules 6 & 7 for each entry.
It doesn't have to be you the pic.
The machine doesn't need to be plugged in.
There needs to be some 'sewing' under your machine foot - a scrap of fabric will do.
If you don't own a sewing machine take some hand sewing out instead.
All pics need to be posted to our U-Handblog Extreme Sewing Flickr...
...then you need to comment on this post with your Flickr username and a link to your Flickr pic or your entry cannot be counted.

I've added my own Extreme Sewing Pics and I'll keep adding more...

The draw ends on the 20th December so you have lots of time to get your entries in. I'll post a selection of your Extreme Sewing Pics on the blog in the days running to the closing date. I hope you can join in the fun - we can't wait to see what you get up to!

Stuck for Extreme Sewing Ideas? How about: the bath - empty & fully clothed; the pavement/sidewalk; the supermarket; the park; the beach - careful!; a car park/lot; a library; at the bottom of the garden...

Contest Official-ness :

I'll randomly draw the 3 winners on 20th Dec and announce them the following day-ish. Good luck!
I'll need to ask the winners to make a donation for the book postage.
Sorry I can't notify winners, so please keep an eye for the winner announcement. This is made easier for you if you subscribe to this blog so you don't have to keep checking back, although it's always great to have you pop-in for a read :0)
Prizes which are not claimed within 3 weeks of the winner announcement will be carried forward to the next draw.
Sorry I can't reply to contest/draw comments, but I do love reading every single one :)

I'll also announce the winner blog post on Twitter on the 21st Dec -ish. Good luck!

Free & Easy Stitch Style. Sneak Peek (& giveaway to be announced).

2009-12-01T16:22:20+00:00

Ohhh Kay! Here's another prize that is being added to the U-Handblog End of Year draw in which 1st prize is a smashing Janome sewing machine. The draw opens tomorrow!!

DRAW IS NOW OPEN!!

This book is 1 of 2 just published craft books that we are giving away! Both books are published by David & Charles - the same folks who are publishing my tome.

The 2nd book to be given away is reviewed here.

Here we have a fun and breezy craft title on free hand and free style machine sewing - literally doodling with your sewing machine. I have to say 'doodling around' looks very appealing especially as I spend all of my time sewing accurate seam allowances and neatly up matching up edges. In the book Poppy Treffry encourages you to do away with the neatness and 'colour over the lines'.

For those who haven't tried it before there is a clear and good introduction into freestyle machine embroidery and whilst Poppy provides lots of inspiration and advice she encourages you to throw caution to the wind and dive in. I like it when there's no right or wrong in something.

Poppy Treffry's new book: Free & Easy Stitch Style.

How cute is this self portrait?

Can never scoff look at too many cup cakes.

Housey door stops. Loads of fun templates are provided at the back of the book.

Perfect for weekend breakfasting.

Sweet pleated bag with happy flowers.

I love this version of a wall tidy. It's so vibrant.

Coming tomorrow: the U-Handbag End of year draw. It's a BIG 'un you don't wanna miss it!!

The Sewing Bible: Curtains. Sneak Peek (& giveaway to be announced).

2009-12-01T15:18:48+00:00

Ohhh Kay! Here's another prize that is being added to the U-Handblog End of Year draw in which 1st prize is a smashing Janome sewing machine. The draw opens tomorrow!!

DRAW IS NOW OPEN!!

This book is 1 of 2 just published craft books that we are giving away! Both books are published by David & Charles - the same folks who are publishing my tome.

The 2nd book to be given away is reviewed here.

First up we have a clearly written book on curtains and window treatments. It's written by Wendy Gardiner who is the chief editor of Sewing World Magazine (the magazine I usually write for - when I don't have books to write). So rest assured that Wendy knows a sewing thing or two about a sewing thing or two!

With bespoke curtains costing squillions (and shop bought not always coming up to the mark) why not make your own. My Mum does (Hi Mum!) and she always makes fab matching cushions too.

With a fresh clean look, the 144 pages will explain many of the most difficult parts of curtain production in a clear, no nonsense way. Take one window, add a sewing machine, throw in some fabric, mix well.... it's curtains for the days when you didn't know how to make curtains!

Wendy Gardiner's new book: The Sewing Bible: Curtains

Love the art deco fabric on this swish looking window treatment.

These modern looking eyelet curtains are reversible. Cool eh?

I'd love to have round windows in my house!

Beautiful pinching and pleating.

Very cute tab tops on these cutains

Graceful country style pinch pleat curtains.

Coming next: Book review no. 2

Janome Sewing Machine Review (and giveaway - to be announced)

2009-11-30T16:30:24+00:00

This fabulous sewing machine (and it is fabulous!) is going to be 1st prize in the End of Year U-Handblog draw, which opens on the 2nd Dec. 09. There are other tasty prizes that need their own review blog posts. So to prevent blog post clutter I am reviewing everything separately before chucking the whole yummy lot into one contest post on the 2nd Dec.

Yep, this has to be the most mega of mega-ist draws I've ever had the pleasure of holding. It couldn't have come better time. I know that lots of folks will be gifting or receiving sewing machines this end of year holiday (can't bring myself to say it!). And I still get asked which sewing machine I recommend for bag making.

DRAW IS NOW OPEN!!

Before I start: Janome is not paying me for this review. I never ever do paid reviews. I asked Janome to recommend a selection of models that a beginning sewer could use to make bags (i.e. a machine that is simple to get to grips with and could handle nightmare bag making layers). So I chose this one. It's no secret that I heart Janome machines (I've been banging on about how great they are for years). When Janome offered me a machine to review and giveaway it was a no-brainer because I love 'em! Please know that I wouldn't sing this machine's praises unless I genuinely loved it. A sewing machine is an investment purchase, I would never lead anyone up the garden path with something sew important.

However, despite the fact I am ga-ga over Janome I can still objectively review the machine's suitability to bag making and test the machine's 'newbie approachability' factor. I roped in my knackered (and not overly amused 'just come off a night shift in hospital') partner to be my newbie guinea pig. Read on to see how we both fared...

Review of Janome: 8077 (scroll to bottom);
(known as Magnolia: 7730 in the US; and DC3030 in Europe).

Benefits of the 8077 - at a glance:

It is a great machine for beginners and proficient sewers alike.
Computerised, easy to select stitches. The stitch selected goes to the default settings, no need to remember stitch width/length just touch the button!
Lock stitch: saves lots of time finishing off loose ends.
Needlethreader.
Drop Needle facility: if you begin sewing with the needle in the down position inserted in the fabric it will remain down for you to pivot your work when turning corners etc.
Freearm: for all those awkward little places.
You'll find that Janomes are built really well and they just keep on going - I've owned 3 Janome's and used 5. My sister has my first ever Janome (from around '99) and it's never needed a service!

Check out the full specs here (the Magnolia 7730 and the 8077 are both the same).

For more info on Janome and their other models and promos:

Check out the international site.

Check out the UK site.

Check out Kirstie Allsopp (yeah! I know!) with her Janome.

If you can't wait for the draw (or you are a very nice person looking for a tasty sewing pressie). This machine is currently on offer in the UK & USA until 19th December.

Promo UK price = £330 £279 (I've seen it for £249 online - flipping ace value for money!).

Promo USA price = US$399 US$349

In the US this model called the Magnolia 7730 and it has sunny flowers on it.

Click on any of the photos to enlarge.

Out of the box: sewing machine, metal foot pedal a power lead, soft dust cover, manual, and sewing notions. The machine has a sturdy feel and build quality, and it is a good solid weight (I don't like lightweight machines because everything jjjjuuuderrers when you are sewing at great speeds).

The machine has a fresh, clean, and uncluttered look (thanks to the clever selector button and LCD (more about that in a minute).

Part of the sewing bed detaches from the machine leaving you with a free-arm. As a bag maker I LOVE LOVE LOVE free-arms because they enable me to more easily sew the nooks and crannies of bags and smaller purses. Free arms also make arm-hole sewing a whole lot easier.

Notions: 3 machine feet, a button hole machine foot, needles, bobbins, screw driver, reel holder, and your best friend and mine; a seam ripper.

The 8077 has 30 stitches - more than enough for the sewing enthusiast. See that button I am pressing? It's a very clever selector button for the type of stitch, the stitch width, and stitch length. As you select the stitch/width/length the changes you make are displayed on the LCD. I like the selector button; it makes sense and it makes for a less cluttered looking machine. Don't worry, all is explained clearly in the manual.

Bobbin all wound and ready to sew. Method of winding bobbin is printed onto the machine and in the manual.

The 4 buttons on left are very handy indeed: from top: needle up/down; locking stitch; reverse button, and lastly a 'stop/start' button which enable you to sew without using the foot pedal - groovy eh? The slider switch to the (right of the photo) is a speed control which you can use to control the speed of the pedal and also the 'stop/start'.

Yeah uh huh, but can it handle nightmare bag making style-y layers? Yup, it eats layers for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In this pic the machine is merrily sewing though an utter nightmare layer-tastic scenario - namely: 2 layers of home dec fabric, 2 layers of fleece, and 2 layers of Flexi-firm - that's 6 thicko layers!!! The machine stitched through all 6 layers smoothly, quickly, and without argument. That's impressive!

Now, to check out the other stitches: notice how each stitch is grouped by a letter? The letter refers to the type of machine foot that each stitch is sewn with. The feet are each stamped with a letter so you can easily tell which foot to use for which stitch. Simple and no-nonsense - just the way we like it :)

OK Al over to you. "Yes love I know you're tired after your night shift, but it's for a very good cause, and this could benefit others...".

So bleary eyed (and understandably grumpy) Al was able to thread the machine, insert the bobbin, draw up the thread, and stitch the 3 lines of decorative stitches with only the manual (and a little encouragement from wifey). The stitches are nice, even, and consistent. He sews flipping straight doesn't he? His stitches are nimble in hospital too. I sewed the curved ended button hole - didn't want to push my luck with him too much.

How to sew a button hole. There are 4 button hole styles to choose from and they are honestly easier than making a cuppa. You just put your foot on the pedal and the machine does it all and then stops automatically, no need to start and stop and reposition. Very simple, pretty, and satisfying.

The manual is very clearly and plainly written and there are also plenty of clear line drawings. It assumes no sewing experience so a newbie who has never touched a sewing machine can get sewing pretty pronto. This is important because sewing machines do look kinda scary if you haven't played on one before. If you can get it right 1st, 2nd or even 3rd time there's more of a chance that you'll get the sewing bug - which is a very nice bug to have!

A user friendly sewing machine manual can be all the difference between "happy handmade heaven" and "throw the bloody thing out of the window...ahh!!! I need to kick something!"

Winding the bobbin.

Zig Zag stitch.

Sewing a zipper.

In conclusion:

the Janome 8077 is brilliant for bag making; it has a strong and powerful motor and very useful free-arm feature. It's ideal for newbies because whilst is it a very capable machine, it is also very friendly to get to know. The host of useful features means that machine that will grow with you and your sewing ability. The machine build is fab and there are a squillion of other Janome feet and accessories available for when you want to pimp your machine :)

If you want a decent quality sewing machine that: is simple to get to grips with; has a host of useful (rather than 'am I ever going to need that' sort of) features; and will happily be your sewing gal for many years to come than I can whole heartedly recommend the 8077.

Coming tomorrow: 2 fab craft titles for review & giveaway.

5 Lovely Links & news of an UTTERLY amazing giveaway

2009-11-26T13:34:52+00:00

Woo hoo! Do we have a smashing end of year treat in store for you? Oh yep! I have the most amazing blog draw lined up. I won't say much more for now, but first prize is a flipping fabulous Janome sewing machine (I picked it for it's suitability for bag making). Yowzers! I'll be putting it through it's paces and photographing it in action very soon. There are are also excellent 2nd and 3rd prizes too so there are more chances to win. This incredible draw is open to everyone so watch this space!

If a brand spanking new Janome sewing machine sounds like your kind of stocking filler it's well worth subscribing to the blog so you don't miss out on the draw opening date!

So whilst I wait impatiently on my doorstep for the machine to arrive, here are some cool links for you to check out:

Delish recipe for Salt and Pepper Ribs - but also works a treat for chicken wings, pork cubes, tofu, mushrooms, aubergine...drool.
Christine has a new freebie bag tutorial on her blog up for grabs.
Kyoko is giving away the cutest Debbie Bliss knitted baby goods book.
10 awesome things to make your blog rock.
...Um might be a good idea to ensure your boss/partner/little ones aren't around whilst you have sneaky peak at this video... Like, phew that's hot!

The Simply Stylish Handbag Kit - New & Improved

2009-11-25T13:06:05+00:00

Finally finished it - sorry to those who were waiting far longer than I originally quoted.

So this version of the Simply Stylish Handbag is just as pretty, high quality, and easy to make as the original, but it's bigger, it has a longer and adjustable leather strap, and it also has an internal divider/pocket. In other other words, it's new and & improved!

This bag is perfect for anyone who hasn't tried their hand at bag making before, but they still want a bag that looks really smart and professional, yummy enough to show off (and to proclaim "I made it myself"). All because it might be your first bag that's no reason for it to look anything less than gorgeous.

With this kit; all the stuff you need is included (except thread). We haven't skimped on the materials either; the fabrics, interfacing and handle are all 1st class (as you'd expect). This handbag kit is deliberately easy to make and you'll pick up some very useful bag making techniques to kick start your bag making hobby off in style.

The Simply Stylish Kit is available here.

Our other Purse Kits are available here.

Apologies for loads of pics - they are for the shop link.

Sometimes less really is more: the unfussy shape, the pretty Moda fabric and the expensive looking leather adjustable handle all combine to make a rather tasteful looking bag (if I do say so myself).

Side view. Soft rounded shape with a darted bottom. The adjustable leather strap is very high quality (which you can see from a mile away). Adjust the strap to suit you - swing it around or hug it tight.

Lining is a zingy wasabi coloured pin strip print (also by Moda). Inside there is a wide inner pocket which acts as a central divider.

This pretty bag with it's monochrome colours will go with heaps of your outfits and it will look just smart in Winter as it will in Summer.

The bag will comfortably accommodate a riveting paperback plus your handbag essentials. This stylish purse is simple to make, but it looks so professional you’ll have friends asking you where you bought your cute bag from!

The Simply Stylish Kit is available here.

Our other Purse Kits are available here.