Tula Chenery Designs

And here she is - the completed "Tilley" small tote. I've decided all my bags need names to make them easier to identify and "Tilley" just seemed right for this one!

Small enough to not be cumbersome but like The Tardis, deceptively large inside owing to the bucket base, Tilley also incorporates a twin external pocket on the front.

Made from heavy reclaimed linen samples, fully lined and with a hand crocheted twine fastening, securing a stunning vintage button.

Woman on a mission...

New bag collection in progress!

I'm breaking in gently after finishing work so just making a few as and when I feel like it.

This one is called "Traveller" - big enough for a day out with lots of internal pockets for odds n ends.

As always, all my bags are created from reclaimed fabrics, zips, buttons, etc and each one is unique.

When the handbag you thought would be pretty straightforward turns complicated because you keep changing the plan! 😆

Still trying to get myself sorted out in readiness for bag making in earnest when I "retire" (counting down every day now!)

Here's almost an hour's worth of 'potential bag handles' organisation.

"Call that organised?!" I hear you scream. It's a big box and it's as good as it'll get.

They're all in one place, aren't they? 😊

Gearing up to start bagmaking again in earnest. It was all going swimmingly until my driving belt snapped! 🙄

And it's done. One little child's backpack, entirely made from reclaimed fabrics and fastenings etc. Now gone off to a new home where it'll hopefully be used and loved. 💚

Got as far as starting the fun bit.

Bit more progress on the backpack today.

Well, it's hardly been gardening weather! 🥶

Adjustable straps in place!

That's it for now as on Grandma duties this afternoon! 😊

Would you believe it, I'm actually back at the machine!😳

Been far too long, time just isn't my friend these days!

Anyway, I'm getting to grips with a commissioned child's backpack inspite of suffering with a wrist injury which is hampering me a bit!

Thank goodness for little "nippy clips". I'd not pick up a pin in this splint!😆

Also enjoying my new teflon presser foot as am stitching oil cloth - if you've not got one, get one! It's definitely worth the investment!

I've just 4 bags left for sale at present. If you're interested in any of them, please message me. They're £30 each. Thanks! 😊

All done! This one's called Featherweight. Cross body bag with internal zipped pocket, zipped top and decorative flap.
Made solely from reclaimed materials, mostly sourced at Scrapbox - Norfolk.

Another unique creation, never to be replicated!

Full steam ahead on strap construction!

Getting there! Lining in and decorative flap made and attached.

It's been slow progress today for various reasons but we've got a lining with a zipped interior pocket!

It's the beginning of another bag...

Bag number 2 complete. "Seascape" is a hand held tote with recessed zipper closure, internal zipped pocket and covered base board.

All using reclaimed fabric, leather, zips and tape. Mostly sourced at Scrapbox - Norfolk , who are, incidentally, having a massive fabric sale tomorrow, Saturday 9th April at 10am!
Unapologetic plug... 😊

Back on the bag making today and after a tricky recessed zipper insertion (remind me to not do one of those again!), I'm on the home straight. Handle making now, then finishing touches.

First bag completed this year. "Treescape" is a small tote, fully lined and with a zipped interior pocket. Wooden button fastening to flap front.

Hoping this is the first of a range of similar lighter weight Spring/Summer bags. As with all my bags, each will be unique as made from one-off, reclaimed resources.

Watch this space...

Outer linen fabric interlined for a bit of oomph, lining in and base stiffener covered. Leaving it there for today as my stomach is telling me it's time to make dinner!

Progress so far - internal zipped pocket in satin lining. ☑️

For the first time in ages, I'm in the mood for a bit of bag making.

Precision prep going on for a change.

No doubt I'll revert to "by eye guesswork" before long...

...and finally, commission complete!
One Roman blind, strung and hung!

It's the final push today! It's been a lengthy project owing to other commitments taking up my time, but at last the end is in sight. Sneak preview of the gorgeous fabric that's given me grief but will hopefully look stunning when up!

If one machine misbehaves, thank goodness I have backups!

And the stitching continues...

Finally got the chance to carry on with the Roman Blind commission.
Today's task - get the rod tapes on.
It's a case of measure, measure and measure again to make sure they're all straight and true with the edge. I find myself holding my breath when I pin.

And so it begins. The marathon hand stitching in of the lining of a commissioned Roman Blind. Once I'd pinned lining in place and got everything square, I was blowed if I was going to unpin it all to try and "bag" it under the machine, especially as the client has chosen a really thick outer fabric!

Thankfully, hand sewing is really quite therapeutic! I do like the challenge of making the stitches as invisible as possible! 😊

... and I'm done! It's taken the best part of a day but I think the little fella will be pleased with it. 😊