Sewing in the sunshine
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Sharing a (very tidy!) shot of my sunny sewing room with the doors thrown open and Hollie Dog walking through, just as I click. Just to let you know I'm sewing away, fulfilling orders and consolidating a trip to the Post Office to once a week. If you want to buy something from my shop to send directly to someone else with a message - I can do that :) We're healthy and happy in our lockdown while Billy is out delivering parcels (staying away from customers) and driving the Bagsymobile on ever-quieter roads. Sending virtual hugs - stay safe xxx
30th March 2020 |
Introducing the Bagsymobile!
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Here's me and the Bagsymobile! Give a toot if you see us out 'n' about and expect an excitable toot-toot-tootle in return!
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Jurassic Park Purse
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"Wow I’m in love with this purse!! It’s exactly what I imagined! And the seller was so responsive! Thank you!"
Thank you, Christa - thank you for your feedback - and for the lovely instagrammable photo! 30th January 2020 |
Out with the old! In with the new...
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Last year’s order dockets. 237 items made and posted out with love. I’m just about to clear the spike to make way for this year’s orders (9 new ones already! Woo hoo!)
Here’s to a great 2020 for us all! 6th January 2020 |
Ready to gift-wrap
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S'bit late to order a custom-made bag in time for Christmas... Browse my 'ready-to-gift-wrap' items - there's something for everyone - including these for a 'Sherlock Holmes' fan!
3rd December 2019 |
All in the detail
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Sliced up sentences from the book are used around the outside your clutch bag. This one's 'Dracula' - one of my favourites to build. Mwhaha!
20th November 2019 |
Hot cakes!
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My teeny tiny coin purses are priced at £25.99 in my shop 'till the end of the month (usual price £29.99). All made to order with the fabric of your choice :)
Make great stocking fillers. Jus' sayin' 24th October 2019 |
Didn't we have a luverly time!
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BIG shout out to everyone who spent time at Buckingham's first 'Meet the Maker' Market on Saturday! Wan't it fab!!! So many lovely, happy customers and amazing stall holders - Pin Clothing - thank you for organising - we had THE most fabulous day! My teeny tiny purses went like hot cakes and I'm busy making more at a special price of £25.99 till the end of the month. And talking of bargains how's about £50 to spend in my shop? Details next xxx
21st October 2019 |
Meet the Maker
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Thirty unique and creative makers, live music and vegan bakes inside - and the charter fair outside!
It'll be all going on - hope you can make it! Be lovely to see you on Saturday 19th October 10-4pm :) Free entry, free parking behind Waitrose Buckingham Community Centre, Cornwalls Meadow, Buckingham MK18 1RP |
Modelled by Liz
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On a flying visit to littlest daughter Liz in Bristol armed with some bags and wallets... Please can I take some pictures? "Aw, Mum, do I have to?!"
Thank you, Liz - they turned out great! X 7th September 2019 |
Very 'Plath'
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Bride-to-be Pip says "Wedding bag has arrived! Packaged safely in the shredded remains of other books (which I think is very ‘Plath’)"
Yay! Here's to the most fantabulous 'black and gold' Big Day, Pip - and please do share pics! 30th August 2019 |
We have a winner!
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...And the name out of the hat is *drumroll* Elen from Greece, who chose a 'Charlotte's Web' wallet - congratulations, Elen! Fabric choices are coming over next :)
As you're all so lovely and as the books proved soooo popular... I reckon I'm happy to make any of the books from the giveaway (*scrolls down to previous post*) for just £40* each (plus p&p) to whoever bagsies one first. You'll get to choose the fabric 'cos I'll be building it especially for you. Message me to reserve - hopefully the one you have your eye on is still available! *you'll be saving a whopping £15!!! 9th August 2019 |
***GIVEAWAY!!!***
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Nine paperbacks freshly picked from the bookshelves at Bag End and ripe for turning into wonderful wallets! Choose your favourite from the photo and comment on my facebook page on the giveaway post for a chance to win your very own bespoke book wallet (worth £55)! The winner will be pulled out of a hat (not literally) on Friday 9th August.
***Good luck, y'all!*** 9th August 2019 |
10% off everything!
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10% off everything in my lovely shop - for one week only - ends 7th August - come on in! :)
***Just extended for a further two weeks*** 8th August 2019 |
*Cues spooky theme tune!*
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Pulp fiction purses featuring Vampires and Zombie Mummies freshly-sewn and ready to go!
24th July 2019 |
Show time!
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Broadway performer and author Ashley Griffin - with her Bagsy me first 'Blue Fairy' book clutch - was the keynote speaker at a charity gala event in NYC last week. Pictured with singer and actor Rosalie Burke :)
15th June 2019 |
Love for Liberty
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The Liberty fabrics in 'The Nimble Thimble' are irrestible - red and green peacock fabric teamed with Frances Hodgson Burnett's 'A Little Princess' - a perfect pairing!
8th June 2019 |
Life in small squares
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On Instagram you'll discover snapshots of my daily rural delivery round (doors feature quite a lot!), my bookish creations and my attempts at swimming, cycling and running (slowly...)
Do pop by - be great to see you! 20th May 2019 |
Spa Day at Bag End
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"Dear Kate, I have been a very happy owner of one of your creations. Due to continued use I have made a hole in the clasp and the inside of the book wallet has become loose. Would it be possible to send my book wallet to you for a spa day (fabric repair) please? If so can you provide a cost estimate based on the attached photos, please? Thanks, Abigail"
'Spa Day' repairs are free of charge at Bag End. If you'd like a repair, do get in touch :) One revitalised wallet with complimentary zipper pull on its way back to you, Abigail! 14th May 2109 |
Llovely llama purses!
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Congratulations to Denise from Maryland and Zena from Northampton who made named the llama 'Cyril' and 'Pajama' respectively. He looks like a Cyril to me, and Pajama (P.J. for short) made me smile out loud!
Winners both - your llovely llama purses are on their way. Llovely Llama purses for sale in my shop - nab yours now! 28th March 2019 |
Name that llama!
Books and fabric...
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Can't wait to start building this 'Pride and Prejudice' handbag - teamed with Liberty fabric - it's going to be scrummy! On my sewing table next...
7th March 2019 |
Quaintly & Co Giveway!
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Oooh! Ooh! Oh! There's a chance to win some of my Brontë sister goodies with the lovely people at Quaintly & Co!
In their Yorkshire-themed literary giveaway draw they're offering two random winners the chance to receive a Bagsy me first! Brontë bag and purse of their choice, up to the value of £110/ $145! Gotta be in it to win it! Enter via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter entries close on 7th March 26th February 2019 |
Happy post!
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Happy post snap by H B-D who said "Incredibly detailed packaging to reflect my choice of book and the fact that this bag is for my wedding day. Thank you so much for this bag, it’s sturdy, surprisingly spacious and stunning!"
Many congratulations on your upcoming Big Day, H B-D! Please don't be shy - please do share pics! 22nd February 2019 |
*Cranks up sewing machine*
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Back in my sewing room today, away from the bright lights of London (I'm such a country girl) with lots of orders to be working on. Here's a few of my open orders that will be heading to Germany, Spain, Ohio, Texas, Australia, Qatar and Grantham - when I've finished converting them! *Cranks up sewing machine* *Whirrs away!*
3rd February 2019 |
Hello lovely peeps!
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All set up at Crafty Fox Market, Mercato Metropolitano, Elephant and Castle! Hello lovely peeps!
2nd February 2019 |
See you at Elephant & Castle!
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HOLD ONTO YOUR HATS! I'm doing a craft market! It's well-over a year since I last toted my wares at market and I'm super-excited to be at the Crafty Fox Market at Mercato Metropolitano in London's South East Elephant & Castle with lots of bags and purses *dashes off to make more!*
When? 2nd February 11am-5pm Where? Newington Causeway, London SE1 6DR What? Lots of lovely handmade goodies PLUS workshops (they look fun!) 8th January 2019 |
Tea and favourite books' fabric...
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I'm STILL fine-tuning my 'tea and favourite books' fabric. The latest swatch arrived from the printers today, but I'm thinking the print is a smidgeon too large. Not quite back to the drawing board - nearly there now!
7th January 2019 |
It's a Wonderful Life!
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Hope you all had a fantabulous Christmas! Thank you for all your support and your orders in 2018 (they're still coming in - thank you!) Still sewing and hand delivering orders on Christmas Eve and sewing orders for posting on the 28th; it's been busy, busy, busy at Bag End! We had all our chickens home for a few days over Christmas and it was magical, and I hope yours was, too xxx
27th December 2018 |
A sewing fest!
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Today has been a fest of sewing! Four fabric coin purses (two 'Hobbit'; two 'Harry Potter'), one 'Hobbit' wallet, one 'Hobbit' handbag, one 'The Tale of Pigling Bland' purse, one 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' clutch and one 'Harry Potter' pocket mirror will be on their ways tomorrow... and I am on my way to a G&T :)
9th December 2018 |
It's beginning to feel a bit like Christmas!
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Woo hoo! The festive wrapping is out! :)
20th November 2018 |
Anatomy of a fabric shop
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A lovely mix of classics underway!
10th November 2018 |
What a sweetie!
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You can pick and mix the fabrics to your heart's content... £25.99 for a Jane Austen, Sherlock Holmes, Edgar Allen Poe, Charles Dickens, William Shakespeare or Leo Tolstoy coin purse. Pocket a teeny tiny coin purse made with your own colour combo :)
25th October 2018❤️ |
For those 'up to no good!'
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Little fabric 'Marauder's Map' coin purses with silver-plated wizard hat zippers pulls for those up to no good... Accio purse!
8th October 2018 |
Reader, she married him!
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Tilly, our eldest daughter and Simon tied the knot! Tilly wanted a book clutch (that's my girl) and chose 'Love, Stargirl' by Jerry Spinelli. Behind the scenes and unbeknownst to any of us, Simon had been conversing with Jerry Spinelli himself and the author sent over 'Stargirl' related goodies including temporary 'Stargirl' tattoos, that Simon presented on the morning of the wedding. They all wore the tattoos, of course. It was a truly happy, happy day!
“Live today. Not yesterday. Not tomorrow. Just today. Inhabit your moments. Don’t rent them out to tomorrow. Do you know what you’re doing when you spend a moment wondering how things are going to turn out with Perry? You’re cheating yourself out of today. Today is calling to you, trying to get your attention, but you’re stuck on tomorrow, and today trickles away like water down a drain. You wake up the next morning and that today you wasted is gone forever. It’s now yesterday. Some of those moments may have had wonderful things in store for you, but now you’ll never know.” ― Jerry Spinelli, Love, Stargirl 15th September 2018 |
What's in the box?
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...my favourite little purses to build, 'The Observer's Books of' series are perfectly vintage and perfectly purse-sized and on subjects for every interest! This is an 'Observer's Book of Butterflies' ready to go to its new forever home. Safe journey, little package!
12th August 2018 |
Happy Post
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'Happy post' customer photo of book passport holders gifted for a Pearl wedding anniversary. 'Till Death do us Part' and 'The Pearl' turned out jus' so!
17th July 2018 |
Favourite books cushion
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Take time out with your favourite books cushion £16.99 (including pad) made from 100% cotton with love. Ideal for hiding behind while watching England in a penalty shoot-out :)
Just listed! 5th July 2018 |
Totes amazeballs!
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A tote bag for all book lovers! Celebrating favourite books, cups of tea and Jammie Dodgers :)
Complete with a pocket for your favourite book :) Tote-ally handmade, fully lined and double-stitched. Fabric designed and illustrated by me and printed on 100% cotton 'specially for you. In my Etsy shop now! 29th June 2018 |
Happy dressmaker
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So, I spent a little 'me' time (all day) sewing myself a PANTSUIT out of cute-as-cute bicycle-print fabric. This is the way to go. PANTSUITS are sooooooooooooooo groovy!
Thanks to Sheena's brainwave of an idea, I'm sewing some with a book-theme - more news soon! 14th June 2018 |
Thumbs up; race done!
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WOW! That was one fabulous race! The funnest but toughest one, ever. The Millau Viaduct race - held every two years is totally and utterly a-mazing but I'm not sure my knees will ever forgive me!
Put it on your bucket list - it is terrific - perfect for mountain goats (it's ALL hill!) 3rd June 2018 |
On the orders shelf...
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Currently working on all these beauties! (Not at the same time!)
Thank you, thank you for all your orders :) 15th May 2018 |
And the winner is!...
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*Does swirly dance waving slip of paper* Congratulations, @Jannines! You win a purse made out of 'Grimms fairy Tales' all lined with the fabric of your choice!
Winner has been contacted and is also, I'm sure, dancing a swirly dance :) 5th May 2018 |
Purse giveaway! Free draw! Come see!
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*Eeek!* I totally forgot to add my giveaway here! It ends today (so there's still time to enter) all you need to do, to be in with a chance of nabbing yourself one of my purses - for free - is to head over to my facebook, Twitter and/or Instagram pages.
Comment which book you'd like and - go on - give my page a like or a follow :) GOOD LUCK! First name out of the hat will be the winner. 3rd May 2018 |
Probably?! Did it :)
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The London Marathon was epic, emotional and very bloody hard! Too hot for words (how can there be no shade in London?) and loud (so, so loud!) The support was incredible and seeing my eldest daughter and her fiance with their fab sign ('probably do it?' I'll show them!) at mile 11, and getting a hug from Steph at mile 25 spurred me on... 26.2 miles is a looong way!
First marathon done! Mum would've loved it. 23rd April 2018 |
Hobbity wallet
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The inside of a butter-soft leatherette 'Hobbit' wallet - all lined in Hobbity 'Middle Earth' fabric...
15th April 2018 |
London Marathon!!!
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With less than three weeks to go, I am definitely not ready for a marathon - a sewing marathon, maybe - but not a running one. I don't even like running that much. But that's what I'll be doing at the London Marathon, raising funds for Bowel cancer and MS research. Jus' sharing that with you so you can donate if you feel inclined (thank you, thank you) - or so you can cheer at the telly on April 22nd. Please holler so I can hear you! I'll be the one not in a hot dog outfit, puffing and cursing at the back. Here's me putting in 13.1miles on Good Friday, with my littlest :)
£5 donation to Bowel cancer and MS Research 5th April 2018 |
Neat surprise
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"Awe, what a neat surprise: I... found a shiny lucky penny in my coin purse!" joannebh
There's a shiny penny in every purse for luck :) 2nd April 2018 |
Current open orders... Busy, busy, busy!
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The orders shelf is fit to busting with all your lovely books-soon-to-be-bags! Two literary wedding orders comprising bride and bridesmaids clutch bags and lots of best friends and birthday gifts on their way!
15th March 2018 |
Bags of bags in the Old Hall Bookshop, Brackley
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If you're in and around Brackley, it goes without saying that you'll pop into The Old Hall Bookshop - and while you're there, you may spy some of my bags for sale! Do have a look-see and say 'Hi!' to Chris while you're browsing. This is such a fab shop - hundreds of new children's and adult's books and a terrific secondhand selection. Mmmnn, books :)
27th February 2018 |
Beatrix Potter giveaway with Quaintly & Co
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The quintessentially British Lifestyle peeps at Quaintly & Co are giving away one of my cute-as-cute Peter Rabbit coin purses in a free draw. Click quick! It ends on 7th February (or earlier when sold out.)
No need to go into Mr Mc Gregor's garden, just Click here to enter - good luck! 15th January 2018 |
New stuff coming soooon!
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Soooo excited to reveal my specially printed fabric!!!
For making new stuff and new sewing adventures! Make up bags; pencil cases; oh-so-useful zipped pouches for all sorts of stuff and stuff coming soon :) (Can you tell I'm excited?!) 13th January 2018 |
Belated Happy New Year greetings!
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Where did the first couple of weeks of 2018 disappear to? Can't believe we're almost halfway through January! Happy New Year, everyone - here's to a great 2018! '2018' has a good ring to it, doesn't it?
This year I plan to spend more time in Bag End and more time out running, as I got a ballot place in the London Marathon! 12th January 2018 |
It's a Wonderful Life
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Merry Christmas, everyone! Hooray! It's time for curling up with a Christmas-y film and a tin of Quality Street - oh, yes - I'll be making the most of some precious time off before hitting the sewing room (21 open orders as I type!) (*Eeek!*) and training for the London Marathon in April. I hope you have a lovely break, too.
Thank you for being so supportive and lovely - and here's to a fab-U-lous 2018 for us all! 2018. It's got a nice ring to it. It's gonna be awesome :) Kate xxx 21st December 2017 |
Happy Suffragettes!
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"What the Dickens?!"
It must be Olney's 'Dickens of a Christmas Market!' It was such a fab day - so many happy people and happy sales! See you all again next year :) 4th December 2107 |
Roll up! Roll up! See you on the 3rd Dec!
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This is the only craft fair I'm doing this year - so do roll up! Roll up!
Olney - MK46 4EF - with park and ride all day. Got my outfit sorted (it's a Victorian-theme fair); dodgy blouse and long skirt from the charity shop, 'Votes for Women' sash, lace-up boots boots, and a big smile for the day! 29th November 2017 |
A Dickens of a Christmas Market
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The 'Dickens of a Christmas Market' brings a taste of Victorian England to Olney every December. This popular event attracts many thousands of visitors each year to stalls that fill the Market Place and the High Street as well as indoor venues. The Farmers Market is held on the same day offering many opportunities to purchase Christmas presents.
This will be the 3rd time I've had a stall at this event - and it's a goodie. Be great to see you there! Stallholders dress in outfits from the period (can't wait) (!) come and visit up to 50 stalls including Bagsy me first! There is a £1 entrance fee and park and ride to the event available. Find out more here 15th November 2017 |
Happy customer
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"I absolutely love this beautiful bag! And even the way it was packaged was lovely - thank you very much to Kate, who also let me know how she was getting along with making it and when it was ready to send!"
I hope you enjoy using your fun bag! Thank you so much for sharing xxx 1st November 2017 |
It's an unwrap!
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Your bag or purse will come wrapped in tissue paper and ribbon - all nestled in shredded book pages packed in a sturdy white box and tucked in a grey plastic mailing bag.
Just so you know what to look out for. The happiest of happy mail! 13th October 2017 |
Book covers turned into handbags made for literature lovers
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"These clever handbags will awaken the inner bookworm in you. From popular classics to recent best sellers - maker and bibliophile Kate Lowe transforms the covers of books into practical everyday bags. She even saves the inside text and rebinds them so they can be read."
It's all true :) Thank you for the feature, My Modern Met! 21st September 2017 |
Boots or shoes?
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Linda Hobden's 'Boots, Shoes and Fashion' blog featues Q&A's with 'Bagsy me first (that's me!) this week.
Boots or shoes? (clue: I like stomping) 20th September 2017 |
It's all in the details...
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Book wallets built with love.
That's all. 29th August 2017 |
Iced Gems and Jammie Dodgers
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"...Oh yes, did you know that there was a packet of Iced Gems in with the packaging? How did you know I'm a big kid & these are my favourit? Warm wishes luv Hels xbbx"
Iced Gems in every order. Or sometimes Jammie Dodgers. Little things. But lovely :) 15th August 2017 |
In this weather?
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Wrap up warm and read a good book.
Better than being in a bikini in weather like this! 9th August 2017 |
Bag joy
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"Thank you for my bag, I love it! x"
Thank you for sharing, Kelly - I love your montage of bag joy! x 26th July 2017 |
Being effortlessly bookish
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Today is a deducing kinda day.
A 'Sherlock Holmes' clutch bag is just the ticket :) 19th July |
Shipping area
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Need more space! Make way! Orders being ticked off, wrapped up and posted off... busy, busy, busy!
Just how I likes it :) 3rd July 2017 (How did it get to be July already?!) |
Uniqueness & general coolness - oh, yes!
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"Hello...you made my bag for my wedding, which was a few weeks ago, and I just wanted to say thank you. There were many complimentary comments about it's uniqueness and general coolness, so I just wanted to say thank you again!
Kim x Thank you for sharing this pic from your special day, Kim! 'Good Omens' and best wishes x 22nd June 2017 |
Happy customer :)
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"Lots of interest in my purse while on holiday. Here we were enjoying the view at Sunsets in Rockingham, Western Australia. Perfect size to fit phone, cash & cards, as well as some sunscreen for the lips.😎"
Thank you for sharing, Suzanne! Happy holibobs! 16th June 2017 |
Books, bags and running (slowly)
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Pictures of books, bags, and me running (slowly!) See what it's all about on Instagram :)
See you there! 2nd June 2017 |
Vintage pocket book treasures
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Look what turned up in my lovely local Oxfam bookshop yesterday. Vintage (but not rare, I promise) pocket books that will look oh so cute on my bookshelves - until someone wants one as a wallet or purse. Just ask if you'd like details - they'll be in the region of £50, and they'll be oh so cute in your bag!
1st June 2017 |
Another happy customer :)
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"I like to show you, how mutch I love my Clutch. I've be invited by my friend to diner, in the Château du Maréchal de Saxe. My clutch is perfect in this place, I say! Friendly yours, Déborah"
Thank you for sharing, Déborah - I love your pic! Bon appetit! XXX 26th May 2017 |
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Let's get together on Instagram - I love to see your photos, so do share #Bagsymefirst, #Sharethelove
19th May 2017 |
Work in progress...
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Matching books and fabrics (two of my favourite things) is always a joy. The moment when you find the perfect partners - happy, happy, happy!
8th May 2017 |
Today I am mostly wearing Jane Austen
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So wearable, and not just for high-days and holibobs. Jane Austen book bags are for the office, too.
25th April 2017 |
Work in progress...
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...on my sewing table *right now* is the 'piecing it together' stage of a Charlie Brown purse. I think this is my favourite part of the the process. Looking neat, almost done :)
20th April 2017 |
Világunk és Értékeink Magazin
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It's not everyday you appear in a Hungarian magazine, so I'm delighted to reveal Bagsy me first! features in the April edition of 'Világunk és Értékeink Magazin'. It may be a long way to go to get a copy, but it's out now!
28th March 2017 |
Jane Austen giveaway with Quaintly & Co
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The quintessentially British Lifestyle peeps at Quaintly & Co are giving away one of my most lover-ly Jane Austen clutch bags in a free draw. (Click quick! It ends on 27th March.)
Sounds good?! Click here to enter - and the best of British! ;) 22nd March 2017 |
And the winner was *drumroll*... Jessica!
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Congratulations go to Jessica from Illinois, who had the best guess in 'The Observer's Book of....' giveaway in February (see below) (too late to enter now!) (Where were you?!)
Jessica guessed $7 (Cathy counted $2.75 in her purse at the time of the photo) and she picked 'The Observer's Book of Architecture' for her purse. And it's on it's way to Illinois as I type :) 7th March 2017 |
Harry Potter was here
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It only seemed right and proper to carry a 'Harry Potter' bag when we paid a visit to Aunt Petunia on Saturday.
This very bag is in my shop and ready to gift-wrap :) 28th February 2017 |
***Purse giveaway!!!***
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I'm giving away a vintage 'Observer's Book of...' on my Facebook page :)
If you want to be in with a chance (like 'dur!') all you have to do is guess how much cash was in Cathy's 'Observer's Book of Weather' purse when she took this photo. Enter the draw here! Prize draw ends on Monday 20th Feb 16th February 2017 |
It's all in the detail update
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Here's how it turned out; I made a padded envelope inside the bag to pop the book quote in :)
Think it's a sweet addition, and maybe this could be an option on future bags, what do you think? 30th January 2017 |
...and my specialist interest is:
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These fabulous vintage books were published between 1937 and 1975 and make fabulous little purses. These books are special, but not rare, I promise.
You can choose the fabric for the lining from a selection to match the theme of your book - it's fun! To find out more and to buy your own purse, please click here. 25th January 2017 |
It's all in the detail
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Fancy an embroidered book quote to go in your handbag? A little fabric keepsake in a little fabric envelope inside your bag... That's what I'm thinking, anyway! Watch this space to see how it turns out :)
24th January 2017 |
Happy New Year! Here's to a good one!
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Welcome to 2017! Let's hope it's a good one :)
And Bagsy me first! are off to a cracking start with a lovely feature in Book Riot - take a peek - full of book bag ideas. Number 3 is pretty neat ;) 4th January 2017 |
Service with a smile and "Merry Christmas everyone!"
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Here we are all set up and ready for sales at Berkhamsted Arts & Craft market on Sunday 18th and didn't we have a loverly time!
Not long 'till The Big Day now! Wishing you all a fabulously sparkly Christmas and here's to 2017! See you in the New Year XXX 21st December 2016 |
1,000 Etsy sales!!!
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We did it, we did it!!! 1,000 Etsy sales! Cheers y'all - I love you guys *raises coffee mug*
1st December 2016 |
Berkhamsted Arts & Crafts Market
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Roll up, roll up! Your last chance to buy a Bagsy me first! bag or purse for Christmas (or just come and say 'Hi!' - it'll be lovely to see you) :)
Sunday 18th Dec The Town Hall, 196 High Street, Berkhamsted, Herts, HP4 3AP 10-3pm 25th November 2016 |
Thank you, Sophie!
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It's always a thrill to have a mention on someone's site, and I'm super-delighted to have a feature on Sophie Neville's website! I recommend a visit with a cuppa and biscuit in hand - and check out her career - it's a captivating browse! :)
20th November 2016 |
Christmas is coming!
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Ordering for Christmas?
UK - Built to order - Last date to order: 2nd Dec UK - Ready to ship - Last date to order: 21st Dec EU - Built to order - Last date to order: 18th Nov EU - Ready to ship - Last date to order: 9th Dec USA & rest of the world - Built to order - Last date to order: 11th Nov USA & rest of the world - Ready to ship - Last date to order: 2nd Dec Please do order outside these dates (I love your orders!) I just don't want you to be disappointed if your goodies don't arrive in time for Christmas. 11th November 2016 |
Hello :)
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Hello! *Waves!* This is me holding my book wallet - made out of a vintage green Penguin paperback book. Me and my Dad shared a love of the 'locked room murders' by John Dickson Carr, and I love using this wallet! Good memories :)
7th November 2016 |
Insanely gorgeous? We like to think so ;)
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"To create art from books is both bitter and sweet. Bitter because it’s a shame to cut up the written page, and sweet because the combination of books and art often makes for something pretty spectacular." See the BookBub list here
And Bagsy me first! Is sitting pretty at number five ;) 28th October 2016 |
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A clutch of bags...
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Freshly made and all looking for new forever homes - 'Sense and Sensibility', 'Wuthering Heights' and 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' - available in my shop - take your pick :)
5th October 2016 |
An orderly queue!
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Another 'through the keyhole' picture from Bag End - stacked orders on the 'order shelf' :)
21st September 2016 |
Welcome to Bag End!
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This is where it all happens - welcome to my sewing room! Kettle's on! Now, which book do you have in mind?
7th September 2016 |
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Custom orders
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Here are seven paperback orders I prepared last night that are now ready for fabric. Will be dashing off to the 'Nimble Thimble' in a bit, then cranking up up the sewing machine *whirr, whirr!*
16th August 2016 |
Have sewing machine, will travel.
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Currently building hand bags en France as I visit my lovely Mum, who lives deep in the West Dordogne.
4th August 2016 |
Little Women vintage find...
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Thank goodness this little book was already apart at the seams. I just couldn't have taken a scalpel to the spine, not no way. Found on Buckingham's Saturday market for the princessly sum of £3, I think I can do something creative with it - watch this space :)
7th July 2016 |
WOW! Look what we just won!
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Founded by Jacqueline Gold CBE, WOW Championing Working Women is an organisation that represents the interests of women in the UK who work. 'Women On Wednesday', or #WOW, takes place every Wednesday on her twitter page. Three winners are picked and...
Guess what? We won today! 29th June 2016 |
A Summer Celebration of Anthony Trollope
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I'm super-excited to share! Here are Lord and Lady Fellowes pictured with a Bagsy me first! clutch bag at the National Liberal Club for 'A Summer Celebration of Trollope' on Saturday 25th June.
Made out of an Oxford University Press tie-in paperback of ITV's 'Doctor Thorne' (adapted by Julian Fellowes and on telly in March) for Teresa - who took it to the event and selflessly gave it to Julian when he asked her about it! I think Lady Fellowes already has her eye on it, though ;) (Photos reproduced with kind permission of Teresa Connolly) |
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27th June 2016
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Congratulations!
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Huge congratulations to Mr and Mrs Greenacre who tied the knot all Hogwarts-style on 31st May. The bride made her own bouquet out of 'Harry Potter' book pages and her clutch is a Bagsy me first! special :)
Bet there was yummy Butterbeer, Chocolate Frogs and Cauldron Cakes! (S'long as no-one picked a Bogey-flavoured Bertie Bott's Jelly Bean!) (Photos reproduced with kind permission of Mrs Z. Greenacre) |
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26th June 2016
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First they were books...
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We have winners!!!
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Congratulations to Catriona who wins a clutch bag made out of Robert Louis Stevenson's 'Catriona' and to Silley Olde Trolle who wins a handbag made out of Douglas Adams' 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' in my Facebook page competition. They will be picking their fabrics soon - watch this space for pictures of the finished bags.
20th June 2016 |
Win your own bag, made from your favourite book!
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Yes! Here's your chance to have your own, bespoke handbag or purse built from your favourite book! Pop over to my facebook page, give it a 'like' and comment which book you'd like transforming, and YOU could be the lucky winner!
I'll be picking the book I'd most like to transform and will announce the winner after 18th June, when the competition closes. What are you waiting for?! Good luck y'all! 7th June 2016 |
Hello?!
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I love, love, love getting your requests for special books through 'Your Bag'. There were inquiries recently for 'Rupert the Bear' and another for 'The Diva Rules' - I can do these!!! Please get in touch again so I can send you ideas and prices. My emails to you have bounced back :(
24th May 2016 |
Booklovers Market in June
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Sorry, I cannot attend this event now! I have had to cancel owing to work commitments.
We’re looking forward to having a stall at the Booklovers Market in Aylesbury in June. Listen out for local radio adverts and read all about it in the 'Aylesbury Vale Times'. There will also be posters in the town centre about the event. Calling all bookworms! This is for you! Date : 14th June Time : 9:00-3:00 Place : Market Square, Aylesbury, Bucks HP20 1TW 24th May 2016 |
Brackley Artisan Market in June
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We're here again! Hope you can make it to Brackley Artisan Market on the first Sunday in June!
Date : 5th June Time : 10:00-3:00 Place : Market Place, Brackley, Northants NN13 7A There'll be great coffee, delicious cupcakes, craft beers, jam and pickles, local produce and (of course!) lots of lovely crafts. Bagsy me first! will be upstairs in the Hall, next to my sister who'll be selling her paintings on recycled wood. We might be chatting. Quite a lot :) 24th May 2016 |
Be lovely to see you!
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Bagsy me first! has a stall at Brackley Artisan Market again in May! We enjoyed meeting so many smiley people and we took so many orders last time out, that we thought we'd love to do it all over again! :)
Date : 1st May Time : 10:00-3:00 Place : Market Place, Brackley, Northants NN13 7A (Photo reproduced with kind permission of Katie Brown, Brackley Artisan Market) 11th April 2016 |
Sneak Peak
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Here's a sneak peak at my orders shelf this morning. A pretty mix of special requests and custom orders. Could do with some nimble sewing elves to help me out just now * I'm in a busy patch!*
10th April 2016 |
Brackley Artisan Market
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We have a stall at Brackley Artisan Market this Sunday! There will be lots of terrific food stalls outside on the market square, and you'll find us inside the hall. Be great to see you on the day!
Date : 3rd April Time : 10:00-3:00 Place : Market Place, Brackley, Northants NN13 7AB 29th March 2016 |
We have winners!
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Congratulations to Amanda from Kent, who picked 'The Tale of Mrs Tiggy-Winkle' as her prize in the Mothering Sunday Beatrix Potter giveaway draw on Facebook.
Amanda chose this pretty teal fabric for the lining from a selection. Visit my Facebook page to see the finished purse - go on, be nosy :) |
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Congratulations to Caroline from London, who picked 'The Tale of Mr Tod' as her prize in the Mothering Sunday Beatrix Potter giveaway draw on Twitter.
Caroline picked out this rich olive green and chocolate fabric for the lining from a selection I emailed over. Follow me on Twitter to see how it turns out! 7th March 2016 |
*Shouts!* Read all about it!
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Five minutes of fame! Lovely feature in the paper today - thank you, Buckingham Advertiser :)
26th February 2016 |
Free prize draw for Mother's Day!
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In a motherly frame of mind here's a chance to win a Beatrix Potter book purse in my Mother’s Day free prize draw :)
For a chance to win all you have to do is to 'like' my Facebook page and let me know which Beatrix potter book you'd like as a purse in the free prize draw post. ("Shhh!" Follow me on Twitter as well, for an extra name in the hat!) I'll pick the winner out of Mr McGreggor’s hat sometime on Tuesday 1st March. Good luck me duck! 29th February 2016 |
Simple pleasures
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I love it when patterns match *Simple pleasures* Can you see the pockets?!
This cheeky red and white lining is for 'The Night Circus' clutch bag - see more here. 22nd February 2016 |
Anatomy of a fabric shop
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This week I am mainly working on 'Night Circus', 'Storm Front', 'The Book Thief' and a new 'Alice in Wonderland' purse. They'll be available in my shop soooon!
18th February 2016 |
Happy Valentine's Day
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My bags and purses are made with love. Always ❤️
14th February 2016 |
Matchy, matchy!
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How about a matching purse (with themed zip pull) to go with your bag? Don't mind if I do :)
12th February 2016 |
Take your pick!
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When you place a custom order you'll get lots of lovely fabrics to choose from. I'll send over pictures of your book on different fabrics until you get the one that you want. This is fun for you and me :) It's never a chore to visit the fabric shop!
11th February 2016 |
Anatomy of a fabric shop
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At the moment I'm working on Edgar Allan Poe, The Great Gatsby, American Psycho, Sherlock Holmes and Harry Potter... Busy fingers!
9th February 2016 |
Bags of room...
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...for your phone, lipstick, purse, sandwiches...
8th February 2016 |
Happy New Year!
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Wow! What a busy, busy, busy year it's been, with more than 365 sales - that's over 100 more than last year! I've built lots of Great Gatsby, Rebecca and Harry Potter clutch bags, lots of Beatrix Potter and Winnie the Pooh purses and Edgar Allan Poe and Agatha Christie hand bags... This is what I'm working on today - a 'The Tiger Who Comes to Tea' purse. If you're after a particular book bag or purse - you know where to come! :)
6th January 2016 |
Smashing bags and purses ready to ship today!
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Looking for a last minute (fabulous) gift? I have lots of bags and purses that are ready to be gift-wrapped for you today :)
Have a rummage through my shelves - there's something for everyone! 16th December 2015 |
Anatomy of a fabric shop
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I'll be working on 'Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets', 'Wuthering Heights', 'To Kill a Mockingbird' and 'The Observer's Book of Sewing' all custom orders keeping me busy, busy, busy!
26th November 2015 |
Free giveaway!
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Fancy winning a free handbag? 'Course you do! Here's a chance to walk away with Harriet Evans' 'I Remember You' handbag which is currently being featured on Suze's fab book-themed site. Giveaway closes 11th November 2015
There are several ways to enter, good luck - and do let us know if you win! 28th October 2015 |
We have a winner!
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Congratulations go to Gemma from Southampton who was selected by the random number generator to win her very own 'The Observer's Book of Sewing' coin purse!
As a thank you to everyone who entered there is a 10% off any of my Observer Book purses this month. Pop over to my Facebook page for all the details... 12th October 2015 |
FREE Giveaway! Woo hoo!
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Here's your chance to win a FREE custom-built Observer's Book purse!
What are you waiting for?! Whiz over to my Facebook page before 7th October, 'like' my page, 'like' the post, and comment which Observer's book you'd like me to turn into a purse for you. There's a (long!) list to choose from ;) Click here to join the fun! Good luck! 1st October 2015 |
Congratulations!
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Congratulations to Mr & Mrs Edwards (top pic) and Mr & Mrs Connelly (bottom pic) who so very kindly shared these fabulous pictures of their wedding day. These bring me joy every time I see them!
Sending both couples a big squidgy-squeeze and very best wishes for the future xxx 22nd September 2015 |
Anatomy of my fabric
shopping...
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I've been working on Terry Pratchett's 'Mort', 'The Observer's Book of Horses and Ponies', 'The Wind in the Willows' and a smashing vintage cookery book.
Now, there's got to be something for everyone in there :) 20th September 2015 |
Matchy, matchy!
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How about a small, lined fabric purse to match your bag?
Made from the same lining fabric as your handbag it's the perfect accessory for your new book bag! It's just right size for your coins, cards, cosmetics or bits and bobs and will snuggle in your book handbag. The themed zipper pull will (you got it!) match the book you've chosen. Get your matchy, matchy purse here 28th August 2015 |
10 Cool clutches for high-style bookworms
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*Weee!* My 'PS. I Love You' clutch bag is featured in Lucky Shop's top 10 cool clutches for high-style bookworms! 10 cool clutches for high-style bookworms Number 5 suits me fine. Where's Olympia Le-Tan? Number 9 ;) 13th August 2015 |
Beatrix Potter Bunting
It's a wrap!
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String some joy in your life & brighten up a nursery, party venue or even the garden for a BBQ! Book page bunting is just the thing :) £6.49 - available in my shop now! 7th August 2015 Your bag or purse will come gift-wrapped in tissue and ribbon, with a gift tag handmade from the book frontispiece or dust wrapper and cosseted in lots and lots of shredded pages (don't worry - nothing precious, I absolutely swear!) and snuggled into a strong white box. Just sayin'. 5th August 2015 |
Anatomy of my fabric shopping...
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I've just been working on a 'Game of Thrones' handbag, a 'Time Traveller's Wife' handbag and an 'Observer's Book of Butterflies' purse - but you were probably ahead of me on that one ;) NO sewing for me this weekend though! I'm swapping my sewing machine foot pedal for bicycle pedals as I join thousands of cyclists in the Prudential London100 on Sunday 2nd July. I'm all excited and apprehensive at the same time. Just hoping my little legs are up to it! 30th July 2015 |
Charity fundraising
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I'm having a great big book giveaway* on Buckingham market this Saturday 25th July 9-5pm MK18 1JX
I'll also have a couple of my book handbags up for grabs, with all monies raised going to MS-UK. There'll be home-baked cakes and cookies.... Do say you'll visit? Cycling 100 miles for MS-UK *in return for donations 23rd July 2015 |
That's better
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Just put the final tweaks to the website *phew!*
I'll be showcasing new products in 'Browse' and now you buy directly from my Etsy shop. I've sort of stream-lined things :) I hope you like the look of it! 17th June 2015 |
New stuff...
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So, I bought some custom-made stamps for my business cards, gift tags and packaging.
Um, yes, I HAVE been stamping everything :) Photo courtesy of Clarise Stamps 1st June 2015 |
I'm working on it!
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I'm super-stacked with orders at the moment.
Why, oh why did I decide to do a website makeover right now?!!! Anyhoo, here I am just back from late-night shopping at 'The Nimble Thimble'. Can you guess what I'm working on? 29th May 2015 |
No book? No problem!
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'My Fair Lady' was a custom order from Jenny in Hong Kong.
We all love 'My Fair Lady' - the musical based on George Bernard Shaw's 'Pygmalion', but as 'My Fair lady' isn't a book at all, we made up a 'book' together. Jenny found the images she wanted and supplied the blurb for the back, and I built the 'book' clutch for her. So, if you have a yearning for a bag built from a book that doesn't exist, you know where to come! Magic, this place is! 6th May 2015 |
Yippee! Giveaway time!
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Congratulations go to Gwen from Minnesota , Hannah from Texas and Mary from Milton Keynes! They won a 'Love is...' coin purse, a string of 'Jeremy Fisher' book bunting and a 'Pride & Prejudice' pocket mirror respectively.
How did they win? They entered a free draw on my Facebook page and were the first names (enthusiastically mixed by Ben, the Jack Russell) out of the hat. You gotta be in it to win it!... Join in the fun here! 10th March 2015 |
Great to meet y'all!
This is us, all set up and ready for action in Milton Keynes last week - looking good, huh?! If you came to see us *waves!* it was great to meet you :)
Do stay in touch on my Facebook page!
6th March 2015
Do stay in touch on my Facebook page!
6th March 2015
See you in the City!
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The Big Show that has been keeping my fingers oh sew busy opens THIS WEEKEND!!!
Bagsy Me First is stall number 66 out of 120 - so smack bang in the middle, by my maths ;) Open 9-7pm Saturday 28th Feb & 10.30-5pm Sunday 1st March in Middleton Hall just outside John Lewis. Come and see what we've got! (Photo reproduced with kind permission of MK Handmade & Vintage) 25 February 2015 |
Gift Vouchers
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Loving the book handbag idea, but not sure which is the right book to choose?
Need a last-minute super-special gift? Look no further! *Phew!* I offer gift certificates in my Etsy shop (what d'you mean you haven't been over to Etsy yet?!) Take me to Etsy! Prefer a different value? Just ask :) 26th January 2015 |
Free purse giveaway!
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Congratulations go to Jean from the Isle of Wight! Jean's name was drawn out of the hat to win the Mr. Jeremy Fisher coin purse in the 'fab 500 facebook draw' at the weekend.
Don't miss out! Stay in touch on the Bagsy me first facebook page - be great to hear from you! 11th January 2015 |
Cool...
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Heather Moore @HeatherMooreFP
Extremely excited to receive my awesome new #FalsePretences bag and purse made by @Bagsymefirst - how cool is this?! Thank you, Heather! 4th December 2014 |
On the radio, on the radio!
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Tune those transistor dials to BBC Three Counties Radio on 2nd December. Bagsy me first is going on the radio! Presenter Nick Coffer loves the idea of book handbags (who doesn't?!) and wants to know more :)
12th November 2014 |
Literary festival fashion
Feel right at home at Cheltenham Literary Festival with one of my book handbags on your arm. As recommended by Kate Parker in the October edition of Cotswold Life magazine.
SO excited to see my handbag in print!!! *Beams*
16th September 2014
SO excited to see my handbag in print!!! *Beams*
16th September 2014
Latest news...
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Don't like missing anything?
Sign up* for my juicy newsletter and have 'Bagsy Me First' news and gossip emailed sporadically and in a not-annoying-way-at-all into your inbox. Here's the latest Newsletter - September Newsletter *I mean 'please get in touch with your email address and I'll add you to my mailing list' :) 12th September 2014 |
A Fiver off!
Did you you know 'Bagsy Me First' sells bags on Etsy, and that new Etsy customers get FIVE POUNDS off their first purchase?
What's not to love?!
*Dashes off to Etsy* before you can say 'Golden ticket!'
13th August 2014
What's not to love?!
*Dashes off to Etsy* before you can say 'Golden ticket!'
13th August 2014
What do I do with all the pages?
"Fentestish!"
"FENTESTISH!" That's author Marian Keyes' reaction on seeing this book - her book - as a handbag. Doesn't come better then, that does it ladies?! BIG, big smile :)
14th June 2014
14th June 2014
Who loves ya, Baby?...
The Lady Magazine LOVES our bags and purses :)
Thank you, Melonie for making us so welcome at 'The Lady' offices, and for featuring our items in your magazine and on your website.
30th May 2014
Thank you, Melonie for making us so welcome at 'The Lady' offices, and for featuring our items in your magazine and on your website.
30th May 2014
Twitter Giveaway!
Congratulations to Michelle, who wins 'Mr Todd' in our first Twitter giveaway!
27th May 2014
27th May 2014
Bagsy Me First Giveaway!
We had a breathtaking 19,415 entries in our first 'click to win' competition with 'Take a Break!'
Wendy from Luton was was the lucky winner and she chose 'Twilight Breaking Dawn' handbag as her prize.
Congratulations, Wendy!
20-27th May 2014
Wendy from Luton was was the lucky winner and she chose 'Twilight Breaking Dawn' handbag as her prize.
Congratulations, Wendy!
20-27th May 2014
Headline news (well nearly!)
Thank you, Buckingham & Winslow Advertsiser for a smashing feature on the launch of our new website. That's this website! Hope you like it :)
16th May 2014
16th May 2014
