my little Mademoiselle box

September for a teacher in a nutshell: wake up at 6 again everyday, see colleagues and catch up for the whole of 5 minutes, go to endless meetings, plan strategies and explain "your" exam results, photocopy a million pages, open your empty planner, your new textbooks and make magic happen, and eventually finally open the classroom door, greet "your" kids, and do what you came here for, what you do best. At the end of my first actual lesson this September, when I let the kids go to the tune of "let's do this then, welcome back" I felt a sort of tingle, like THIS is what I'm here for, the kick I get from being good (I think) at what I do.
But I digress, this is the Little Box monthly post. Mademoiselle it is, this month, then, and what a stylish lovely surprise it was.

On the beauty front, we have a Korean sheet mask by Erborian - I am a big fan of sheet masks, they're just great and mess-free. Mine is a "ginseng shot" one, which has a lifting effect - perfect for this time of year, really, because I'm not such a fan of getting up when it's dark.
Next up is the Little Beauty mascara. To be honest, we already had a mascara a few months back, so I don't really need one, but it could be my back-up to keep in the office drawer for those parents' evening emergencies!
And finally another (yep, two repeats this month!) Yves Rocher perfume. I've already spoken of those here, they remind me of my grandmothers. Yikes. Office drawer for emergencies again, me thinks.  

The lifestyle present is a gorgeous purse/clutch from Claudie Pierlot. Understandably perhaps, it is the only goodie in the box this month, but frankly I can see why. This is a gorgeous little purse, and I know exactly when I'll be using it for the first time!
This September box was super stylish overall, elegant and very pretty as usual, and I love a good collaboration with a bigger brand. The beauty goodies haven't been, perhaps, as good as other times, but I don't really mind.
The magazine more than made up for it in terms of inspiration(hello plumetis), and my clutch purse will be cherished. Just what the doctor ordered at a time when we need some much-needed distractions from book-marking and powerpoint meetings ;)
It's good to dream. 

curvy clutch

It has been forever since I have written anything around here. I guess that's what happens in the summer, right?
Only a few tiny days before work has to start again...sigh! Do you remember when you were a child and summer seemed to last for ever and ever? Oh, how I wish this was still the case. As years go by, I get the impression that summer lasts less and less time every year. Am I right, or is something wrong with me?

As for sewing...well...armed with the best intentions for the summer, I managed to do, err, well, not a quarter of what I'd planned to do if I'm honest. But still, another nice curvy clutch, have a look...

Atina Alga took me to the best fabric shop ever in Madrid, and this is where both fabrics for this clutch come from. Unfortunately, they don't do Internet orders yet, but the cute boutique is definitely worth going to. Their patchwork fabrics are some of the best selections I've ever seen.

Right, time to go and have a little pre-dinner drink now. My other half has decided to cook again these days, and tonight I cannot tell you how much I am looking forward to his lamb tajine with prunes and almonds...yummy!

See you soon for more...I'm back now!

Liberty curvy clutch

This weekend I finally got round to using some of my Liberty fabric from this exhibition and made another super cute curvy clutch. As usual, it has been a pleasure to sew this. I always use a certain pattern most of you know I 'm sure, and I just love making them.
I have added a small inside pocket this time again, with a bit more success than the last time and hope that one day this will be like second nature to me!

It's back on!!

Oh yes, for the first time in a loooonnnnnng time, I have finally gotten round to doing a bit of sewing. I made this curvy clutch with the patterns I purchased last autumn.

I have added some ribbon on the side, I think it makes it nicer, and you can slip your finger through it.

I am not so happy with the pocket though, it's looking a bit flappy. Any ideas how to improve on that for next time?

curvy clutch

Right. I just have to give up on using natural light these days! That said, I have managed to get home a bit earlier today, and to play with the camera a bit. I am SO happy with my new clutch. Have a look!

I have made it using the fabulous patterns from Keyka lou (see the links on the right hand side) and the precious fabrics sent to me by Atina (link on the right too). It's always very exciting to try a new pattern and see it coming to life. I've become a great fan of KL's patterns. They are really thorough and detailed enough for you to understand each step accurately. It's a pleasure to use them.

Tomorrow if I have a bit of time I'll go and get my fabric and sequins for my new "it" bag. Can't wait to embark on a new project...but what exactly is this obsession with bags, purses and clutches? Can anyone explain it? Are we - girls - just born with it?

time out

I've not a very good blogger this past few days, but I've had a lot on my plate. Far more than I can handle in order to keep sane! On top of regular work, I've undertaken a new project (my fault, you'll say!) which is super time-consuming. Let's hope it pays off one day, hey...
In other news my half and I went to a crazy party last week. The entertainment was provided by an "electric circus" and my oh my was it mad!! Unfortunately, between the drinking & eating, and the dancing, there wasn't much opportunity to get nice pics.

*very Davis Lynch pic, isn't it?*

 

Yes, the two blondes really DID get inside a glass box! They were just amazing. I had a great time, as everyone else.

Now, onto sewing. Today I have made my first curvy clutch using a Keyka Lou pattern. It went really well, and I am pleased with how it looks. But the daylight's already gone, so I'll take a photo tomorrow if I can. Well, that's all for today, folks!

An amateur clutch bag

After many agonising days, the impossible has finally happened. No, my boss hasn't decided to pay me the same salary and go part-time. Despite the biting cold, we haven't been snowed in either (although there is sill hope for this one to happen soon, fingers crossed).

No, the good news is, my magnetic snaps have finally reached me. Which means I can start making those again from next week. Of course, the bad news is, I can't get started straight away. The annoying thing with my job is, I have to give up a Saturday a year, and that's tomorrow. Boo hoo!!
Well, at least I have the pleasure of knowing that next week-end I'll be doing what i like best, and that in itself is worth quite a bit, isn't it?

For this clutch I have made my own pattern, getting inspiration from Tone's small purses and using(or trying to use) some of Keyka Lou's tips. You'll probably also recognise Saidos da Concha's style there.

Do you like it?
More to come very soon - hopefully!

Clutch

Look at this adorable clutch! I have to say, I am really quite happy with this one, it turned out really nicely.
It is my first experience with sewing a bow, so I think i still need to refine my technique, but it looks good enough for a first try.

(Oh! listen to me, blowing my own trumpet!)

Well, if you like it, let me know, I'd love to hear your suggestions.
Whilst I was making it I had some cringing problems with the tension on my machine - I hate when this happens, don't you? I ended up having to walk away for a bit - thought I was going to go crazy!! Then once I re-threaded and checked my bobbin, it turned out to be fine. The end result was worth it!