As mentioned in a previous post, I was really looking forward to a visit to Beautiful Things based in Brentford, Essex (https://www.beautifulthingshq.com/ ) where I was to attend a workshop.

We would making the Necessary Clutch Wallet (Emmeline Bags) tutored by Sian of Kittenish Behaviour.

I was joined by my friend from Franklins Monday Patchwork & Quilting Club, Pat B, who lives not far away in Old Sarum. At midday on the Friday we set off in Pat’s lovely new(ish) car, following the instructions on her satellite navigator. After a couple of breaks for refreshments I also got the chance to drive her car which was rather a culture shock. My lovely Toyota Avensis (with manual gearbox) is now 19 years old and I have had it from brand new. As you can imagine there are not a lot of ‘bells and whistles’ on a car that old. Pat’s car has an automatic gearbox with windscreen wipers that come on automatically along with the headlights when it becomes overcast or dark!

Exciting times as we travelled through the Dartford Tunnel, then having undertaken an extensive detour as we missed the exit to the Travelodge(!) we arrived somewhat weary around 5pm.

I have met Sian on three previous occasions – two Sew Southampton meet ups plus the Bag making workshop that she ran on the Isle of Wight in May this year. I have participated in two of the KB pattern swaps, regularly follow Sian’s vlogs, instagram and also subscribe to the KB Peeps facebook page. I feel that I know her quite well.

But now onto the Workshop! We met Claire who is the owner of Beautiful Things (yet another vlogger that I follow) really friendly and a very creative lady. It was lovely to be greeted by Sian and also to make the acquaintance of Di of Daffodil Ledger, another vlogger that I follow. Di is based ‘up North’ and has chickens that regularly feature on her vlogs!

After a general introduction we got down to some serious cutting out, interfacing and preparation of the various ‘innards’ for the NCW. As I had ‘sneakily’ already made a trial version of the wallet it was good to refresh the construction methods and also to pick up lots of tips from Sian including how to add a second zip compartment to the NCW.

I used some of the fabrics that were in this pack of fat quarters purchased originally from a Patchwork & Quilting shop in Marshside, Lancashire when on a visit to a friend. As you can see from the price label, this purchase was made a long time ago and it is only now that I have got around to finding the ideal project in which to use these unusual prints.

I used the Purple/Burgundy print for the exterior and made the interior pockets from two of the other prints. The flap is lined with a remnant of plain Purple cotton from my stash. The hardware in nickel was supplied by Sian as part of the cost of the workshop. Although I did not think I would be likely to use the wriststrap or adjustable shoulder strap, I did make them as it was an opportunity to see how Sian makes these straps.

There were plenty of refreshments in the form of tea, coffee and biscuits throughout the day. We stopped for a light lunch before cracking on with our work. Finishing up around 4pm we returned to our Travelodge and later joined Sian for a lovely meal in a local hostelry.

Sunday dawned and we were up bright and early ready to attend the workshop and finish our NCWs. Another busy day – lots of chat as we got to know one another better and finally – completed wallets with rivets!!

Following Sian’s suggestion I purchased a rivet press some time ago but have been too afraid to use it! Now, after the practice at Beautiful Things I can count myself as a Riveting Ninja!

We all enjoyed our lovely and productive time at Beautiful Things, Claire is a great hostess and Sian an excellent tutor. I will be keeping my eyes peeled for other classes at BTHQ and hope to join Sian on the Isle of Wight in the Autumn of next year for another Sewing Retreat.