My cutting mat, rotary cutter and ruler arrived on Friday, along with some gorgeous fabric, from The Cotton Patch. So finally I felt ready to take on my new sewing machine properly, and actually make a real, live project for the first time.

There's so much to make, so many fabrics and ideas available, that deciding was really hard, so started with a kit - Amy Butler's Sew-It Kit. Along with loads of other patterns and instructions, this had the fabric and thread to make a cute tissue-box cover. Was a bit worried, but followed the instructions, (made a couple of blunders but just unpicked when necessary) and here's the result. A bit wobbly and not as clean fitting as the picture of the project, but I felt pretty pleased, and will definitely try some of the other projects.

Felt really inspired after this, so had a look at what fabric I had, and decided to make a small bag (or big makeup purse!). I'd had a bag fastening for ages that was a cover mount on Simply Knitting magazine, so thought I'd start with that. Had bought a sample pack of Fig Tree's Moda All Spice Tapestry fabric and was itching to use it; plus some offcuts left from the tissue box. Found a lovely and really robust pink dotty napkin around the house for the lining.

Drew up a rough pattern myself, decided which fabrics to use, and started sewing. Made a corsage with the last of the Amy Butler fabric for the front of the bag. Will have a look through my latest favourite sewing book Sew Many Bags Sew Little Time for a bigger bag project next - Sally's taste in fabric is brilliant.

NB WATCH THIS SPACE FOR REGULAR

FORTHCOMING FREE SEWING PROJECTS -

WE'RE POSTING A NEW DESIGN EVERY FRIDAY STARTING MARCH 21st, 

SO READY, STEADY, SEW!!!