this moment - Clem's schoolbag contents

"A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember." - joining with Soule Mama

- Jane x

A library bag, and make it snappy

How often do you get to sew something as joyfully simple yet useful as a library bag?

With half a metre of this Cloud 9 Ed Emberley crocodiles that Clem chose himself, I whipped this up for Clem's school 'Library Day' (Thursdays).

obligatory bag-on-head shot

It's basically just 2 x 50cm square pieces. The trimmings from the width became the handles (with a little scrap calico sewn inside for extra body). No need to even pre-wash the fabric. Only a few short years ago it would hardly have even occurred to me to sew a library bag. Now, it's an easy pleasure. Ain't sewing grand? (Should one put an apostrophe in ain't, given that it ain't a real word?)

Two new library books came home in the snappy crocodile bag today. Happy library day!

- Jane x

new handbag

Yay, I made myself a new handbag, which is from Grand Revival's Flea Market Bag pattern, below. I made the small size with shoulder bag length straps and the optional petal ties.

It replaces this sad old grubby thing made from the same pattern probably about three years ago, using fabric left over from blinds that were made for our bedroom window. Dear bag, what a good bag you have been. Time to rest.

zzzzzzzzzz

Fabrics are an Anna Maria Horner quilting cotton remnant I bought with this in mind maybe a year ago, and some Heather Ross moons which I adore and had left over from my quilt last year. I used some sturdy iron-on interfacing on the outer fabric which is making it feel a little crisp now but I'm sure will soften up with use. 

Button is a single beauty from my stash acquired during a brief eBay-old-button-frenzy.

I made the inner pocket larger and put a zip in, so that I don't have, you know, Ladies' Things falling out all over the place.

I've never done a zip pocket before and just improvised, sewing the zip into a cutout I made like this:

  And here are those petal ties which is something I particularly love about this pattern.

look at those happy little moons

 Ah, new handbag. A simple daily pleasure.
New handbag came to school sports day today. I particularly like this photo of Charlie.

Doesn't it look like he is quietly summoning strength as the only red team member in view? Ommmmm....   

(We didn't win but much fun was had by all.)

- Jane x