the weekender

we're off on a small adventure for a few days, visiting the little town where I grew up and introducing jasper to the beauty of the south coast for the first time. So happy to be doing this at last. Of course, a new bag was needed for such an exciting journey...and I think I may have come up with my most favourite bag design yet. Well, I shouldn't speak too soon, I haven't actually used it yet, but it's looking pretty good so far. when thinking about what kind of bag would be most useful for a mamma like myself, who finds herself carrying all manner of things including food, drinks, spare clothes, a hat or three, a good book (thankyou, sweet helen), maybe a magazine, a couple of cameras, a spare pair of shoes (you never know when you might need to change out of your thongs and into your mary janes), some pawpaw cream, a phone somewhere in there and maybe a bit of cash on a good day...well, the answer was simple, one of those green bags from the supermarket. How many times have I turned up with one of those because it was simply the only thing that would fit everything we needed. Not very stylish though, not really going very well with my shoes.

so , I decided to make a bag that was about the same size, only with way more personality and lots of pockets, so that I can carry lots more little stuff. I happened to have the most wonderful piece of teal coloured corduroy in my stash from last year (why do they keep changing the colours every year?), which I used for the main body, with bits of an old tablecloth for the side panels and pocket. Oh, and the lining, that's the kicker. My local baker has been giving me the calico bags that the breadcrumbs come in (he was just throwing them out before I happened to ask about them), which I have washed and ironed, and which have made the most perfectly wonderful bag lining. I think I'll do some more stuff with these as well, I do love the way the print looks on the fabric.

I'm already in love with this bag, and I think some might make their way into the shop very soon, if all goes well with this one. I'm off now to finish packing and try to get two very excited boys into bed (one's already gone, thank goodness). See you next week!

drippy

that's how we're all feeling around here. Wet wet rain and hotness together at once. I've been involved in more conversations about the weather in the past two weeks than I care to mention. I am not someone who relishes small talk about such things as the weather. I'd rather be talking about something interesting like shoes instead. I also don't relish humidity. I have begun to seriously consider becoming a "winter-chaser". You know those people who travel around, following the summer. Well, I'd like to do the same, only with the winter. Winter and spring, all year round, then I'd be happy. I could wear tights and boots and cardigans all the time and would never have to wear another singlet as outer wear again.of course, other members of my family don't share my enthusiasm for travelling the world seeking cool climes, and there's also the small matter of money (or lack of) preventing me from pursuing such dreams at this stage, so here we'll stay. And the sun, when it peaks out from it's hiding place, is good for drying us out and reminding us how great it is to live somewhere where it shines often. Just leave out a bit of the moisture next time, please.

new stuff in the shop today!