After my difficult day Thursday I decided I needed to occupy myself in the evening. So rather than sit worrying or zone out in front of the TV I raided my ever increasing fabric stash and made this bag.
I'd ordered some Amy Butler Fat quarters from a shop on Ebay based in the US - fabric is generally half the price it is in the UK so even with the shipping charge it still works out much cheaper than buying here in the UK. The only problem is that usually it can take a couple of weeks for things to arrive. Only this bundle arrived in 4 days! That's quicker than some UK sites. I was so excited when it arrived and some of the fabrics are gorgeous. I really like this green and teal of this one - and I managed to get the bag and lining made from 2 fat quarters - one for the outer and one for the lining. The strap is just long enough for the bag to snugly fit under the arm and I had a bit left over so made the little rosette.
I'm feeling much brighter and more positive today. Thank you SOOOOOOO much for all of the words of support and comfort - they have meant so much and really helped me to shift my thinking to a more positive track. I'm still feeling tired and was a bit sick after dinner yesterday - ridiculously I feel comforted by this! John had been out and bought me tons of fruit and vegetables to make fresh juice - so I'm trying to drink one for breakfast (not a lot's staying put this morning!)
I know it looks like something the Incredible Hulk would drink but it actually tastes really nice. Here's the recipe:
- 3 large handfuls of baby spinach
- 1 lemon (whole)
- 3 apples
- 3 slices of pineapple
- half a cucumber
- 4 sticks of celery
Juice the whole thing - you do need a juicer though. despite it's rather vivid color, it tastes really fresh and sweet. You can play around with any veg/fruit combination you like. Lettuce works really well as do broccoli stalks and kale. - I know it doesn't sound like it should taste nice but honestly it DOES.
I used to make it every day - but it does take a while to make and the cleaning up afterwards is a right pain. So I've not made if for a couple of months (Gosh, I didn't realize it had been that long until I thought about it just then!) It's a great way of getting a lot of vitamins and minerals inside you quickly - which I probably need right now (it's just whether they'll stay there!)
It's the first sunny day we've had all week - it's been properly miserable and rainy (not to mention cold.) But today the sun has come out and I can see the blossom on the cherry tree outside and I'm actually looking forward to going out for a walk and getting a bit of exercise. Cole's at his Dad's this weekend so I'm going to do some more making when I get back - I'm fast running out of friends to give things to - I'm toying with the idea of setting up a little Etsy shop (shh, don't tell anyone!) Oh and a giveaway - I realized that this week was my 1 year blogging birthday but with everything else going on I missed it! So I've got an idea for a celebratory giveaway over the next few days and as a thank you for all of the wonderful support and kindness you've been showering me with.
Jo x
Your new bag is gorgeous! Love those fabrics - they are really hard to get here too.
Good luck keeping the vitamins and minerals down!
Posted by: Ruth | March 29, 2008 at 03:23 PM
The bag is adorable! It's awesome what can be made with small pieces of fabric.
Posted by: mom2fur | March 30, 2008 at 05:48 PM
Glad you're feeling a bit brighter. the bag is beautiful, gorgeous colours.
Posted by: Twiggypeasticks | March 30, 2008 at 09:35 PM
I love your new bag! The fabrics are gorgeous and your little details just take it over the edge. The rosette and the inside pocket make it cute & pratical.
I think you should set up an Etsy store. People would cut off their left arm to have a bag like this.
Posted by: Marie | March 31, 2008 at 04:49 PM