Told you a “new” craft area is good for the creative soul.
This is a crafting wave I must ride until I die in exhaustion. I cannot sew one or two bags a week because I end up using the ones I make. For some annoying reason, I always think “Gaah, this turned out cute. I must not sell this. IT’S MINE! MINE! MINE!” If I make as many as I can, I will be too confused to choose which one I like. And then, the sensible girl in me will think that I can’t possibly hoard a dozen or so bags for personal use.
It might take Optimus Prime to stop me from putting labels on everything in sight. I am deathly scared of giant robots that make mechanical sounds and have deep voices.
There are things that give you that sense of balance even after you have neglected them to run around the world, climb every obstacle you can find, and pretend to be someone else. For some, these things may include dark chocolate, coffee with friends, sorting the laundry, or playing with their kids.
For me, it’s sewing (oh wow, how surprising!). After days or weeks of working until my brain is fried or doing absolutely nothing until the feeling of inadequacy wears me down, sewing makes my brain clear and fresh again. In an endless cycle of sweeping the floor, washing the dishes, writing 250-word articles, showering, sleeping, eating, etc. etc. etc., I can easily lose myself. But sewing gives me myself back.
And when you add rainy afternoon and tea to the equation… well, let’s just say some part of our chaotic world is experiencing a rare moment of perfection.
How about you? What things give you that sense of balance?
At some point in a woman’s life, she will realize that the cosmetics industry truly has a purpose and that the combination of lace and ribbon will not always give you prom dress circa 1999 images.
Uh, okay. Maybe that’s just me.
At some point in this “working from home” adventure, I realized that the time for big bags is over. Gone are the days of lugging around a shoulder bag big enough to fit my 5-foot and 80 plus-lb self. What I needed was a small bag for only the essentials (wallet, lip balm, tissue, face powder, notepad, ballpen, mobile phone, keys, mascara, hand sanitizer) when I need to go to the mall or check out thrifting spots.
I had this Mudd bag lying around and I used it for several weeks. Yes, I know it’s for kids and yes I felt less of a woman when I carried it around.
If you take note of the height and weight I mentioned above, you would understand when I say that I have been trying to avoid wearing or using things that make me look younger than I really am. They say that there is a time limit to looking underage but I have yet to reach it.
The piano tote is one of my bestsellers. It may sound completely irrational but I’m thinking of letting this particular bag design retire. So to celebrate, I made a piano bag tutorial.
Happy sewing!
YOU WILL NEED:
1. Black fabric (one measuring 12″ x 14″ and another that measures 8″ x 14″ For the sides, two that measures 14″ x 2″ and one measuring 12″ x 2″ for the bottom)
2. For the lining, cut two pieces measuring 12″ x 14″. For the sides, two that measures 14″ x 2″ and one measuring 12″ x 2″ for the bottom.
3. Black webbing for the straps (21″)
4. White fabric (measuring 4″ x 14″) for the white keys.
5. Ten rectangular pieces (.75″ x 2.5″) for the black keys.
I wanted to buy a lomo camera but then I discovered this particular editing thingamajig using Photoshop. I hope I don’t offend die-hard photography enthusiasts but my goal is to take or make (by editing) beautiful photos. I’m neither an artist nor a purist. I’m just a fan of things and images that take your breath away.
Not saying that this photo does that. Besides, I think my DSLR will be jealous if I buy a lomo.
This was my Sunday afternoon. Making magic while being unkind to my back.
