12 January 2010

getting my groove back

Greetings all,
After 10 exciting years of running a craft business (8 years full time) sometimes i need a little extra inspiration after a break like Christmas.  So while i have been tidying my studio, thinking up new designs, sourcing new fabrics, doing photoshoots & preparing for a massive year of stock production for new ventures . . . i just found it really difficult to get back behind my sewing machine.  What better than to make something for a friend, a gift, something not ordered, or expected but will be appreciated & well received. 



So knowing my gorgeous friend Rachel (Little Angel Little Devil) quite well & having a swimming date planned at her place today, i made this bag from two of her favourite fabrics which i stock . . . Australian screen printing designers PippiJoe & Kristen Doran - worthy of showing off the selvages don't you think??  I wanted a simple design, something Lotta Jansdotter would whip up between making a shopping list & heading out to do the shopping.  With quadruple stitched handles, an internal floating pocket edged with bias & gussetted base, this is what i ended up with.  Quite pleased. 

On the way to Rachel's i swung by the supermarket for a bread stick & some snacks for her children.   Such a bag MUST have a crusty French loaf poking out the top, i stopped short of celery!!  'twas a lovely day, lots of hugs, talking, laughing, munching on homemade Greek dips & vegetables.  Rachel is a fabulous host & her children, delightful. 
Rachel said it's going to be her year - less than 2 weeks into 2010, she already knows it's going to be an amazing year!!  Love her confidence & determination.  Well didn't she turn out to be the best muse of inspiration ever??
Hope you all love your work as much as i do!!  I feel very lucky to be able to run a business from home, be a housewife & raise 4 children, this lifestyle is not wasted on me.  I pinch myself every day that i could switch from a career in science (oil industry) to one of sewing.  I'm never going back to a lab coat, not even one made from Amy Butler florals!!  Well, no, i couldn't!!  Love Posie

16 comments:

Corrie said...

gorgeous! love the bag!!!! looks great, did she love it??? baguette popping out the top perfect!!!!

I agree, best job in the world! sometimes I'd like to lock myself out of the house and leave the kids inside with all their noise and carry on but that's only sometimes!!!!

Corrie:)

The Owls Are Hunting said...

Ooooooooh! GOOD bag! Looking forward to the mystical Aussie 'cool change' later today!! 39 degrees officially WAY TOO HOT. He he!! Jo :)

Jenny said...

You most certainly have your groove back!! LOvelybags and a great design with just gorgeous fabric. Glad you are enjoying life and my those kids have grown!

CurlyPops said...

What a sweet gift!
Great idea to make the selvedges part of the design too. It's always nice to be able to advertise our home grown fabric designers.

Kylie said...

Love the fabric and what a great bag - Sounds like she loved the bag an will use it to top off he year:)

Glad to see you behind the machine:) Me, well I am still to get there - the needles are clicking though:)

Kelly Casanova said...

Love the bag, the prints are just stunning! I'm hoping this year is my year too, I hope your friend doesn't mind sharing!

yardage girl said...

That's a lovely bag, and a lovely thing to make a friend. It is great to be doing something you love!

Little Angel Little Devil said...

Hello all,
Super Lucky Rachel here, who just loves her bag!! I'll use it every day and will think of the lovely Jennie everytime!! Truly had a lovely day - miss you already!!
XX Rach

posie blogs Jennie McClelland said...

Gosh, such lovely comments. Isn't Rachel just adorable!! Was my pleasure & now, i just want to churn through my website work, photoshoots & invoicing & get sewing . . . thanks everyone, my groove is back!! Love Posie

Kristen Doran said...

Lovely! All the best for a big year ahead - loved working with you in 09.

Jodie said...

Gorgeous Bag!!!! I love both the fabrics, just divine..
It's so good to pop by and get a burst of inspiration from you today..

Hugs
Jodie :)

Kate said...

What a great, inspiring post. A gorgeous bag for a motivating and fun friend. Being happy with where you are in the world is the best place in the world to be.

Gay McDonell said...

Love those fabrics - great gift idea!

Julie said...

Lovely and just gorgeous fabrics.

Frogdancer said...

Love the fabrics you chose. Rachel's a lucky girl!

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