Spring has been slowly smiling at us for a while here. The sun is no longer a stranger or even a particular novelty. We already expect it. Isn't it amazing how quickly we forget the long dark days?
I'm still longing though for the hot, sunny, long, long days that are becoming part of the British Summer time. I am already buying summer time toys for Bella. Buckets and water wheels, swimming costumes and sun hats. Today I even perused the sunblock section. And the winter wardrobe is going away very soon indeed.
Don't you love the changing of the seasons? The new feelings and thoughts and ideas it brings? I once wrote about the fact that Autumn was more a feeling than a season, and I think that summer is the same. It has a memory for me that brings an inner smile to my soul. It is a memory of first true love and my first honest and happy laughter. Of kisses and holding hands. It is a memory that is more about the feeling than the person. About realising that I could be a good and kind person. That I could be loved. And more importantly, that I could love in return.
This time of the year always gives me hope. And with hope comes new lines.
These Totes are a culmination of a lot of practice. For some reason I just have never been able to come up with any kind of tote or bag that I have been happy with. They have always been too small or too flimsy. Or just plain boring. But I finally managed it. These totes are exactly what I wanted to make.
They are the right size for a magazine or two, but not so big that you feel swamped if you use it just for your few essentials.
And the straps are just the right length for wearing it on your shoulder or carrying it in your hand.
The fabrics are yellow ( I thought you may not have noticed) and include a vintage cotton that I really love, as well as some of the more usual suspects.
It's fully lined with a gorgeous, bright yellow polka dot and has a single 6 inch inner pocket that is also lined.
This is definitely the tote I've been wanting to make. Which is lucky.
As well as the tote and continuing with the theme ( you know the one I mean), I have also been working on a new cushion.
What can I say, except that it really will brighten any room. I absolutely love every fabric in this cushion and had a great time playing with the random patterns.
These cushions are incredibly satisfying to make. I love the spontaniety of them. And I really love the fact that they are quilted. The combination of the soft quilted front with the natural linen of the back just seems right to me.
Both are available here.
