For my bags! Yep I’ve been making lots of bags and am hoping to sell them to lovely people. I realised I’d made the ultimate tote bag and thought other people might love them too. I know thats a pretty big claim, but I know bags and I know I’ve hit on a great size and shape for a fabulous tote bag.

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/essjcreative?ref=l2-shopheader-name There’s the link.

Here’s some pics of the bags…

Red

Blue

Black

I’m calling them the Humbug striped bag, as i think they look like humbugs.

I really do love mine and my Niece loves hers too.

So its the end of November and work is getting quite stressful, and my creative juices are  running dry! I’m a little worried that sewing was just a novelty and now I’m going off of it. I really hope not, but you never know.

Anyway I  make another bag, using the rest of the Kokka, Melody Miller fabric. It turns out alright, but the tension on the bobbin was wrong and the stitching on the bottom row of stitches at the top of the bag (hope that makes sense) is not quite right. As the bag is only intended for me I’m not too worried. And its not too much of a problem, just looks a little off if you look at it too closely. I didn’t notice the thread wasn’t right in the bobbin till I did the top row of stitching on the bag, and then I nearly freaked because I couldn’t work out was happening. Eventually I took a closer look at the bobbin and realised that the thread had come loose somehow. I readjusted it and then spent forever (or what seemed like it) unpicking the stitches. And then re-stitched.

Hubby and I are off for a little weekend get-a-way. To Ipswich! Yep thats right Ipswich. I’m not overly excited about Ipswich as such but I am looking forward to getting away for a few days. The reason for going to Ipswich is a Christmas present from a very dear friend. It was an activity gift for two, and you get to choose which activity you want to do. We chose a trip on a Thames sailing barge and it sailed from Ipswich harbour, so thats where we’re going. We booked for 3 nights at the Holiday Inn, I would’ve been happy with 2 as I wasn’t particularly excited about Ipswich. However, we had a brilliant time! Ipswich marina/waterfront is lovely and we do love looking at boats. The weather was amazing, it was so hot. The Friday was hot and humid and the sky was very very ominous looking, which in itself was fabulous. I love dramatic weather. The sky did decide to release its entire contents on us, but luckily we were on the boat by now so could take shelter. We had a lovely 2 hour cruise down the river Orwell (it did dry up for the most part, and the sun came out). we had a ploughman’s lunch, with an apple and blackcurrant crumble for pudding, all of which was delicious. There was a bar on board and we enjoyed a couple of pints of beer too. Unfortunately there wasn’t enough wind to get the majestic sails out so it was motor all the way, but it was still enjoyable.

Look at that sky!!

Just before it thundered and all the rain fell out of the sky

View of the waterfront from the barge.

So calm, so peaceful

A pretty boat.

The next day was a little breezier but still warm in the sun. And we decided to head out in the car and explore Suffolk a bit. We started off in some village somewhere, sadly I can’t remember the name, we had breakfast, and I had the best smoked salmon and scrambled eggs I’ve ever had in my life! Seriously! BEST EVER! And the chef looked like a young Ethan Hawke. We then pootled off and ended up in Aldeburgh. A gorgeous town nestled right on the coast, with houses literally a stones throw from the beach. We ambled along the seafront for a couple of hours, then got back in the car, and we found ourselves in Southwold. Another lovely place that I didn’t expect to enjoy. We walked through the town and along the coastal path, then went down to the beach and walked along and admired all the beach huts, so pretty (I forgot to take pics). Southwold pier is a delight, and so much classier than some other piers I’ve been on. I am kicking myself for not taking pictures of that either. After our stroll round Southwold we then drove back to Ipswich where we had dinner and enjoyed the Harbour view once again.

On its own, middle of a car park!

Fishing boat, Aldeburgh beach.

Sunday was our last day and we drove down the coast to Harwich, I believe it was Harwich anyway. We could see Felixstowe across the water. We had another walk and then some lunch in a very nice pub, with some fabulous views. Then it was time to head home. I was pleasantly surprised by Ipswich and the surrounding areas of Suffolk, and had a really really good time. We visited some lovely places and the scenery was quite breathtaking in places. I’d quite happily go back.

To keep this post inline with the sewing blog that it is, I will post a picture of me wearing the top and bag  I made. I felt quite proud to be wearing two things I made myself . The top was perfect for the hot, humid weather as it was so light and comfortable to wear. I shall definitely be making more for this summer. The bag was also pretty perfect for my needs, big enough for me to put my rain coat in when not needed and plenty of room for all the other stuff I tend to carry. So all in all I was a happy bunny.

me with bag before we set off.

A very proud me!

Here’s my beautiful bag on holiday. My husband loves sailing (I tried it for four years but eventualy decided I didn’t like it! But thats another story.) and took the boat down to the solent. I went by train to meet him at Portsmouth. And then its a short trip on the Gosport ferry and then a very short walk to the marina. I love it in Gosport/Portsmouth, there’s so much to see with all the ships that come and go and the smaller boats coming in out of the marinas and just generally sailing around. Plus there’s a fabulous pub called the “Still & West”, has the most amazing view of the entrance to the harbour and one can sit for hours with a drink or two watching all the coming and goings. I used my bag constantly whilst here and it held up very well. I thought I’d share some pics. Oh yes and we actually had the most gorgeous weather too.

There will be lots of pics now!

Kooshty, our little boat.

Spinaker tower as seen from our mooring.

Me, enjoying the sunshine. A little chilly as its still quite early

Sunset, from the still & west.

Bag on the boat

Bag with cushions on the boat. Please excuse the mess in the background!