The Messenger Bag

Yes, I am still posting on Gifts I have made for Christmas...

That's how long it has taken me to get my act together.

I wanted to make my Sweet Sister something really special, something from my heart, something that was thoughtful and would show her how much I love her.

I found such a gift over at Blue Bird Baby's blog (which is possibly the most inspirational day to day blog around). It was the perfect gift, and perfectly suited to her.

I lined the inside of the Messenger bag with a creamy material with a fine flower print to balance the heavy khaki on the outside.

It was a bit of a gamble as my sis wouldn't usually be into flower prints. She loved it though, and it was a good balance so all was good in the end.

Some detail I added to her bag. Antique cotton lace. Her name embroidered on a scrap of fabric and stitched to the body of her bag.

(This is a pretty poor shot - something to do with the light-I think, but you get the idea)

A close-up of the Queen Anne's lace on the flap of the bag. I found the pattern here.

A little stitching...

I have been inspired by the beautiful embroidery you see everywhere on creative blogs. For the most beautifully, artistic embroidery do go over and vist Tiny Happy.

This was the first bit of embroidery I have done for ......... mmmmmm..... let me think? 20 years or so .. (the colours are not great, and I am sure a very young child could have done better, but there it is). Since those horrid days of Home Economics where you where forced to do ghastly patterns within a certain time limit. This embroidery was done of a picture of a snail that I drew for my 2 year old and then I just wanted to practice some other stitches so came up with the flower tendrils. I really like the green and yellow combination, but not much else!

I am so pleased with the renewed joy and calmness that I have found in making these pretty little stitches.

P.S. I am working on a little something for someone very special this Christmas, and it is really looking very beautiful. Will let you in as soon as it is safe to do so!