The Journey, not the Destination

Once my down purses for July were finished, I allowed myself a fun project: a new bag.

I saw this bag made up at Thimbles in Lockport. Even though I don’t play pickleball or have anything even resembling a racket, I bought this pattern because I just liked the lines of this bag! 

So I decided on a grey grunge for the body and then chose the purples from my stash. But really this bag is all about  the 36” purse zipper that Holly brought back from QuiltCon2024. 

This front zippered pocket is  pretty darn sweet. And look at the strapping for the handle. Yep, Holly bought this. The back is also pretty spectacular with a big slip-in pocket.   The pattern intended for this to be a backpack, but I already have one backpack.  And I’m not sure backpacks are the best look for 75-year-olds!  So I omitted all the backpack straps. 

I spent 4 blissful days working on this project, preparing all the various parts for this 3-d exercise.  To have no deadline and be thoroughly engrossed in the process is one of life’s joy. That I can leave the studio without having to put things away is an additional joy.  As I put the finishing touches on the bag (which wasn’t easy - there’s lot of thicknesses and layers to sew through), I eagerly turned the bag right side out.  Now I’m not disappointed, but I made an error.  One side should have a water bottle pocket.  Somehow I misplaced it - it’s kind of at the bottom of one side.  Perfect for storing money and not much else.  And the lining:  all edges inside the bag are raw and should be covered with bias tape.  But what a pain!  Next time I’ll go back to the drop in lining method,  the bag is totally usable and gave me 4 days of joy.  A win.