WOYWW 119

I'M FOREVER BLOWING BUBBLES, PRETTY BUBBLES IN THE AIR....
        THEY FLY SO HIGH, NEARLY REACH THE SKY...

No, really, I haven't lost it...well maybe a little bit.. but this bright material just makes me think of bubbles or balloons floating away into the blue beyond.  It makes me very happy!!

Here's my desk at the moment - I'm making an introvert-extrovert bag.  It's going to be all shy, demure, no-fuss green on the outside but when you open it up - that loud material will leap out atcha.  Not earth shattering but it pleases me tremendously!!


Here's a closer shot of the fabrics though the colours haven't come out as true as they are in reality.  The tones are just pleasing, they fit together really well.


Do you remember the teacups/gingham apron from last time?  I liked the combination so much that I thought I'd make a bag for the craft fairs coming up.  If it doesn't sell, then I'll be happy to keep this one :D  You keep learning all the time in this game, don't you?  I used the same reinforcing outside edge seams that helped Julia's oilcloth bag have more rigidity - it certainly gives the totes more definition and helps them stand up a bit better too.

      

I love this fabric - it reminds me of summer days and cream teas with scones and jam..mmmmmm!!

I had also cut out the pieces for Laura's tablecloth last time - here is the finished article.  I'm really pleased with this and am going to use the same fabric combination to make table runners and place mats for the Christmas fairs as not everyone wants holly or Santas.  You could use this all year round!


OK..confession time now.

My name is Lunch Lady Jan and...I'm a tuba player....

Now I know the tuba, or Bass in brass banding. hasn't got the rockstar quality of a screaming lead guitar or magnificence of a piano concerto - but I love it. I've been a musician all my life, playing piano and cello to a reasonable standard, but I found my true love six years ago when Son No 2 started in the training band of Phoenix Brass.  After a couple of weeks of sitting on the sidelines, I got invited to try the cornet.  After a week of my head nearly exploding while I tried to get a sound out, the Musical Director told me that I had enough puff to blow the cornet straight!! Now I know I'm full of hot air but really....!!  So I was put onto the E flat Bass and fell in love.  It's not got the glamour of the cornets or euphonium but a band can't function without its bass section - we're the underpinnings!  I joined the senior band 2 months later and Son No 2 joined soon after.  We play for a lot of fetes/concerts, helping folk to raise money for various concerns.  We also march down Marlborough High Street for the Remembrance Sunday Parade.  There's a real family feel to the band which you don't get in many other musical groups and we both like that very much.

Here we are playing to help raise money for the Wiltshire Air Ambulance - we look like the Blues Brothers with our shades on - but it was a very bright day!!


And below was a joint concert with the Cricklade Brass Band.  You don't often get seven basses in a row like that - I think the vibrations could be felt in London!!!  When you hit a 'sweet' note, it just gets you 'right there'.  Fantastic!!


I simply can't imagine my life without the band - forget money, it's music that makes the world go round :D xx

Have a great week!






63 comments:

Belinda Basson said...

Must be lovely to be involved in something like that, I sang in the choir and know that camaraderie that you get as a group. Nice bag. Wish I could sew.

Annie said...

Gorgeous fabrics and a lovely post.
A x

Anonymous said...

I love that teacup bag!! Have a happy Wednesday! Mel #51

donnalouiserodgers said...

the bag will sell,

love the confession, and long may your hot air underpin the band.....

Dx

Sarah said...

Everyone is part of the band whatever the key of role - and big is in so blow with a proud glow. Hubby has 7 guitars, plus amps, a piano and 5 saxophones here,to name a few... says he needs drums. I'd say have a blast but you already are... loving all the fabby fabrics too. Just too yummy.
Thanks for sharing your desk today. Sarah at 2

Sandy said...

Oh wow so wonderful sewing art and lovely fabrics.
Thanks for sharing.
Happy WOYWW.

Crafting Queen said...

Love the bad and the fabrics are beautiful. :)

Julia Dunnit said...

Donna's right - the bag will sell, in fact, make ten. How much are you selling for? Great idea with the outer sewing (or whatever it's called!).
I know you IRL so I know about your band passion, it's just another thing I love about you.

shazsilverwolf said...

Gorgeous fabrics, and a lovely story. thanks for sharing, Happy WOYWW,Shaz

sandra de said...

The bag is going to be gorgeous and the tuba players rock.

April said...

Love the tote bag made from the fabric shown last week, it's great! look forward to seeing the bag made from the spotty material too. Nice to hear about your Tuba playing! Thanks for sharing x

Angela Toucan said...

love the sound of the tuba, my husband used to play one, thank so much for sharing.

Great looking tote

blessings to you from Angela

JoZart Designs said...

Fabulous interesting post and the gal gets more and more curiously interesting. A gal of many varied talents I see. Love all those fab fabrics and the end products too.
Woo hoo! Toot that tuba !
Love JoZarty x

Helen said...

The bags are sure to be a hit - and I was intrigued at your 'confession' - the things you learn on WOYWW! Have a great day.

CRAFTY WOMBLE said...

Your bags are fantastic and give me something to aspire towards - can't imagine it not selling. I have a fabric combination for a reversible tote with skeletons (black and white) on one side and blue sparkly fairies and castles on the other - I can't wait to see how it turns out :) and know my friend who is a goth with aspiring princess characteristics will be delighted at Christmas :)

May your hot air continue as long as you need it to!

Anonymous said...

love to see your material makes - the bag is fabulous. Your music/band sounds such fun

SueH said...

And there was me thing London had been hit by and earthquake, when all the time it was you and your Tuba!

I’m not musical at all although I did learn to play a guitar when I was at school. Couldn’t do it now though because I’ve forgotten everything I learned. I love the sound of a brass band, it’s so uplifting.
I see you found something to use all those tea cups for, they look great on your latest bag.

Happy Crafting!
Sue
x

Bubbles said...

Well, well well... you're just full of surprises aren't you?! Tuba??!! I'm impressed :)

I can see why you're singing - that material is just so b right and happy!

Twiglet said...

Wow - clever you - I envy anyone who can play a musical instrument.

ScrappnBee said...

Love those bags! Can't wait to see the green one, LOVE the teacup one! It should fly at the craft fair! As for the tuba, that is awesome! My eldest is a trombone player, and the conductor wants him to try the tuba this year. Looks like loads of family fun and bonding! Have a great WOYWW -Amanda

Jingle said...

The teapot bag is fabulous!

Angie said...

Love those materials and the fact that the vibrant one will be inside ....and I dont think that teapot bag will be on your stand for long.

I can understand your love of your instrument and the band ...sort of by proxy ...my late husband ran and conducted a wind band and played ...mainly saxaphone.They played at fetes and had concerts to raise money ...I always said I was his second love.

Bugged Designs said...

What can I say? Love the green polka dot fabric, love the bag you made with the teapot fabric and love the tablecloth. Thanks for sharing!

ally fiddy said...

That bag isnt going to hang around long hun. Love the photos of you in your band too.

Sarn said...

What a great post LLJ . . . fabulous bags and material and looks like you have a lot of in the band too.

Thank you for visiting me.

Happy WOYWW
Hugs, Sandra (no. 66)

Amy E said...

Oh your desk looks so neat and clean! Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek at my desk, and thanks for your encouraging words about my hubby.

I've been a musician all my life, and both of my grown kids are too. Music does make our world go around!!

Amy E. #59

Yogi said...

nice fabrics. Love the teapot one. I had some I bought 15+ years ago that were vintage colorful teapots. Made a tea cozy which sits on top of my fridge to this day. Love looking at it.

Thanks for the comment on my blog and yes we eventually do forget what we bought... you're not the only one.
Have a great day

Lisa-Jane said...

I LOVE THAT BAG! Teapots and florals and gingham Yes please!

famfa said...

Your post made me sing (yeah thanks for that, now got that song in my head!), and laugh and smile. I love your post this week. Your bag material is gorgeous andi think I might have to have one. I love your story about the band. Well done you. Maybe you could post a video of your blowing your instrument. Ooh er. X

Deb said...

gorgeous bags, do love those fabrics! well done for mastering the tuba too, that couldn't have been easy!
have a fab day, happy crafting, Debxx

Mrs A. said...

You do realise that I'm now singing that song and will be for the rest of the evening!! That bag is going to be a wowser. hugs Mr A.

Hettie said...

Hey Jake!! Love those bags and as for your bright fabrics inside I am with you there! Love that teapot fabric. You just reminded me I have some Debbie Mumm Christmas teapot fabric.
I will send you a link as for the tack gun. Easier than safety pins as they dont get caught in the machine! I don't tack either - shhhhh!!
We have both "come out" this week - you in the band and me Scottish Dancing!!

Sandie said...

Thanks for popping over to see my workdesk. Yours is certainly very cheerful and I love the idea of making bags with a demure exterior and exciting lining! I plan to make some bags myself once my craftroom is more oganised, so I;ll be popping back for inspiration and tips! Love the tea pot design, by the way.
It must be lovely to be part of a band - how do you have time for it all?! Have a good week.

Elizabeth said...

Just a quick visit this week due to illness but hope to do better next week ... thanks for sharing your table and the lovely fabrics and I hope you have a great week. Elizabeth x #121

Carola Bartz said...

I love the bright colors of the fabric, they make me smile!

MadeByKarla said...

love the tea pot purse. It's so pretty! And those colors for the new purse are lovely! Do you have an online store, take custom orders? I'd love a tea pot bag like that!

Dandelion and Daisy said...

What a multi-talented lady you are! I love my art but have a tin ear, can't carry a tune, but love music and sooooo wish I could play an instrament. Enjoy!

Jovita @ Inky Impressions said...

Oh what fun vibrant colors you have picked out for inside your bag, I'm sure it will make someone very happy. I enjoyed reading how you started with the Tuba, between family, crafting and concerts you sure are busy.

Hugs, Jovi

Peggy said...

I love the bag! I wish I would make more time for sewing... I loved your comment about my "Wild" pom pom too funny!! I looked at them a totally different way. I will make sure to post the finished project so we can both smile LOL!!! Have a great day and thanks for visiting! Peggy

scrapwordsmom said...

CUTE bag!! And I love that you play the tuba! My daughter Em plays!!!!:)

Thank you for stopping by Words of Me!

Sylvia/LittleTreasures said...

Always love your posts, so glad you joined up.
Music!!! my dad plays almost every instrument with no sheetmusic, piano and organ. Had his own band and was lead singer too. But we kids have no musical abilities, darn. I love instrumental music and all sorts of horns.
Your Fabric is Fabulous!! Adorable bags have fun with the fair project. Enjoy WOYWW and Have a great week.

RosA said...

Just had to say that I love that red and white bag you made for Mrs D! It's gorgeous!

Ohhh Snap said...

All the bags are fabulous!!! I love surprise ta da linings, and gingham is one of my favorite things ever. If I ever get the money I want to paint my house in pink and white gingham, even the roof lol. Perhaps it will keep the teenagers next door from congregating in large numbers lol. And I love that you play the tuba :D.

Tuire Flemming said...

Beautiful fabrics - especially that with teapots.

bebebubu said...

Very lovely tote. And well done on playing the tuba too. I play piano myself might be we can jam sometimes :)

dianneo said...

I love the circle fabrics, it's really pretty!

Anonymous said...

Lovely materials and the teacup bag is fabby, make lots, they'll all sell I'm sure! Love the tuba confession, must be great to be part of something like that, and you're keeping a very British traditional alive too. To answer your question, Michigan isn't a traditional tourist destination at all. Most people would pile on a plane for Florida, California, the big cities like Chicago or amazing scenery like the Grand Canyon, so it tends to be locals and surrounding states, including Canada as we're right on the border. The only internationals would likely already be working in Michigan (like us) and knew of the place. Which is nice, as although the towns cater for the visitors they haven't sold their soul to the tourist industry if you know what I mean!

Hugs
Brenda 88

Sunshine Girl said...

Oooh I love that loud material I would have it on the outside! love the band too my son is just learning the guitar and its lovely to hear him play - I tried to learn the bugle in the Girls Brigade but never got farther than one note!

Carmen said...

The bag will definitely sell. I get so many comments on mine! So - when does the online shop open?

Love the tuba picture - I think that is such a cool secret :P

Anne said...

Love all the fabrics you show us and of course the fab bags. Love listening to bands- my eldest used to play the trombone in the youth orchestra where we lived at that time- missed going to hear them when he went off to Uni- a long time ago now. Thanks for visiting my desk. Anne x

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

Of course I love the bags, but that fabric is awesome. I have noticed I sometimes don't get the same color quality in film that I have in real life. Sure like those two prints together.

You are a trooper for playing the bass and loving it! Also for playing for charities and such. Way to go! Happy belated WOYWW.

nerllybird said...

That's amazing, what a brilliant thing to do! Really enjoyed reading your post - and the cream tea bag is gorgeous! :D

Betty Boo! said...

Great Tuba pictures! I hope my costume turns out even half as good as your bag looks! Great fabric too!

Sunshine Girl said...

Forgot to say I was sewing a bag too - a simple one that came free from a club I am in. Its now on my blog if you are interested.

Sue from Oregon said...

Such a fun bag and such great fabric! Oh my...I love music, but can not carry a tune AT ALL!

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

Hi there Lunch Lady Jan - well think to get 55+ comments at WOYWW you do have rock star status, you know!
My nephew played tuba and only those with a good musical ear get to play. The tuba is what guides the beat, and so the key (quite literally) to a successful band. So, gal, you make it! and I knew you played it cos one of your first posts showed you at the fair in stall plus in band! and really love the bags with teacups too. thanks for popping over and happy WOYWW! Shaz in oz.x

Kathryn said...

Sorry to just now get around. Been a crazy week at my household! Thanks for your comment on my site!
LOVE,love,love your sewing projects! So talented! (I practically break out in hives at the thought of even sewing a button on, Ha!)
How cool, a tuba player, eh? Very cool!! Rock On Lunch Lady!
hugs!
kat

Angela said...

Love the Blues Brothers....a ruuuubber biscuit!...lol...I played from 5th grade through high school the flute, sax (alto & tenor) & the oboe...music moves people! Can't imagine a day without it. I haven't played in years, but my music stand and instruments stand by waiting for the day I do!

Bag idea it too cute...

Thanks for stopping by WOYWW...see ya next week!

Angi
#104

okienurse said...

I love that bag Jan. I wonder how much it would cost to ship to the states? My son is a trombone player but also plays the euphonium and trumpet. We know brass and bass in this family. I have trouble playing the radio though! Sorry I am so late getting by this week but I wanted to pop by and visit your blog to say hello and to see what you are up to! Didn't have the time to post(except about newest Doswell addition) or craft the past two weeks due to being in Virginia visiting with the son's family to see the newest granddaughter born. Definitely a fun time none the less. Hope you have a great week. Vickie aka okienurse

voodoo vixen said...

I think your bags would sell no matter what so when you choose fabby coloured materials like those... you are definitely onto a winner!! Love the tablecloth too... and I apologise for turning up so late... the jigsaw pieces have had my attention and yay... they are now finished!!

Tertia said...

Oh that tablecloth is fantastic! I would love one just like it.
Just popped in to tell you that Wales played like absolute stars yesterday. I was rooting for them all the way. So very glad the Springboks won, last week, but you guys gave us quite a scare!
Heard that the boys dedicated their win to the miners that lost their lives, what happened?
Happy very belated WOYWW

Neet said...

Gosh Jan, you have so many talents, I wonder what will pop out next - bet you are still hiding some of your light under a bushel. Thanks for sharing and thanks for visiting my blog. Hugs, Neet x
ps love the bag but have so many bags hanging or I would deffo have one.

Kezzy said...

Ooooo all that material is gorgeous, and the bag, I would hope it didn't sell so I could keep it lol. Love the sound of a brass band, my sister is very musical but I'm tone deaf. I also love how a brass band looks, as they are all smartly dressed just like in your pics. Kezzy x

WOYWW 769

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