WOYWW 120

ANOTHER SUITCASE IN ANOTHER HALL.....


Normally this bed in our spare/work room is covered with my fabrics but this is a picture that raises some very mixed emotions for me... The Big O is leaving home on Friday, bound for Cardiff University and a new chapter of his life.  DH and I are so happy and excited for him and yet are disbelieving at how quickly the time has sped by since we first held the new arrival in our arms....



We are going to miss him so much.........

But I'm a glass half full sorta gal and would rather laugh than wallow in misery so....

Here's the finished introvert/extrovert bag, I think it's quite chic.  Smart lime green on the outside with just a little tantalising hint of naughtiness concealed within! Reminds me of Julia...*grin*

 

     I liked this material so much, I just had to 
    make something else.




I found another fabric in my stash that toned with it and am going to make a half apron with a ruffle at the top.  You can just see the book that I got the idea from, it's called  '101 Great Ways to sew a Metre' by Rebecca Yaker and Patricia Hoskins, published by David and Charles.  Think I got it from Amazon.  There are some fab ideas inside, I really liked this apron and it hardly takes any fabric!  All cut out, ready to sew.


I was killing some time in Marlborough and found myself in Dible and Roy.  This is the furnishing fabric equivalent of Dr Who's Tardis.  There are loads of rooms, higgledy piggledy staircases and rolls of fabric EVERYWHERE! It's also a time warp because I only meant to pop in for 10 mins and emerged, blinking into the daylight..mumble.. 1 hour later.. and had to run to the car to see if one of Marlborough's notoriously vicious traffic wardens had given me a ticket!!  Thankfully the Parking Angel was looking out for me that day and I escaped by the skin of my teeth - phew :)

Anyway, I digress..what did I find in this lovely shop but the blue version of the gorgeous green material I featured last week - AND - it was on sale!!!! Wahhoooo. I bought a couple of metres and some new gingham. The blue/white spotty was part of a fab birthday present from a friend. She gave me a bag filled with sewing goodies which was so thoughtful.  Anyhow, I liked the combination of the three, just have to decide what to make.  Any ideas??


Table runners maybe? Or hows about place mats or cushions? All suggestions gratefully received!!

Have a great crafty week - think of me on Friday.  I'm going to try to be brave but will be taking an extra large box of tissues... xxxx



55 comments:

Di said...

Aw Jan, bless! When chicks fly the nest they are prone to coming back home........with huge piles of washing! Love the material - I'm for place mats personally :) Di xx

Hettie said...

Your DS will be fine in Cardiff and his time there will fly by too!
Love those fabrics today - all of them! I know a nice quilt you could make with those three fabrics!! LOL!! Would you believe I have quilted that quilt AND stitched the binding on. Just got to put the other side of the binding on and hey presto it will be done!! YEY!

Neet said...

Wow, where is Marlborough, I am not a stitcher but I love looking at fabrics and that shop sounds wonderful.
Know how you feel about your son leaving home, but you will be fine - and so will he.
Hugs, Neet #7

Crafting Time said...

Aww I understand how you are feeling, my lovely son left home to study in January and the first three weeks were a nightmare, weeks 3-6 were better and now I am enjoying the freedom!! We always have food in the fridge now, there is hardly any washing to be done and I dont worry about what time my son is going to be walking in through the door at night! Im sure your lad will be fine and will enjoy thimself thoroughly!
Helen x

donnalouiserodgers said...

I cannot lie to you Jsn,

it leaves a huge Son Shaped Hole in the Home

and they come back Different Men

but they do come back - and let;s face it they don;t have to - - which is the greatest compliment No?

Dxx

PS, take a deep breath, keep tissues handy and your mobile on and charged....keep clam and carry on mothering...or keep calm, it smells better than keeping clams...

donnalouiserodgers said...

who is JSN?

Belinda Basson said...

love the colour combo too. No ideas yet, but might pop back with some later. How about some resque remedy on Friday? Helps for me in those sort of emotional situations.

jude said...

Wow hunni im in Loveeeee with that tote bag i just love anything lime green and that materail is lush!
Mind so is the beautiful material you have just gotten.The blues cup cakes ..gotta be something for kitchen ,maybe another apron for when the one you are making is in the wash.Table cloth may be too much materail needed.Well im sure what ever it will be it will be gorgeous .Love looking at all the wonderful stuff you sew and create.I used to sew but these days since fibro dont do much machine just sits collecting dust!Do miss it a wee bit especialy when i see your lovely makes ,mind im not that good!
Anyways Have fab creative wedensday
hugs judex10

Helen said...

Great bags, love those dots. The shop in Marlborough sounds like a lot of fun - but an expensive place to be if you're not careful....
thanks for stopping by.

Šolanje na domu-Waldorf said...

Great bag! Love the pattern and the colors you've chosen. :)

famfa said...

Gorgeous bag. You put the fabrics together so beautifully. You truly are a talented lady. I so wish I could sew. Will be thinking of you on Friday. You'll be fine. my smallest just started school but time does fly by soooo quickly.

Jennibellie said...

Hi Jan, gorgeous bag, I wish I had your skills with the sewing machine. I certainly did get the the lovely bag thank you - and I did a post about it too - http://jennibelliestudio.blogspot.com/2011/09/my-first-ever-give-away.html - I was going to let you know if you hadn't spotted it today. Be brave & don't worry Dis right, about the returning (and the washing) xx

Karen said...

Love the bright coloured bag, just my thing!!! I'm fed up with the shop bags that are 'everlasting' and the handles fall off or it just breaks when you put something other than a pack of crackers in it! Perhaps you should sell them?!?!?! Enjoy WOYWW!

Julia Dunnit said...

The very fact that the Big O is ready is tribute to you and Important G. You don't need me to tell you tha the'll be fine, but you might need me to remind you that he'll be fine because of his grounding. I will. If there's one skill I genuinely do have it's distraction! Am loving the clash but works bag - lke Karen says..maybe it's time to price them and show them on your blog for sale?

sandra de said...

It's ok to have a congratulatory cry and hug ... you did a great job. Bag looks way cool he could store quite a few rolls of loo paper in there and much prettier than the box.

Tuire Flemming said...

So the babies grow up... also mine :/ and then they give you grandbabies :D
Lovely colours in your bag!

Angie said...

Maybe you should call that fantastic bag 'Julia' lol and that apron will be so cute ..if thats the right word????
Kids do grow up so quickly but I bet he will be back after Uni with a need for free board lol ...and he will be home for holidays for hugs, washing and food....looking on the positive side ...you have more space now xx

Neil said...

Thanks for sharing your space this week, I enjoyed visiting and hope you have a fabulous rest of the week. I can imagine your feelings, my daughter is into 3rd week away now and still getting used to it.

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

Hi there Lunch lady Jan, thanks so mcuh for popping over - mm, you do like to pose us conundrums each week dont you? personally just love the bags you make but table set would be nice with teacup pattern. I think I like the blue better than the green too - although I love both colours! I trust son, mum and dad soon adjust to the next stage in life for you all. happy WOYWW, Shaz in Oz.x

MaggieC (Silvercrafter) said...

Marlborough always makes me think of my godmother, who lived there for many years. She had a huge touch of the gipsy in her and had at least three addresses in the town, not to mention at least two in outlying villages. That present must have been a real joy, to have all those bits and pieces to experiment with. I love that bag. It would have been just the ting for our holiday in Spain to carry all our bits and pieces, bottles of water, sunhats etc.

dianneo said...

I really love that blue fabric. I cried so much when my first went off to college! (Totally unrelated thoughts there!)

Clare with paint in her hair said...

Fabulous Bag! and sending big hugs! He will come back!

Clare H

Cardarian said...

I have a daughter so don't know how it is when a son leaves but I guess it is sad but I guess they have to get out of the nest some day! My daughter did her last exam last week! What now??? It is a never ending of worry for us moms! Still dig into all that lovely fabric you have bought and you will be fine! He will call and he will come back!
Hugs,
Cardarian

Mrs A. said...

Oh dear I think Norm has his eye on the spotty one. Can't think why!! Hugs Mrs A.

Twiglet said...

Gorgeous fabric. How lovely that your youngster is ready to take the next big step in life - the years will fly by and believe me you will see plenty of them when they need washing done or cake box refilling! Best wishes to all. Jo

J.A. Martin said...

I'm learning that watching our children grow is such a bitter sweet emotion. I'm at the beginning of this journey... Anyhoo, I LOVE the greens in the bag! So pretty!!! Happy WOYWW! :-)

The Crafty Elf said...

Sending your kids off is never easy! You've done your job and now O must spread his wings and begin to fly on his own. You've got some great stuff there to keep you busy and with the wonderful world of technology you can keep in touch often. It'll be like he never left. That new fabric is screaming apron - I think! :D Have a great day and I'll smile for you Friday as another bird is about to fly from the nest! ((hugs))

Fiona@Staring at the Sea said...

Lovely new fabrics:) I might have to find my way to Marlborough when I visit my Aunty in Tidworth!

sarahp said...

Thanks for the lovely comments ..
I've always wanted to sew, have made buntin and curtains, austrian blinds etc.. the fabric flowers were to kill the time but very quick to mske... would love the little tote bags they look so cute xx lovin your blog x

Joni Nickrent said...

oh, LOVE the bag and the colors rock! Fun stuff for sure! thanks for popping by over at Pop Art Minis today too! Totally appreciate your comments!

Dotty Jo said...

Hi Jan, thanks for your lovely comments over on my blog. My friend is putting a brave face on it but she's gonna miss Hannah big time. Looks like you are going through the same thing, so I hope it all works out well for your son too. Your blog is totally beautiful, and full of colour! TFS, Jo x

Sarah said...

Hope your son settles in quickly in Cardiff .... sure he'll love it! I can only imagine the mixed emotions for you! Loving the bag and apron! Thanks for visiting my blog! x

Jingle said...

Love the bag and that apron looks cute!

Fuchsia said...

Thanks for popping by !
I love the bag its stunning !

Marjo said...

Hi Jan,

Great bag, love all the fabrics. I am just learning to sew...on my cards that is. I know it is hard when the babies leave the nest. They do always come back for lots of visits.

Thanks for sharing, have a great WOYWW!

xoxo Marjo #36

Anonymous said...

Your kids might grow up but they never truly leave home and the mum's never stop worrying about them! Look at it this way, with the lack of clothes washing, tidying, feeding and ferrying around you'll have so much more time to craft! As you say, it's a great healer and it's good to be busy when life is being life. Thanks for your kind words, it's been an up and down year that's for sure.

Hugs
Brenda 88

PS, forgot to mention the lovely bags and the equally lovely fabric! Placemats and a table runner would be my suggestion.

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous bag, love the tea cup material. I'm not a sewer so no ideas I'm afraid. Good luck on Friday and have a happy Wednesday! Mel (43)

Deb said...

I am feeling for you, my DD has been away for almost 3 weeks now, I am more used to it now but I was dreadful that first week! It is so exciting for them, she is loving it, bet your DS will too!
love your bags and apron and that fabric at the bottom is so gorgeous!
happy WOYWW, Debxx

lisa said...

A big step for you all but you are being very brave. Not sure I wil be when the time arrives, thankfully a few years off!! I'm sure DS will have a great time.
Your bag is fantastic. I'm loving those colours. One for a serious mood and the other for a fun day!!!
The other fabrics are lovely too. I'd just spend my time admiring them and wouldn't have a clue what or how to create with them. I envy you your sewing talents.
Happy WOYWW
Hugs Lisa #106

Lisa-Jane said...

What a big moment for all of you! Hope it all goes well for you all. Those 3 fabrics together looks stunning and I am still so in love with the teapot one.

HeARTworks said...

What a fun bag the introvert/extrovert is! Great name too! My son left for Spain for 2 weeks and I was a wreck. Thank goodness we have universities near our place and he won't have to leave home for that! Feeling for you, dear! But it's better now with the internet and skype and facebook and twitter and all that! Patsy from
HeARTworks

SueH said...

Oh how time flies when you’re enjoying yourself, err?
Mind you the stash you brought was well worth the time you spent in there.
I’m exactly the same when I go into craft shops.
Apart from looking at the obvious paper and stamps I can spend hours looking at the cross stitch kits

I think your new materials would look great on the breakfast table as place mats, napkins and even little egg cosies
Happy Sewing!
Sue
x

Pam said...

Another suitcase in another hall...makes me want to break out a tune. And here's a promise...he'll be back. The stories and excitement ahead will bring new life. Such a fun time. Loving the festive fabrics and how you've paired them in such a hip and awesome way.

Unknown said...

That lime green introvert/extrovert bag is very nice. Wish I liked to sew.

Bubbles said...

You raised a wonderful child to seek their own way in the world... to be independent and happy. And it really should be a proud moment when they leave home. Of course, a tear will be shed - and I know exactly how you feel because my son left home Tuesday... Of course, my bonus is that his bedroom will soon be my craft room *lol*

Love the fabric - what a great bargain to find it on sale. Bet Julias laughing now too... such a cute little bag (your creation, not julia - wouldn't be calling the wonderful Julia a bag *lol* though I'm sure she's little and cute)

Hope you've had a wonderful WOYWW!
Bubbles
aka Sheleen at PatchworkApples
http://patchworkapples.blogspot.com

voodoo vixen said...

Oh dear... yes, I remember the time well...we were on assignment in South Africa and had to take DS back to the UK for Uni... and I kept laying three place setting for dinner and cooking too many potatoes... but it does get better and they have such a great time fluttering their wings and making new friends... just don't forget to send him a red cross parcel of goodies... DS said he never got mail whilst everyone else did... poop... parcels from South Africa never get out of the post office so I had to enlist friends to post him stuff instead!!
OK... that material combo is fabulous with the spots, florals and gingham... anything you make will be brilliant!!

Lórien said...

Thanks for the comment on my space. Your pictures are great!

Sue said...

Hi Jan, what fab fabrics, love those colours together; your bags are just a delight, please can I buy the teapot one from you? Also thought you may want to make your son a nice washbag/bookbag? then he has a little piece of you with him :0) My sister lives in Cardiff and I know he will be fine, it is a lovely City ;0) Happy crafting, Sue xx

Sue from Oregon said...

You have a wonderful eye for combining fun fabrics!

Tertia said...

I LOVE the blue fabric and the reg gingham. That bag is calling my name too.
It is so hard to see the kids go and spread their wings,a very wise person told me that it should be a moment of great satisfaction, because if we did not do our job as parents really well, our kids would never be able to actually leave us. Did not make me any less sad, but put a whole new perspective on the situation.
Happy WOYWW even though its Friday already.

Susanne said...

Sending them off for the first time is the hardest, but I still get a twinge of sadness every semester when my son heads back. You've certainly picked out some happy and naughty prints. Enjoy!

Carola Bartz said...

I can understand that you like that fabric, it looks gorgeous! Love how it works with the green, just fabulous.

Liz Miller said...

Thanks you for stopping past my table and leaving a comment. I've really enjoyed looking at your postings. You put colours and patterns together so well. Wishing your son well with his studies.
Liz x

Twiglet said...

Hi Jan - just to say thanks for all your good wishes for Annie & co. It has lifted their spirits no end knowing so many lovely folk are thinking of them. Here's hoping next week looks much much better than last! x Jo

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

Congrats on your son now off to college (or university as you would say). Gotta love that introvert/extrovert bag, but the funniest line was the Dr. Who's Tardis. Guess I thought I was the only sci fi fan in WOYWW. Sorry I'm so late showing up this week. Seems I've had to say that a lot since last Wednesday.

WOYWW 769

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