I spent some time this last week sewing a summer bag for my oldest daughter, and then took my sewing machine in for repair since it is chronically sick. My patience has worn thin with that machine. But on a happier note, I will give this to my daughter as a surprise unless she reads this blog. She and the rest of the family should be arriving to meet me mid-afternoon tomorrow in Ashland, Oregon. I am very excited since I have not seen my grandchildren since last November.
Yesterday afternoon I drove about twenty miles north of Ashland to take a hike up Table Rock Mountain. It was always a favorite hike that I used to do with my three kids. I could not believe how easy it was, but I guess I have done a lot of rigorous hiking and climbing in the last twenty years. Still it was a beautiful day, and I took some nice photos at the top even though it was a little hazy.
On the way down I was fascinated with the Manzanita trees and the way the bark was peeling away from the tree. The texture was so varied and rich and seemed like a good element to file away for design purposes. All of these trees had some varying degree of this texture. With the moss of the tree, I thought there was a certain startling contrast that was not to be missed. I kept thinking of Kaffe Fassett and how much he would have loved this surprise of nature, the contrast of colors as well as the nubby texture.
What a fun bag! I like Manzanita trees too. The peeling has always fascinated me and they smell so good.
That sounds like a lot of fun. It would be quite hard to see my grandchildren every six months, but I understand not living nearby puts constraints on visists. Sometimes it is as much as six weeks, and by then I think “Oh, they will forget me” but they haven’t yet.
And the bag is terrific. Isn’t it odd how we keep doing things for our children, even though they are adults. I think I do it to keep the connection going (or something like that). I hope the visit is as much fun as sounds.
The bag is whimsical and beautiful. And the scenery is beautiful and I love Kaffe Fasset too. His use of color is fabulous. I hope your daughter loves the bag!
What a beautiful, trendy bag, I had to call my 18 year old daughter in to see it, and she loved it, you are clever! I hope the sewing machine is repairable, and that when it returns, it will work like a dream for you! Enjoy your visit with your lovely Grandchildren, they look gorgeous in your other post, happy and cheeky! xx