Make-Believe

My goodness, I do seem to be on a roll lately with making bags and lots of other crafty stuff and it's all coming directly from my stash, with the exception of the new polka dot fabrics, which I'm finding out have a magical way of perking up even the dullest old patterns & prints. As Cassie suggested, I do believe there must be a magic wand waving around in here somewhere. I actually made two bags this weekend, and this is one of them. Now I've had this dreamy cotton chintz for umteen years, and originally had used it to slipcover some cushions on my white wicker porch chairs. I saved the scraps, but never thought of using them until now. Funny how when you bring something out that you haven't seen for a long time, you suddenly see it differently; for better or worse. Or, of using it in a way that you hadn't thought of before. I love when that happens. Well, I was looking at this, and got to thinking that maybe, just maybe I went a teensy bit overboard on the front. I do this a lot because I just don't know when to quit sometimes and I go off in my own little fantasy land. Does it look a little too precious to you too? I was going back and forth in my  mind, liking it, then hating it, when Ginger (who is a very girly 8-year-old) hopped into the room and saw it. She stopped cold in her tracks and her whole face lit up and then she said, in a faint whisper of delight, "oh. this is just my style!" I was kind of like, taken aback, because normally she doesn't pay much attention to what I'm working on.  I think it was the little bird that did it though. She had been pretending to be a bird named "Rose" just prior to this discovery, and seemed to have a sort of epiphany while gazing at the bag. Now I'm sorry if this is getting a little too deep for some of you, but I swear this is exactly how it went down and I'm not one to scoff at synchronicity no matter how surreal it seems.  So. There's only one thing to do now. Put it away and fill it with paper grass, candy and trinkets for Easter and give it to her instead of a basket from you-know-who. Which will also serve to kindly reveal the awful sad truth: that the Easter Bunny and all his fanciful pretense, indeed has *helpers*.

Updated to add:  source for bag pattern.

Comments

[kali]

Lovely ~ your bags are simply to die for!

[Mirre]

I think it's a lovely bag and your daughter's reaction makes it even more special. She will be so happy to get it!

[Michelle]

This bag is gorgeous.I love the embroidery. Ginger is a lucky girl!

[autum]

There is no such thing as too precious. Your bags are so wonderful. Each of them tell their own story and it is so evident that they were created with thought and love.

[glenne]

I love that bird, and the bag, but also your whole post. You write in such a delightful way. And yes, your girls are very lucky to have you for their mother.

[Corey]

Thanks for checking out my blog! I haven't seen yours before, and I can tell it's going to have to be put onto my daily checklist! You've got wonderful stuff here, and I adore this bag!!!

[beki]

Your bag is lovely! I'm one who also doesn't know when to stop - I get so carried away adding this and that. But I don't think this bag is too overboard. The reaction from your daughter says it all!

[Dawn]

Wowy, wowy, wow, wow!!!:o) Love this bag!!!
Perfect Easter bag for your sweet girl! Wonderful story...

[Toni]

That was the cutest story..of course she MUST be the new owner! What a great idea of making it her easter basket. Most definitely a magic wand hiding around there somewhere... :)

[Mrs.Staggs]

All of the bags have been lovely..I like imagining the personalites of the different people they will find homes with. How lovely for you to be able to delight Ginger in such a way...pure happiness!

[Cerri]

Wow! Seems your daughter and I share the same taste, I LOVE that bag too! :0)
You know, you could always "sell" that bag to the Easter Bunny...

[brenda]

As I scan my blogroll I go down to the T's and say "Yeah-Turkey Feathers!" I am so happy that you are a prolific blogger! I am always delighted by your posts....today is no exception!

[myra]

Lovely story and lovely bag. And your bird is wonderful! :)

[Kristin]

That bag is just gorgeous!! LOVE the bird embroidery...just beautiful. And the bird fabric bag the other day, is just great to. I love checking in here! I never know what surprises you'll have. I'm especially fond of following your "blanket project"...I think it's such a great idea. Thanks for all the inspiration.

[Kristin]

sorry...meant to write "blanket statement"

[Angie]

Wow... your bag is beautiful and I love the bird. What a special Easter basket it will make.

[Carolyn]

My mother, the most UNcrafty person in the world, always gave us Easter baskets in somethng other than a basket---. Mini galvanized buckets, mugs, tote bags. It was very fun. I hope Ginger will think back fondly on her new birdie tote "basket". My daughter too has the middle name Rose and funny thing she often named her characters or animals "Rose" so some form there of...Rosie, Rosebud.

[mrspilkington]

the bag is lovely and your post is beautiful! thank you for sharing such a precious moment.

[sam lamb]

Oh Vicki - I love the bag! The embroidery and fabrics are wonderful.

[Margot]

I don't think it is too much at all, but just right for the mix of fabrics, scale and texture. Lovely!