Love is blossoming...
Have you ever had that experience, when your love for a project has started to wane?
For whatever reason, sometimes that thrill of the starting a new project, that first flush of passion over the colours, that excitement of seeing form take shape from the stitches somehow gets lost along the way. Progress slows down, things stagnate and suddenly just looking at the thing brings on a pang of guilt and a reminder of all the things you still haven't finished yet and before you know where you are, the love has gone.
Well, it didn't get quite that bad with this little bag, but it veered dangerously close. I had a splendid idea for a new pattern a few months ago and started it with all those feelings of enthusiasm I mentioned. Unfortunately it was one of those occasions when life got in the way and no sooner had a started it than a whole host of 'circumstances' cropped up. Jobs that need doing, ill people to attend to, neglected gardens to maintain, blah, blah, blah...
It soon got to the point where progress was very slow indeed and although I still treasured my idea and held my finished vision dear to my heart, the longer and longer it took, the harder and harder is was to keep my creative spirit up. I almost fell out of love with it. I almost wanted to give up on it.
But, it also came at a time when the sun did occasionally shine. So, although progress was snail like, memories of sun bathed hooky time and choosing colours while resting on a cool shady bench soothed away those bad feelings and I resolved to keep on. A blossom or two here, weaving in some ends there. Eventually, the jobs got done (well some of them), the sickly recovered and the garden got a little more respectable.
I also had a rather happy little meeting with a lovely lady I had never seen before in my life, the very talented Sam from Betsy Makes. A simple coffee and a chat but it perked me up no end. It is a strange thing, this blogging business. It's been a wonderful thing to talk to like minded people over the ether and I've been lucky enough to make some friendships across the world. But what is even more amazing is coming across someone like this and find they only live a few miles from you. This was the reason for our little get together, our chatty emails turning into a chatty meeting.
It was lovely to natter away together about our mutual interests and I enjoyed myself no end. In fact, I really felt so buoyed up and jolly afterwards that I felt ready to tackle my little bag with fresh energy. So that evening I sat and had a 'big push', a sprint towards the finish, and got more done in those few hours than I'd managed over the last two weeks. With the end in sight, there was no stopping me and the last finishing touches of making a lining and adding handles took me no time.
So, I can honestly say that I am over the moon with this little bag of blossoms now. All the doubts and worries have gone and I have fallen in love with it again. I've only taken it out once so far, but I'm looking forward to using it a lot over the summer. It's just the right size for a phone, a purse and some keys and I like to travel light when I can. My family, bless their obligated hearts, were most kind about it and I hope that it meets with your approval too.
I'm in the process of writing up the pattern at the moment, I think it shall be called 'Blossoming Bag', as those little posy flowers remind me of tree blossoms and hopefully it'll be ready to release at the end of this month, or maybe early next month. That is my plan at least. I shall fill you in on all of the details when the pattern comes out, but in the meantime, I thought you might like to know that Bergere de France 'Ideal' is the yarn that I used.
For whatever reason, sometimes that thrill of the starting a new project, that first flush of passion over the colours, that excitement of seeing form take shape from the stitches somehow gets lost along the way. Progress slows down, things stagnate and suddenly just looking at the thing brings on a pang of guilt and a reminder of all the things you still haven't finished yet and before you know where you are, the love has gone.
Well, it didn't get quite that bad with this little bag, but it veered dangerously close. I had a splendid idea for a new pattern a few months ago and started it with all those feelings of enthusiasm I mentioned. Unfortunately it was one of those occasions when life got in the way and no sooner had a started it than a whole host of 'circumstances' cropped up. Jobs that need doing, ill people to attend to, neglected gardens to maintain, blah, blah, blah...
It soon got to the point where progress was very slow indeed and although I still treasured my idea and held my finished vision dear to my heart, the longer and longer it took, the harder and harder is was to keep my creative spirit up. I almost fell out of love with it. I almost wanted to give up on it.
But, it also came at a time when the sun did occasionally shine. So, although progress was snail like, memories of sun bathed hooky time and choosing colours while resting on a cool shady bench soothed away those bad feelings and I resolved to keep on. A blossom or two here, weaving in some ends there. Eventually, the jobs got done (well some of them), the sickly recovered and the garden got a little more respectable.
I also had a rather happy little meeting with a lovely lady I had never seen before in my life, the very talented Sam from Betsy Makes. A simple coffee and a chat but it perked me up no end. It is a strange thing, this blogging business. It's been a wonderful thing to talk to like minded people over the ether and I've been lucky enough to make some friendships across the world. But what is even more amazing is coming across someone like this and find they only live a few miles from you. This was the reason for our little get together, our chatty emails turning into a chatty meeting.
It was lovely to natter away together about our mutual interests and I enjoyed myself no end. In fact, I really felt so buoyed up and jolly afterwards that I felt ready to tackle my little bag with fresh energy. So that evening I sat and had a 'big push', a sprint towards the finish, and got more done in those few hours than I'd managed over the last two weeks. With the end in sight, there was no stopping me and the last finishing touches of making a lining and adding handles took me no time.
I'm in the process of writing up the pattern at the moment, I think it shall be called 'Blossoming Bag', as those little posy flowers remind me of tree blossoms and hopefully it'll be ready to release at the end of this month, or maybe early next month. That is my plan at least. I shall fill you in on all of the details when the pattern comes out, but in the meantime, I thought you might like to know that Bergere de France 'Ideal' is the yarn that I used.
Just one more thing...
I will, of course, let you know here on the blog when the pattern is released, but if you want me to send you an email with the pattern link in, leave a comment below making sure you fill in your email address and I shall add you to the list.
Update!
The pattern is now out, please see the link below for details:
S x
Oh my goodness sign me up! I would love to make that lovely little bag, I am so glad you didn't fall completely out of love before it was finished! You gotta love the rush of enthusiasm you get from a meeting with a crafty friend! Chrissie x chrissiecrafts@outlook.com
ReplyDeleteThis bag is adorable...the perfect Summer bag!
ReplyDeleteOh how I wish I could crochet! : )
I would love to receive notice of the pattern. Its a wonderful bag!
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Ooohhh, I'm there, I'm on the cliff...But I must finish quickly now.
ReplyDeleteYour bag, on the other hand, is BEE-YOOO-TEE-FOOOL!
It's quite simply gorgeous - you are a clever sausage. It's sort of boho and puts me in mind of pottering through Camden Market with a plait in my hair. I should definitely love the pattern pretty please. xx
ReplyDeleteHi - the bag is really pretty; its such a good job that you finished it. I get like this with projects too and its so easy to fall into the pleasure turning into guilt thing. I love the yarn and am just looking it up from your link. Lily. xxx
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! Love those colourful, sweet blooms. Such a pretty design!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous and perfect. Me too like to have a small bag for just running around, this one does the trick in real style. Can identify with the falling in and out of love syndrome... It happens all the time for me. I guess that how it is to be passionate about something. Happy you found the inspiration after seeing Sam to make the big push. Always jolly to meet someone in real life that understands EVERYTHING about blogging. Lucky girl to have her close by. Happy summer with you happy Blossoming bag.
ReplyDeleteAnnette
What an amazing bag, the colors, the flowers, it is perfect.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Meredith
I think a reaction is what I am doing now. Replying to your comment. But I can be wrong. Lets see what it says after pressing the post it button.
ReplyDeleteCheerio
Annette
Nah. I was wrong...
ReplyDeleteThat is an amazing bag, group craft is often a motivator. My crochet class always bring me something they have made to show at the start of the lesson and it gives them a little target for the week, Jo x
ReplyDeletehttp://joeveryday19.blogspot.co.uk
It is really, very lovely indeed. It would make a beautiful wrap...
ReplyDeleteAww such a cute little summery bag! I'm very glad you found your mojo back for this absolutely lovely project! :-) xxxx
ReplyDeleteThis is so pretty! I'm a new reader and you have won me over completely with this stunning project <3
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful bag! It is also lovely to know that its not just me that suffers with "when will I ever finish this project" thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI nearly always get "I hate this project"-itis, no matter what the project. I am so pleased you saw this one through because it is a really beautiful little bag. I will definitely be getting the pattern for this one. Gorgeous x
ReplyDeleteYour new bag is gorgeous and looks lovely with the pretty lining. Beautiful colours
ReplyDeleteI love your blossoming bag ant eh story behind it! I have yet to try Bergère de France yarn. The colours are really beautiful!
ReplyDeleteIt's really, really lovely. Just perfect for summer. The lining is perfect and I must say your photos are very nice too. (I am waning with my seemingly never ending granny blanket but I'm a finisher so I'm hanging in there!) xx
ReplyDeletei love this bag,great job,i'm glad you finished it !!!
ReplyDeleteHow beautiful. So glad you finished it. And Sam is a really fantastic person. So glad that you've met up.
ReplyDeleteWow just lovely. x
ReplyDeleteWow I've been reading your blog for a while now and absolutely love it. Your blog and your posts are the ones who got me back in crochet :-)
ReplyDeleteThis bag is Fab- well done on finishing x
Oh I am totally in LOVE with your Blossoming Bag and would LOVE for you to notify me when the pattern is ready. Thank you so much!
ReplyDeletelindapawlak@verizon dot net
Something else I shall just "have" to make! So much I want to do - so little time!
ReplyDeleteWould love to know when you release the pattern.
Your bag is so beautiful! I love your choice of colours. Best wishes, Pj x
ReplyDeleteOoohh, that's the most gorgeous bag I've ever seen! I cannot wait for the pattern to come out! I think it would make a pretty scarf, as I don't typically use bags. I love your yarn choices too! :)
ReplyDeletestinkin adorable! And I think I purchased similar handles a couples summers ago at a clearance sale. Hmmmm..... *grin*
ReplyDeletesweetest purse. love the design.
ReplyDeleteYes I have had that feeling before. But all worth it in the end gorgeous little bag. Best wishes, Carina
ReplyDeleteThese are so pretty........
ReplyDeleteI love this bag and the colors..please let me know when the pattern is released!
ReplyDeletehiddenintheheart@yahoo.com
An adorable bag!
ReplyDeleteyes please, I'd love to know when the pattern will be available.
ReplyDeleteyour bag is really nice and springy.
Sandra, lovely post today. A sweet story that is familiar with many a "hooker", including me! Your efforts to finish the little bag are SO worth it. It's just darling. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBest,
Sheila
http://sheilazachariae.blogspot.com/2013/06/dream-in-color-shawl.html
Hi Sandra,I'm in love!!!That is the cutest little bag ever and I must make one for myself!!!lOVE IT!!! Soooo glad you persevered with it!!!Have a happy weekend!!!
ReplyDeleteLove
AMarie
that is cutest bag ever!
ReplyDeleteIt's really beautiful - I was itching to know what you were making when you posted the 'teaser' photo. I would love to see the pattern for that if you're willing to share it!
ReplyDeleteJenn
beautiful!!!!
ReplyDeleteGosh, the photographs on this post are absolutely stunning! I'm kind of losing interest in making a dirndl skirt - I'm not as much of a perseverer when it comes to sewing compared to crochet! x
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome..!
ReplyDeleteSo pretty! Thanks! I love your projects! I pinned it as Blue Strong on Pinterest on my crochet board!
ReplyDeleteAnother surefire winner from you, Sandra. What a lovely little bag and as usual, your colours are just perfect together. Can't wait for the pattern release.
ReplyDeleteI am SO GLAD you pushed through the busyness with this project because...I LOVE IT!!! it is truly ADORABLE. Can´t wait for the pattern... Thanks, Sandra ♥ Ana BC
ReplyDeleteSoooo pretty! You have a great eye for colours.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, can't wait for the pattern.
ReplyDeleteWaouh, it's gorgeous ... Congratulations !
ReplyDeleteLove, love !
Well, it's more that it just wouldn't get done as quick as I would like and it seemed to drag. The actual idea I always loved! So glad you like it too :)
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if you wanted an email when the pattern is out, so I have popped you on the list, but it's only to tell you the pattern is out, there's no commitment of any kind...
I think the reactions are when someone links to my post on Twitter. I don't know why they include them in comments, but obviously it doesn't happen much anyway!!
Sandra x
Lovely job Sandra, I really like this :D
ReplyDeleteI love the look of this bag, I would love to have the pattern when it comes out!
ReplyDeleteThank you, cporter1221@yahoo.com
This bag is so beautiful. and perfect for summer Please let me have the details when you can. Thank you. Angela
ReplyDeleteAdorable! Thanks for sharing! This makes me smile! :)
ReplyDeleteThis bag is just gorgeous! I love it! I recognise so ll what you are talking about with keeping momentum going but you must be SO pleased your mojo came back to finish this delightful bag off. Please can you add me to your list when you circulate the pattern? It's a perfect take-away-on-holiday project! E x
ReplyDeletelove love love this bag! Can't wait for the pattern!
ReplyDeleteOops, silly me, I see I am way behind the times and your pattern is already for sale. YAY! Going to buy it immediately! xox
ReplyDeleteSIGN ME UP,,mariemchone@att.net
ReplyDeleteyour bag is beautiful, I would really like to make it! lovely colours too x
ReplyDelete