Bags of fun in progress

A really exciting development in the Bags of fun challenge is a comment left by Alice who has an elementary class as she indicated her class might join in. (Alice I did try to email you but your mail bounced back) Time is a bit a of a problem as they can not start until September but I would love it if children joined in too. When I said anyone can join I meant anyone can join. I think too, teachers like Alice should be applauded. Alice if you have the energy to co-ordinate a class of children in this challenge they definitely can join and their work will definitely take a special place in the gallery. I am sure anyone who has encouraged a child to pick up a needle will applaud you. For a while I taught children at our local guild and was always amazed at how they saw the world. I have seen how children come at things from totally original ways and I am totally delighted that Alice has thought of this. All are welcome.

This does raise something however as Pam suggested a second challenge after the holidays. Of course here in OZ our summer break is between December and February is the timing of this bag challenge totally bad for those in the northern hemisphere?

I wanted it to be at least 12 weeks long to allow anyone who hand stitches or who works and juggles a textile practice plenty of time. I also wanted to have it done before the rush of Christmas activities. Currently the completion deadline is November 8th but I am happy to push the deadline date out to November 30th if it means it is better timing. Please give me feedback on this. It’s a long challenge already and keeping people interested will be a challenge in itself – so let me know what you think.

We also have two more bag ladies Laura Lea and Mrs. Pilkington both left comments to say they are interested and want to join so we have two more people on board.

As you can see I have been working on my own bag. I said at the start I wanted to work in Australian colours using hand embroidery to heavily texture the bag. So I am embellishing in a contemporary manner. This is how far I have got this week. It’s nowhere near as heavily embellished as I want it to be. At this stage you are looking at a work in progress shot. I plan to cover the denim in stitching and include wooden beads and buttons along the way.

Around the pocket edge I have used Berwick Stitch in a soft anchor cotton thread. It is ideal because it produces an edge of tight knots which defines the edge but is also a little stronger on areas of wear. Don’t forget there are images and conversation going on at the Bags of fun flickr group too.

The craft and quilt fair was fun yesterday. Annie collected me early and I spent the day out there. The quilts on display as part of the Canberra Quilters annual members’ exhibition. Although I came within inches or really speaking my mind, when one particular loud woman was looking at an art quilt which was one of the state winners in the Images of Australia award. This is a national award and it was an exceptional quilt. She was loudly declaring that “THIS is NOT a quilt – a quilt goes on a bed”. She had a shock when I turned to her and said it was a quilt but I wish I had said a little more. She did looked shocked but I felt annoyed as this quilt was exceptional.

I went to console myself in the vendors hall. I found a few bits of lace, some beads and some charms so I spent a little money but no really big purchases made. There is an increase this year in yarn sellers and lots of scrap booking suppliers. I had a good day generally and arrived home tired but satisfied.