Life and its little luxuries

Oooooh!! Delight and excitement is in the air, I finally have some pictures of my crocheted bag for you all to see!

The last stitch went in last night, and I could hardlly wait for this morning and our trip to the supermarket to road test it!

Here it is in its lovely stripy glory! I was rather inspired by the colours on some strawberry fabric I have (as I think I mentioned before) so picked these vibrant shades from Rowan's handknit cotton dk range. I was rather surprised how fast this bag took shape, I only started it the week before last, but I must admit to sneaking in a row or two whilst the little one played quietly and spending most evenings on it too.

For anyone who is curious, I followed the pattern on Attic24's blog, you can find it here. I have added a slightly different embellishment to the bit where the handles are sewn to the bag, using a pattern from my recent purchase (Crochet Bouquet) for round flowers which I thought were quite nice! My Mum came around with her button tin, and we poured the contents on the table before deciding on some white and blue buttons to finish off the centres. After some late night stitchery (I wasnt going to bed til I'd finished it) I was suddenley sitting with a completed bag in my lap! Im now twiddling my thumbs wondering what to do next, knowing that yes, I still have a blanket and cushion cover on the go...but somehow, there is something lovely about putting together a bag, something you can really use and go out and about with and after watching the little one parading about with it this morning, I decided to make a smaller version for her, something to put teddy in and the 'very necessary things a toddler needs' like a dolly blanket, toy telephone and books.

Do you know what I like best about making something for myself? Its the feeling that there is no other one exactly like it anywhere in the world!
Did you ever think about it like that? It makes our creations feel very luxurious doesn't it? There is also the added lovliness of the sentiment that goes into a handmade item, something that has been crafted with love and care, and possibly very good quality materials. I like the whole experience of creating something; the pleasure from making it, and the enjoyment of using it.


It makes me think, alot of what I think of as 'my little luxuries' are exactly that - little and perhaps very ordinary. They dont cost alot, they're not designer and I don't care - I derive great pleasure from a bunch of pinks or a cheery jam jar full of little daffodils, I like watching sunsets and moonrises, I like the luxury of once a month getting my fix of inspiring magazines...I like to treat myself to a gorgeous bottle of seaweed & arnica bath soak from Neals Yard, and now and then immerse myself with a book, candles and optional glass of wine for a deep and pleasurable home spa experience...I like the deep feeling of satisfaction from baking stuff, from cooking and sharing these goodies with family and friends - I like Green & Blacks chocolate with a mug of their hot chocolate when Im in the need of a real chocolate fix :) and I like clean breeze dried sheets on the bed and fresh jammies...I could list more, but I want to hear yours...


Go on, share...



...What are your favourite little luxuries?


Sending love to you
J x