My closet is overflowing with silk dresses and linen trousers I barely wear, meanwhile I am not even owning a decent backpack to pack it all into.
Maybe because I rarely sew anything practical.
When it comes to imagine dresses and garments, I am all in and do not shy of in front of hours of dedicated work time and potential failure. But when it comes to making myself things I really need, such as a backpack or any pouch to store important things in, I rarely seem to find the motivation to even start sewing.
Is sewing squares and straight lines putting me off?
I was preparing for a trip by bike, so I really had not excuse left to sew anything clothes-related, nor did I have the time. Sadly, I even had to abandon some projects.
Have you ever realized that anything outdoor or waterproof related is hugely overpriced?
Bike bags for example!
A few squares and latches, one bungee rope and it costs you over a hundred bucks, easy.
There really was an opportunity to make some of that gear myself. But I rather spend my time cutting and sewing silk strips together.
Luckily, I found some second hand options of all those expensive bags, saved some money and I didn’t have to make them all myself.
Nevertheless, I digged out an old north face bag and a bike-poncho, both made from waterproof fabric. With the intention to sew some little useful things for that trip.
One little important need is to protect my laptop.
I don’t want to drown my hive posts in the rain.
I should manage one square-sewing-session for that purpose.
As in most upcycling moments, I first took apart a few seams.
Cut some straight lines.
Had a few great ideas.
That I changed in the next moment.
The yellow bag didn't find its way into the project.
Ran out, hoping I didn’t already throw all that stuff that could come in handy now.
Intention or luck, I didn’t.
Before I realized I started to really enjoy myself sewing squares.
How refreshing not having to take in consideration all the complex and individual shapes of a human body.
Straight seams and clean cuts.
The design is just a tube, basically. On each end there is some black lace with a loop and a hook. Every side can be rolled three times and then the hook in the loop, closed.
Laptop and cables just fit in.
Bright orange is not going to make me loose it ever. Including a little reflective strip from back when it was a rain poncho.
It works, my laptop is safe, even in the forest and the rain. I can keep on writing about my ideas and encounters. And I rediscover, that sewing bags and pouches is a very satisfying way of making the needle work.
Thank you all to pass by another time. I appreciate all your support! Have a lovely week!
All photos and words are mine, taken and written by me.