Slow stitched scrappy rice bag

If you've seen recent posts you might've noticed that I've been making scrappy squares, not with any particular purpose in mind. Just had the urge to make 'em and knew I'd find a use. Well, I have. I've assembled them into a rather crazy looking bag. The shape's based on that of a traditional Japanese rice bag, made of five outer squares and the corresponding number of inner ones. I've lined the bag with a lovely Rose & Hubble cotton bought at the Harrogate Kntting & Stitching Show, quite a while ago.

The loops were made with felted wool from the Bazaar scrap pack. I'd been wondering what to do with them, and this seemed as good a use as any.

I've yet to find a suitable ribbon or cord for the closure, but I'm thinking of making fabric twine. Cutting a couple of lengths of material, then twisting them together, Possibly added a couple of chunky beads to the ends of the twine. I'll experiment, and see how that turns out.

This isn't a bag that suits someone who likes muted, calm colours, is it? But it's fun and will be useful for storing beads or other creative clutter in. I really fancy making another version, but this time in an indigo and white colour scheme. Something more restrained. Will have to delve into my tubs of fabric scraps and see what I've got.

Meanwhile, I've given up on the cosy crime book I started reading the other day. It was mediocre and frankly life's too short to plough through poorly written books. I've moved on to someone more reliable, and am happily engrossed in Phillipa Gregory's 'Dark Tides'. Set in London and New England, 1670. It's a follow-on from 'Tidelands' which I enjoyed a lot. Love the insight into history that you get with these kind of novels, especially women's history and that of working class people. If you've not come across Phillipa Gregory's novels then I'd recommend them.

Okay, that's all from me. Hope your weekend's going well. Bye!

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