Central Plateau, North Island

Central Plateau, North Island
View from a friend's farm

Sunday, 10 January 2016

The Bags, the Fabric and the “i”…

 

On Friday night, we met Anne, and had a celebratory birthday meal for her and Hugh, their birthdays are a day apart. I had made her this huge “carpet bag” type of bag,  roomy, double stitched, and very user friendly.I  understand that after Anne went home, she devoured TWO slices of the cake Joyce had made for her, and did a trial  “cram-in-the-bag” to see what would fit. All was good. Then she looked up my blog and read about my sewing!!! Added up the 2+2, and she realised it was her bag!!!

Anne's Carpet Bag birthday present

Then Today it is Hugh’s Birthday. Happy Birthday.

The fabric is for his bag, he specified “ I don’t want a girly one”, as if I would do one in frilly pinks and pale colours!!! I had this wonderful almost tapestry piece with cats on, and two green batiks for the lining. and the “i” that you have been wondering about? An iPad Air2. He loves it, so fast, so  portable,  so lightweight.  I have set it up with his smart phone as a hot spot, so he can surf the net when we are out, as I look for library books, or get my hair cut ,or dilly dally in a fabric shop. Pity about the cake with only one candle.I guess its size makes up for the lack of numbers.IMG_2468

 

cat fabric for iPad bag

I love this fabric, I bought it in Whangarei so many years ago, and the green batiks will go well for the lining. The pattern? I Googled iPad bags and found one that had been designed for a man!!! I even have the buckles, and he wants an over-the-shoulder strap. Very manly indeed.

The ipad Bag

We have wind, overnight  rain and early morning squalls, the lawn is green, the flowers are blooming, birds are tweeting, Mrs Thrush comes regularly for her meals, and flies away with the family tucker in her beak. What a life she has, feeds herself quickly, then off through the trees, and back in a flash for more. Busy all day, no time to rest, a bit like any mother anywhere.

Quotation of the day, author unknown

“ Remember that when  you’re over the hill,

the downhill road is easier”

Greetings from Jean

28 comments:

Mystic Quilter said...

Now he large stripe bag looks to be ideal for a quilter - should be full of fabrics!!
I'm sure Hugh will love his iPad Air2, I have one and it's great. I ale photos for my blog, in the garden and it's great for scenic shots. Belated Happy Birthday to him.

eileeninmd said...

Happy Birthday to Hugh and Anne! The bags are very pretty, I like the material on both of them. The IPAD Air 2 sounds nice. Great quote! Enjoy your day and the new week ahead!

camp and cottage living said...

What a nice big bag, Jean. I bet Anne will find plenty to fill it and Hugh too when his is finished. I don't know a thing about IPADS except that they are very popular. I'm certain Hugh will enjoy his!
Take care-Kimberly

QuiltinLibraryLady said...

I've always liked that Laurel Burch cat fabric! The pattern for the bag looks great too. I'm sure you're hubby will get a lot of use out of it.

~Kim at Golden Pines~ said...

I do love birthday celebrations, and I love the fabric too, and I've no doubt Hugh will love the Ipad Air2!

Enjoy the week ahead!

Kate said...

Love that Laurel Burch fabric.

The Furry Gnome said...

Nice ipad bag! And Happy Birthday to Hugh!

Janet said...

Anne's bag looks wonderful and I bet Hugh's will be too. Cats and a strap - he will stand out in a crowd. :) Happy birthday to them both.

Carol Mattingly said...

I just got an iPad Air. My company supplies them for my work. I like it much better than the iPad2. it's smaller and easier to use. I hope Hugh likes his. I am amazed at all the sewing you do. I have absolutely zero patience for it. But my sister does a lot of quilting. I would love some of your weather here Jean. Tell Hugh Happy Birthday! Carol

Georgia said...

LOVE those cats! Great work Jean.

Out To Pasture said...

You certainly hit the "wow" factor with those birthday presents, Jean. Or should I say "Lady Bountiful". My iPad is never far from my reach. It has so-o-o many uses including a radio and a flashlight (torch).

Jenny said...

Happy Birthday to Hugh, do give him a hug from me!

Jim said...

A HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Hugh!
His 'man purse' looks great! We don't leave home without ours.
I hope you all are weathering the storm. Ms.Thrush is having a grand ole time, eh?
Enjoy your week, Jean.

TexWisGirl said...

very cool bags!

KB said...

Happy Birthday, Hugh! What wonderful gifts! That iPad looks great, and the bag is handsome, perfect for Hugh!

Our photos said...

Happy birthday to Hugh ! Nice detail: I am posting this comment using an IPad Air 2.

Our photos said...

Happy birthday to Hugh ! Nice detail: I am posting this comment using an IPad Air 2.

Jenn Jilks said...

You are amazing! I adore that material. I need a project. The skirts I made for my granddaughter, the one doesn't wear them, but prefers leggings, it seems. sigh.
I'm in a bit of a funk. A lull.
Awfully cold out, again. Walking is terrible.
Anyway, Happy birthday to your Hugh. xx

joanne said...

Happy Birthday to your hubby! I'm so glad you came by and left such a sweet comment, of course you may copy most anything off my blog, I don't know where that saying came from but it sure did touch my heart. Do you use a 'word' as an anchor for the coming year? Love, love, love the bag. It looks like it's big enough for a weekender. I hope Hugh liked his. Take care and keep warm, we are in a freezing fog right now with bad air quality so I'm pretty much in the house. The temps are right at freezing and the fog is so thick I can't tell day from night...very creepy!

Barb said...

Happy Birthday to Hugh! He made a haul - some very nice presents for him. I love the cat fabric you used for his bag.

Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nana said...

What great bags/totes you make. What a useful item to be able to sew. I'm envious. And what a lucky fellow to get an ipad air ; I'm sure he will love it. I'm not sure the downhill road is easier, but I know it is faster! Enjoy your lovely summer weather.

Fundy Blue said...

Hi Jean! I've ben reading your last few posts, and I immediately went to swaths of daffodils when I saw "I wandered lonely as a cloud.'' It's one of my favorite poems ever. It sounds like Hugh had a happy birthday!
I'm sending him birthday wishes for health, happiness, and fulfillment in the coming year. Your quilting is lovely! I don't know how you do it all! Happy Saturday!

bj said...

Those bags are wonderful...happiest b'day to the both.
xoxo

Eggs In My Pocket said...

Wonderful bags and what a great gift idea! Happy Birthday to both!

Jenn Jilks said...

I still can't get over that fabric! I adore it!!!! Off to have the app't to read the CT Scan results. cheerio!

Sparky said...

YOUR STYLE< your fabric, your choices of patterns, as unique as you ar....greetings from Canada

Allie-oops Designs said...

Happy Birthday Belated to Hugh - what a lovely gift!

Jenn Jilks said...

I still can't get that cat material out of my mind! Beautiful!!!!