The Bear Necessities

Have you noticed how much of your crafts are dictated by your needs? For example, last week I made myself a water bottle cosy because I drink a lot of water and sometimes the water filter dispensers at college are just too cold to drink water straight from. I drink from my bottle and when that empties, I fill that again from the dispenser and it'll warm up a little before I have another drink. This weeks essential crafting extravaganza? A book bag. I made it last night during our Sunday night film night (M and I snuggle up on the sofa in pj's with munchies and a blanket, watching a film together); it's something I've had in my mind for a few weeks now. I nearly always have a book in my bag, especially at the moment when I seem to be spending so much time at the surgery or the hospital, and they can get a little dog eared, so I wanted something to protect them.

I made it from scrap polar fleece, so the fabric has a little give in it and blanket stitched round the edge. I decided to make it fasten with two elastic bands which go over and around the book, so that it'll hold big or small books securely.

The bands go all the way round

The pretty patch is a peacock that I printed onto some of that printer fabric stuff, and sewed onto felt. It works really well and I'm pleased with the result. That lovely rich purple makes me happy when I look at it, and it feels so nice and soft to the touch. 

Here's where I am with my 'Baroque' by the way

The yarn is a beautiful emerald green colour with a silver thread running through it! It's easy enough so far.

Do you want to see what I've been doing today??? Photograms!! You'kno, I'd forgotten just how much fun proper photography is! I totally love the convenience of digital photography, don't get me wrong, but there's something about darkrooms, and enlargers and chemical baths that is just so much fun! I haven't had access to a darkroom since Uni and the smell of the chemicals really took me back. There's just nothing like watching your picture appear as if by magic on that square of paper you're squinting at in the dim red light of the darkroom. We made these by laying some photographic paper under the enlarger, laying an assortment of translucent and opaque items onto the paper (whatever we had about our persons) and then exposing it under the enlarger light for about 5 seconds. Then we put it in the developer, the stop bath and the fixer in that order, and washed them in water. Actually, this is a photo of a photogram because it was easier than scanning it *lol*

I start my TESOL course tomorrow. Wish me luck!