Sewing, and the usefulness of a deadline

Hi! I bought my sewing machine 2 years ago, and had a go at making a few things: a cat bed, a chicken, a cover for my sewing machine, and a few tote bags. I still don't really know what I'm doing, and I hadn't made anything for about a year and a half, so I'd pretty much lost all confidence. I really wanted to make a bag, and I'd bought the pattern and fabric a year or so ago, but I was dreading making a start, in case I messed it up.

My lovely cousin Helen started making bags recently, which gave me a bit of a nudge to get my machine out again. A few weeks ago, she made me join a group on Facebook for bag-making, and they are so supportive of beginners, and the beautiful creations on there are inspiring! So I dug out my pattern and fabric. Then did nothing. Then spent many hours looking at fabric online. Then bought more fabric. The watched tutorials to make other bags. Still didn't actually make anything. But the Hobbycrafts show at the NEC was coming up, and I decided that if I hadn't made a damn bag by then, I couldn't buy any more fabric at the NEC!

Two weeks ago I cut out all the fabric. A few days later I cut out the interfacing. The day before the NEC, I ironed all the interfacing on to the fabric, and MADE THE BAG! It took me all day and all evening, and I was exhausted from the concentration, but once I'd got going I didn't want to stop until it was done. I now have a 'proper' bag, with zips and pockets, and an adjustable strap! It's a bit wonky, but it's mine, and I love it.

The pattern is from Dog Under My Desk. Despite the time and stress it took to make, I'm really excited to get going on another bag!

I also had a little helper, Emily. She was a bit of a distraction, but she's beautiful :D

Fabric: Perfectly Seasoned range by designer Sandy Gervais, for Moda