It's been a few days. And then some. I needed (she says very selfishly) some peace and good stuff to happen today. And it did.
Early-ish this morning, and after I sent a message to MA, thanking her for a Gandalf repair (patched duvet cover), she says this:
Btw I have eventually made that bag for you out of the top of your jeans you gave me ,,,,, I don’t remember how many years ago 👣🙈🙈🙈
Once upon a time, about four or five years ago...
Most folk know that I don't eat potatoes and rarely eat rice - unless it's kind-of a whole meal like jambalaya or risotto. Anyhow, part of it was because this then early 50-something had grown out of all of her clothes and was feeling increasingly uncomfortable. The change wasn't a hardship. What was difficult was not having sandwiches for lunch. Not such a hardship now as I partly explained here. The result was pretty spectacular and I was thrilled.
I have a good friend who happens to be a clever seamstress and because I generally like the clothes I wear, she had both let out clothes for me, and now she had the task of taking them in. Among those items were three pairs of jeans. Then one day, when I collected them, she said:
If you lose more weight, you'll have to get new jeans. I can't take them in anymore. It just won't work.
I did lose more weight, and then I had an idea. I could wear (a) belts) and if she turned them into a skirt, perhaps I didn't have to throw them away. Say one thing about MA, she's not one to pass up a challenge - even if she thinks it's a little hairbrained.
So she did: two, and the legs of the third pair, she made me two skirts. I love them. They're fabulous for in between and cold weather: they lend themselves to layering... I wear them often - with a belt because they are still too big...
Because I didn't really want two skirts exactly the same, she made the gusset of the second skirt from a patchwork of scraps and chose colours she knew I'd like.
At the time we agreed she'd make me a bag with the top of the third pair. As you gathered, she surprised me with it today.
I love it!!
She seriously went the extra mile: not just a zip but a lining and pockets. I can't wait to have an excuse to go out and wear it.
The Husband wasn't too slow, either:
now I have an excuse for fiddling in your pants...
All while the first of the season's lemons is marming...be warned: marmalade madness ahead over the next while.
Until next time, be well
Fiona
The Sandbag House
McGregor, South Africa
Photo: Selma
Post script
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If this post might seem familiar, it's because I'm doing two things:
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Original artwork: @artywink
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