"Meditate where you're at" cushion

I intend to meditate more often. So why don't I? I'm not a lazy person and I'm good at keeping my word - so usually when things aren't happening there's an explanation for it. And if I really truly intend or want to do the thing... then I should search for the reason that it's not happening.
I got a meditation chair, thinking that would entice me

 ... but I'm still not meditating. And I think it's because:

• it takes up a lot of space > so there aren't many options about where it can be
• the chair is a permanent fixture > I can't move it from place to place depending on where the sun shines or if one of the rooms in my place is occupied

For a while, I thought I wasn't using it because it had no cushions, but I made cushions so I had overcome that obstacle!
I'm staying away from home, alone on a semi "retreat"right now (which is why I'm thinking about meditating!) and I started scribbling and designing an idea for a "Meditate where you're at" cushion - because really all meditating requires is sitting on your bum on the floor and concentrating. I'm a big believer in posture; striking a pose has a huge effect so sitting on the couch wasn't working for me, I need to be crosslegged. The tiled floor is cold here and the cushions were too small... hence the requirement to design something.

I'm thinking it can fold.

The black line indicates a zip. And it's got a handle on it, not sure where yet

There's loads more work to be done! I'm writing about it here so I can throw out the scribbly bits of paper that I've been designing on!
For the filling, I researched some Ikea baby foam mattresses, Vyssa Slappna:
160x70x7 €30
120x60x5 €20
When I go home, I will ask someone to sit on some paper or fabric on the floor and draw around them to get the shape and dimensions.
Regarding the shape, I'm not fully decided on it yet, not entirely sure that I like the heart shape above. I had dismissed this shape, however, and focussed on progressing with the other, the folding etc is working out with the heart shape.

This is what happens with design - an idea must get discarded, sometimes for no valid reason other than a whim - but I suppose that's what designers are for, trusting their whims and following them!

Baby bibs

Today I was mostly... finishing sewing baby bibs

11 bibs made and no two the same
Thanks to nanacompany.typepad.com for the pattern

Fasteners

The Eleven Bibs - back and front

A tie shape appliqué for a little man.

Plain and simple. Bright orange! With tie fastener.

A simple dickie bow for a boy. And matching blue on the reverse.

It's harder to find ideas for girls! I appliquéd one of the circular shapes from the oilcloth pattern on to the orange fabric.

This one features an appliqué boat on one side, and blue watery colour fabric at the rear.

Same as the first one - tie with blue on reverse.

Black and white fabric with orange on reverse (using up fabric scraps from my stash!)

Blue/orange combo

Orange/ B&W combo:

A lovely oilcloth pattern with orange on reverse:

(I think there's only ten there!) They will be gifts for friends and family.

Onion Bag

I bought a bag for storing onions. Like this one:

And it's been a really useful, tidy, functional addition to my kitchen.
When Derrybeg Farm needed to make up a hamper of goods to promote Community Supported Agriculture, I thought to contribute an onion bag. I had bought just the fabric for the job!

Bought on sale from The Eternal Maker: Abstract Onions by Kobayashi

It's a simple drawstring bag pattern. I think I used shoelaces for the drawstrings.

The shape/size/dimensions of my bag were influenced by the scrap of fabric which I had.

The professional bag which was my inspiration does have a zip in the size for easy access of onions if the bag is hanging, I didn't trouble myself with this. I wonder if the winner of the hamper minds! And if the bag gets used!

Minoru jacket

This jacket was sewn over a year ago by me. I really liked the pattern and absolutely recommend it.

 It was surprisingly easy to sew a jacket.

 The fabric is maybe a light denim. Bought in Wexford at Colman Doyle's shop. It's interesting because it's got these lines through it, ready-sewn grooves in the fabric.
I remember the zip purchasing being a bit of a challenge- it's open ended.

 For the lining, I used a red satiny lining fabric for collar and sleeves and a floral cotton fabric (used to be a curtain) for the main body - I mustn't have had enough of either fabric so I mixed and matched! Actually it works really well, because the silkiness feels nice at my neck but there's more warmth in the body.

 There's an elastic casing at the back which was easy to make and makes the fit of the coat really work for me.

5 stars to Tasia at Sewaholic - whose website and pattern collection has come on sooo much since I last checked it out. Great work! I think she started out as an independent pattern drafter in Canada only a few short years ago.