Days Seventeen and Eighteen

Yesterday was all about applique. It was very relaxing to sit and create but I also noticed today that the intense focus on hand work was rather taxing to my body. I don't realize it when I'm in the throws of working on a specific sewing task, but I must tense up my muscles while doing it that I don't feel the "burn" until the next day - and it's not a good burn. It's amazing how many little pains seem to creep in when I'm not paying attention to the need to physically relax. Yes, I have been rather distracted by the need to spiritually relax but physical relaxation is just as important. Today I'm going to take a walk just to make sure the body is getting the oxygen it needs and maybe that will move some of the toxins around because I'm sure they've settled in over the last couple of days of just sewing.I have to say though, my purses are beautiful and the attention to detail is something I find a certain satisfaction in. Pretty soon my friends will be calling me Pursey Galore!

If there is an agenda to be had in this adventure then today it is bread-making. I've got a loaf going and added some mushroom/sage olive oil to the dough mix. It smells delightful. I hope there's enough moisture in the air today to give it some glue. Sometimes, if the weather is rather dry, the bread ends up being a little dry as well, at least for me. So, while I'm finishing up the final touches to purse #3, the bread will be a-baking.

I try to incorporate wool into all my designs. The veggie purse is wool squares with the

applique in each square. The pink purse is a small quilt my mom did and I did the quilting on it but it was very small so I cut it up and put it together with wool strips. The top flap lifts and has a small zippered pocket. My fingers are killing me though - I've done a lot of hand stitching as I believe it adds an element of quality to each project. It also helps me to slow down and the outcome truly reflects it. I love them. So, on to the next one.