The colours of the tweed really blended so well with the shades of the surrounding countryside”
I’ve been very fortunate over the years I’ve been designing to live near some stunning locations for my bag sewing pattern cover photoshoots. This has included the beach on a bracing misty October morning, the wilds of Norfolk’s saltmarsh in spring and the banks of an ancient mill pond at sunset. But the location for the latest images, of the Edwardstone Mini Messenger Bag has a special significance for me.
The backdrop for the ‘Edwardstone’ bag sewing pattern photoshoot
It’s strange because so many people have commented on the pictures, and the beautiful surroundings I’m walking in. I’m not sure if it’s due to the colours of the tweed I used to make the bag blending so well with the backdrop. Or if it’s just the sense of openness and tranquillity of the Suffolk countryside that has struck a chord with many of you. But either way, I am really pleased and wanted to tell you a bit more about the location.
We took the pictures at a spot less than a mile from my home and studio. Basically it is in the middle of nowhere between our village and the historic parish of Lavenham. The location is accessed only by what is essentially a single track road, which was until recently blighted by some of the biggest potholes I have ever seen. But it’s worth negotiating to get to where the shots were taken. Anyone who says Suffolk is ‘flat’ is mistaken, and this spot illustrates my claim. No it doesn’t have mountains or hills in the ‘hill-walking’ sense. But it is gently undulating, with many villages being in river valleys.
Fond memories rekindled
I was standing in a gateway to a field which is at one end of a quiet byway called ‘Primrose Lane’. From there you can see three different church towers in the distance and get a view for miles over the surrounding farmland. I’ve always loved this sense of space, which provides room to breathe in what can be an overwhelming modern word.
When I was a child, I remember walking Primrose Lane with my mum during spring, when it was carpeted in pretty pale yellow flowers. My cousin, Suzanne, and I would walk or cycle a six mile round trip to Lavenham and back along the single track road, either to have a picnic in a field or buy an ice-cream. Happy, carefree times.
There were no primroses when we visited this time, but everything was verdantly green, and we did manage to find some purple-toned wild blooms to match the tweed and my beret. If you look across the field from where I am walking, you will see in the distance a farmhouse, which must date back to at least the 16th century. My great Aunt Connie and her husband, Dick, lived and farmed there in the early part of the 20th century. My grandparents would go and help out at certain times of the year. Several decades later, a lovely family who became good friends bought the house. It has nice memories for me.
The Edwardstone Mini Messenger Bag sewing pattern details
I named the new bag sewing pattern after a village close to where my dad was born. The style is a neat and sleek, handy sized cross-body bag with vintage flair but very practical for modern living. You can easily sling it across the body where it will lay nice and flat (due to its flat construction). So it would be ideal for days when you need a bag but don’t want to carry much. I’ve already used mine on beach and country walks, as well as on sight-seeing trips and can confirm it is very handy!
The bag features pleat detailing and an asymmetrical flap. Try making it all in one fabric, or pieced from two or three contrasting fabrics. The strap is made from webbing and is adjustable. The pattern also has a template and instructions for an interior zippered pocket, so you can keep valuables that bit safer.
So what comes next in terms of sewing patterns and kits?
I’m just putting the finishing touches to the Nedging Beret (pictured worn with with bag) and that will definitely be available in August. In September I will be launching some new autumn/winter fabric kits for Nedging, along with some more bag kits. In the meantime, you can buy full kits for Edwardstone Mini Messenger Bag. They contain everything you need to make a bag. Wool outer fabric, lining, interfacing, fleece, zipper, webbing, hardware and vintage buttons. Most are one-offs so will offer something unique.
I’m working on another small ‘pieced’ cross-body bag for autumn which can be made in four different contrasting fabrics, so watch this space for a preview very soon!
Until then, I wish you all a very happy summer of sewing!
Emma xx
