Oh, I want to leave my house this Beltane! As the weather gets nicer, the event cancellations get more and more disappointing. I miss dressing up, celebrating, and even shopping…Can’t even browse a market for fun anymore.
In my mourning, I’ve latched onto the aesthetic of picnics as a hopeful transitional activity that will bring us all gradually out of isolation. We won’t be crowding around banquet tables anytime soon, but maybe we can reasonably hope to spread out in a field on blankets, with packed lunches. Clinging to these two fantasies, shopping and picnicking, I’ve sewn myself a shoulder tote ready to carry produce to and fro.
I drafted the pattern for the bag myself and constructed the shell out of a dramatically textured upholstery fabric. The lining is made from a set of old bed sheets that I hadn’t completely used up yet. It can be worn on one shoulder, or cross body.
I am really digging a super neutral color pallet for spring. Soft, simple linens and canvas are calming. Anything too loud, colorful, or overly celebratory feels like inappropriate design at the moment. I’m favoring a minimalist look which is reserved and utilitarian.
Speaking of utilitarian. since it doesn’t look like life is going back to the old normal anytime soon, I’ve also started sewing another batch of face masks. This time, fitted ones with matching thread and straight stitches. Now that I’ve found the will to sew again, I can do a better job making a variety of masks for long-term use. Camo still feels like a good option for any apocalypse.
Though I won’t be enjoying a picnic with friends this Beltane, I will be working in the garden, celebrating the start of the growing season by planting my vegetables.
