A Laptop Bag for a $5 donation to flood relief, anyone...?

I'm a bit short on time at the moment, so instead of making something specific for the Queensland Flood Appeal auctions, I've decided to add one of my original samples of the Laptop Bag to the prize pool.

It has a pleated gadget-pocket and a compartment pocket.... ..and another pocket on the front. It holds a 15" laptop computer (although I never quite got around to making a sleeve to match the bag) or it could be used as an everyday satchel to carry books and files to work or school. It could also be a nappy bag.
This bag is a smidge smaller than the size the final pattern makes, but it's possibly my favourite of all the samples that I've made. I love the fabric prints (an old range by Timeless Treasures, called Lindsey).

I'm blatantly stealing Jodie's idea of a raffle, because I think that most of us could afford to donate $5, and it makes it possible for more people to donate and take part. For every $5 donation you make to the appeal, you get a chance to be in the draw.

I feel that the postage cost to ship this baby overseas would be better spent on rebuilding flood-ravaged communities, but I'll pay postage within Australia (and you're welcome to pay the difference to your country if you're overseas and really want the bag....).

All you need to do is make a donation to the Premier's Flood Relief Appeal and leave a comment here with your receipt number . If you don't have a Blogger account or if you don't have your email address enabled on your Blogger profile, please leave it on your comment or email me directly on info@nicolemdesign.com.au. I can't contact you (should you win) otherwise.

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EDITED TO ADD: Slight change of rules.... I'm going to include donations to THE RED CROSS, who have started a fund to assist people affected by the Victorian floods. Leave your receipt number here if you've made a donation.....

If you want an entry for every $5 you've donated, I'm afraid you'll have to have a separate receipt number for every $5, otherwise you can enter once (one receipt number) for any donation over $5.

I'll do a random number draw next (changed to...) WEDNESDAY night. Please don't leave a comment unless it's with a receipt number, as that mucks up the whole random number thingamie.

There are a few other raffles (like this, this and this and this and this...) amongst the auctions, so even if you don't have a large amount to donate, you can make a contribution and still be in with a chance to win a giveaway! Watch Toni's blog for updates....

For those of you in North and Western Victoria... I have everything crossed for you that those floods are not endangering you, your family or your property. My heart goes out to those who haven't been so lucky.

Small things

It's been a weekend for enjoying the little things, like taking pleasure in the texture of knitted pure wool, the sense of achievement in finishing something, and the adorable cuteness of baby clothes.

After the initial panic (when baby-size slippers emerged from the washing machine) and the ensuing stretching-the-bejeezus-out-of-dense-felt, there's a huge sense of satisfaction hovering about our house over a certain felting project.... They fit!

Our recent weirdy tropical weather may not agree with delicate little flowers like me, but the garden is looking AMAZING! Lots of baby vegetables and luscious foliage.

Spanakopita, anyone....?

The figgy forest at the bottom of the garden is promising great things (if the bats and birds don't get the fruit first).

And there are lots of little moments to enjoy...
...like a happy, healthy child on a swing

...under a heavily-laden, super-shady apple tree

...in shortie-pajamas and shiny silver shoes

..at midday.

We have many reasons to be grateful. While I feel lucky to have the time to smile at the small, everyday things, my thoughts are with the people who have been affected by the floods in QLD and WA, and with those anticipating impending floods in our own state. I wish I could send at least a little bit of ordinary to them, and wish them lots of safe and dry.

'Er Indoors

I didn't get out much this last week. Not even virtually.

The week began with a HUUUUUUUUGE catch-up on internet orders, ordering stock and entertaining a not-quite-at-school kid. Then it was straight in to Beginner's Sewing Classes.


I really am loving my new teaching space (and in this "Melbourne goes tropical" week, have fallen in love with with the air-con all over again). The classes were fun and it was very rewarding to see people leave with a whole new set of skills and ideas. (I also discovered my new favourite dip and some yummy choc-chip cookies).

All the while, I've been enjoying my new coasters, made by Vireya. I love them. Really, really love them. There are 10 of them - enough for a full class and everyone in the office!


The news from Queensland shocked me into a stunned silence in blogland and social-media world. I didn't feel that I could say anything trite and everyday.... but felt powerless to do or say anything meaningful.

I signed up for an auction to raise funds for flood relief efforts in QLD. See Toni's blog for more details about this fund-raiser, and watch this space next week for an auction of one of my handmade bags. It's a little something that I can do. If you can too, why don't you? Or why don't you bid your donation on one of the many auctions happening next week?