THE NO.1 BAG LADIES’ CLUB
No such thing as “I Hate Mondays” here, as the ladies arrive to take part in their much looked-forward-to meeting with their friends at the No.1 Bag Ladies’ Club! An odd name, perhaps, but initiated by Harriet who after quitting Sydney for a quieter (and better) life in Peregian Springs, introduced a small group to the joys of manufacturing their own beautiful treasures, an art which she had perfected over many years and which included stylish and colourful bags. This is where it all started, with bag-making, hence the name!
They enter the workroom jauntily escorted by Rosie, the Westie and greet the others who are sitting and chatting around a work table filled with glorious examples of their work, including embroidery, smocking, knitting, beading, and lately gorgeous handmade jewellery. In the glorious sunlight, the scene is of a virtual Aladdin’s Cave of riotous colour and glittering jewels. Laughter, good humour, much enthusiasm and congratulations for each other’s pieces, fill the room.
How did the Bag Ladies Club start? While Harriet and Glynn were living in Sydney, Harriet had always been interested in knitting and craft and undertook an Antiques Restoration Class. Her daughter’s class was looking for a school project and Harriet was invited to help. She began a craft project, making Christmas wreaths and little gifts for Christmas. The class was very successful in selling their creations at the School fair. Harriet and her friend continued on with stalls at the St. Ives Craft Fair at the showgrounds. They made beautiful wheat bags from lovely fabrics which had been sourced through an importer. There were beautiful French tapestry off-cuts, patchwork pieces and lovely pieces of material which were made into very popular items.
When Harriet and Glynn moved to the Country Club in September 2009, Harriet’s collection of fabrics and old brooches, jewellery and bits & bobs came with her. She wondered if there were any ladies in the village who were interested in craft work. Anita helped with a flyer and so one Monday morning, the No.1 Bag Ladies’ Club began in Villa 129.
The previous owner of their Villa had enclosed the outside terrace, so Harriet had an established “work room” where she stored all her beautiful materials, plus her heavy duty sewing machine and overlocker.
Harriet decided to show the girls how to make a bag for themselves and over the years there have been many lovely bags made. With Harriet’s collection of old brooches, sequins and beads and the beautiful tapestry and brocade pieces, there were oodles of choice for the bags. Some have made lovely shopping bags but the really outstanding bags are the ones the ladies have made for evening use, with exquisite embroidery, lace, beading and special, novel pieces included. Many of these bags have been given as gifts to daughters, granddaughters and friends and may become “family heirlooms” to be handed down. When Harriet helps with the finishing touches, she always places a five-cent piece inside the lining for Good Fortune to whoever possesses this unique bag.
It has been said that informal craft groups make the greatest contribution to individual and collective well-being with ladies coming together as they bond and relax over their projects with a real sense of belonging, swapping recipes and sharing stories of husbands, children and grandchildren, overseas trips and operations– it is real “caring and sharing”.
Some of the bags could be called “Story Bags” as the ladies have sewn lovely individual pieces of memorabilia to the bags. These could be reminders of happy and sad times and the grandchildren love hearing the stories that go with individual bags.
There are always many occasions to celebrate in this group and birthdays and anniversaries are good excuses for a crafty knees-up and a High Tea of wonderful home-baked delicacies. Great friendships are forged here which will no doubt continue on in their shared interests in the coming years.
LONG LIVE THE NO.1 BAG LADIES!
