The Secret Mess of Bags and Life

Today, I was thinking about sewing, as I often do, but instead of my normal sewing thoughts (what project can I make next? which fabric should I choose? when can I justify my next Girl Charlee order?), I was thinking about the sewing process, particularly the inside of the bags I have sewn. Don't ask me how I got on that thought! I have no idea. But this led me to thinking about how hidden between the beautiful finished lining and exterior of a bag is a mess.....a mess of white interfacing, thread pieces, seam allowances,

stitching lines, zipper tape, and the wrong side of a zipper pocket.

No one but the sewer usually sees this concealed mess. Mostly everyone else just sees the finished product, all neat and tidy, picture perfect!

But this unseen, unsung mess is what gives the outward picture its perfect form and beauty. Without it, the final product would not be there. This is kind of like people and life. So many people just see the outward, put-together person, and not the inner, tangled threads that have shaped and formed that visible persona. Often times, we don't take the time, think about, or even care to know what lies behind the surface, but perhaps if we could see, we would appreciate the outer all the more.

Who would have guessed that thoughts of sewing and bags could be so philosophical!?!? ;)

*Bag pictured is the Stella Weekender by Swoon Sewing Patterns (affiliate link)!