I’ve recently had to pick up extra days at work while my husband is job-hunting, so I’m currently working almost full-time.  This has limited my crafting and creative time somewhat, and has limited my blogging time a great deal.  I’m still doing a little bit of making but I’m not keeping up with photo-taking and blog-post-writing.  I’ll post when I can, but it’s going to be a little sporadic.  But there still is some creative space inside my head!

Some of you will remember that I started going to the gym late in 2009, and I managed to keep up quite a demanding exercise schedule for about 14 months.  My fitness improved enormously, I lost weight, I got stronger, and lots of aches and pains vanished.  But at Christmas I completely dropped the ball exercise wise, and with the change in my work hours I just can’t fit the gym in any more.

So to the obvious exercise solution.

We dragged the old Repco Traveller out of the garage and I’ve started cycling to and from work. It’s a 45 minute ride each way – which is the same time it takes me to drive to the train station, catch the train in to the city, then catch a tram up to work. Most of the ride is on bike paths, and I’ve picked the perfect time of year to start riding – not too hot, not too cold. Now that we’ve tarted the bike up a bit with some of the things it was missing – a bell, lights, a basket, water bottle, and a new comfy seat – I am actually enjoying the ride.  I don’t mind exercise as much when it has a definite purpose – this way I get to and from work and have exercise all at the same time! Other than the reduction in commuter crochet time, it’s a win-win situation.  Anyway, what does this have to do with my creative space?

I need a waterproof bag that will fit into my bike basket. On day two of riding there was a light shower, and I quickly worked out that it would be a good idea if the things that I need to cart on the bike with me were protected from the weather a little. I shower and change when I get to work, so need a bag that is big enough to fit clothes and shoes and a towel and toiletries, as well as some room for the things I’d normally put in my handbag. So I’ve been thinking.

I’ve had this oilcloth/PVC coated fabric in the stash for a while – it would be perfect for a bike basket bag.  Now I need to figure out the measurements – it needs to fit nicely inside the basket.  Will I have a zippered closure, or a flap and clip over the top?  One long strap or two side handles?  Make a matching zippered pouch to keep inside it for toiletries?  Will I line it or leave it unlined (and easy to wipe clean)?  Will it need a pocket or two?  Or should I just keep it as simple as possible?  I think I’ll need to mull this one over a little more.

What’s in your creative space?  Visit Kirsty to see what creative things are happening over blogland.