Sometime before March this year (2020), there was an alarming report of a disease outbreak which occurred in the central province of China. People in the United Kingdom were becoming more aware of the outbreak and exceedingly, when it started to disperse out of Wuhan, China. That is why, international news on the television and over the radio apprised and forewarned the world population of its trajectory and threat. Apart from the compiled news, there was numerous raw footage originated, in and out, of Wuhan containing leaked stories of distressed people.
When the outbreak morphed as an epidemic then later magnified itself as an unprecedented pandemic, people around the world increasingly became agitated and mindful of its petrifying course. That is why, when it reached the domain of European countries there was a surged in the number of people being sent to hospitals as well as the mournful increased in the death toll.
This formidable danger of Covid-19 echoed across the world. As a result, the U.K government gradually announced its lockdown guidelines for the benefit of its people, the visitors and more importantly, its NHS & all key workers. In effect, commercial establishments ceased to operate; tourist attractions were prohibited; offices/factories were dead-bolted and schools were suspended. In connection to this, residents and visitors were asked to stay-at-home at their respective residences/addresses. If and when they go out, they must abide with and practice the 2-metre social distancing rule and avoid congregating in parks etc. On an encouraging note, just last week (10 May 2020) the U.K. Government announced a strategic roadmap for Corona virus lockdown recovery; that is by organising a "stay alert" step-by-step easing/lifting of restrictions.
In the early days of stay-at-home ordinance, the people in the U.K. either found it as a challenge or a beneficial diversion. There were individuals who unselfishly registered themselves for voluntary roles and who unconditionally assist the frail/vulnerable around their neighbourhood. Moreover, most people handled their time by tidying up hoarded stuff and by rediscovering neglected interests and passions in life.
More than a month ago, your Quidnunc Queen Victoria completely revamped a souvenir gift from her dearest sister, Dayanara Mesmeize. The improvisation allotted by her was a combined conceptualisation, dedication and fiddle. She performed it using the convenience of stitches made from a sewing machine and the laborious needle & thimble of hand sewing. During her attempt at giving it a new appearance, she hastily made a few stitching errors that compelled her to almost give up finishing it. She even thought that she had ruined a lovely souvenir because of a radical idea. Fortunately, she didn't tear it apart but instead, learn from her mistakes. That is why, with pride and joy, here is another handcrafted pieces of Fits and Starts that is associated to the Queen of Birmingham, Dayanara Mesmeize. It has been named as the “Generous Dayanara On-A-Lockdown Versatile Clutch Bag (022020) in Philippines T'boli Tribal Print”. The T'boli (Tagabili to lowlanders) are an animist ethnic group inhabiting highland areas in southwestern Mindanao, centring on Lake Sebu (TauSebu is another of the people's names). (Source: https://www.encyclopedia.com)
The Generous Dayanara On-A-Lockdown Versatile Clutch Bag (022020) in Philippines T'boli Tribal Print is fully padded and structured in an irregular geometrical shape. It has a sheated top grab/carry handle with a pair of grommets out of remnants; a recycled metal push-lock clasp and reclaimed metal triangle flat studs feet. Additionally, it has a customised accoutrement, dust bag, with elastic opening. The reinforced contrasting fabrics utilised were from an an antiquated wool scarf and most of the scarf around the original designed bag.
This Dayanara clutch bag has two different layers of linings: a red cotton cloth for the main interior compartment and a colourful gradient fabric for its opening flap. In order to make this “cross crawl” piece of hers more functional, she embellished it with a couple of extra details. A clashing colour interior slip in pocket and an unplanned hand sewn back exterior motley slip in pocket.
Her handcrafted piece may not go up against and match the sartorial status of highway robbery designer bags. In particular, this may not become a desirable obsession for the wealthy societal classes and nouveau rich collectors. However, this Generous Dayanara On-A-Lockdown Versatile Clutch Bag (022020) in Philippines T'boli Tribal Print has unparalleled gilt-edge calibres as a fully functional generous piece with A1 character.
