Picnic Spot (and accessories!)

Around this time of year, I always start thinking about grassy meadows, naps under trees, and picnic baskets.  We saw this Coke commercial last night on TV and I almost choked up a little bit; my longing to be on a picnic was so intense.

(Some of you will point out that I live in L.A., so I could go sit outside on a blanket right now.  However, even here, it’s not quite the same until the sun is really warm and you’re wearing something sleeveless.)

Anyway, I thought it would be a good time to start my spring sewing wish list.  I have visions of picnic blankets, summer dresses, and fresh table linens.  I love warm weather sewing, because I can really experiment with patterns and colors and worry less about what my husband will say.  I can just tell him “this is for outside, not the bed,” and he’ll be fine.

My wish list so far:

• a picnic blanket:
  • maybe something that rolls up, like this blanket from soulemama
  • definitely want to add some rock pockets so it doesn’t blow away (via sewmamasew) – Picnic blanket with rock pockets

• some new summer dresses:  I am so glad this dress pattern from Anna Maria Horner is finally out! I don’t know if I could have waited much longer.

• some Spring/Summer bags:  I think I need two.
  • a library bag (a la Posie Gets Cozy)
  • an “adventuring” bag:  I want something casual that can go to the zoo and the garden, maybe even Disneyland and Hawaii.  (It’s good to set goals, right?)  The bag needs to hold a camera, water bottle, keys, wallet, and hand lotion.  There should be room for random scraps of paper since that seems to be most of what ends up in my purse.  I haven’t quite decided on a shape yet.

• And last but not least:  a picnic set.  I have plans to fully deck out a picnic basket with the works – a basket liner, matching napkins, drawstring pouches for the silverware.  Cute little matching tins and containers.  I’m not sure if I’ll get to it this year, but it’s on the list.

Anyone else with picnics on the brain?  I might have forgotten some important accessories. I am torn between wanting spring to arrive and thinking I might need another few months to get my sewing list in order first.  ;-)