The Moonrise

In my previous post, I showed you the bag that I designed as a gift by following H+H’s Domestika course. In that course they gave us a pattern which was the bag I wanted for me. This bag is for my interview outfit. (Side note: I made the dress I’m wearing in the photos out of linen – a project I didn’t document but still am really excited with how it turned out.)

I followed their pattern & instructions almost perfectly, so it’s definitely not entirely my original work, but I’m super happy with how it turned out!

I love the leather that they recommended. It is the most luxurious leather I have ever worked with – English bridle. No imperfections, smooth texture and even coloring. It’s hard NOT to make it look amazing!

This bag is larger than the Hemlock, but still is a small bag that will only hold my phone, wallet, keys, and maybe one or two other small essentials. That’s the purpose I need it for – during my residency interviews, I want a bag to hold my essentials and then I’ll be carrying a portfolio or notepad for questions and observations.

The second purpose I have for this piece is to be a conversation-starter. As I curate my outfit for interviews, I’ve been trying to think through what items I can wear that will represent me well. Since I don’t normally wear suits, my navy suit isn’t really something that says “me.” In order to do that, I have to accessorize. I will wear the bracelet I’ve worn since 2015, beads representing the Kenyan flag. I’ll also leave on my ear cuff from Mombasa and of course the rings from my husband. I plan to wear a small gold necklace from my Grandma Gloria. But all these pieces speak to people and places that have made me who I am – I needed one that expressed more about me personally. While it’s true that I love working with leather, I hope that this piece says more than just that. I love simple elegance and natural beauty, symmetry and balance, and flexible but practical functionality.

I hand-stitched this piece and am so pleased with the consistency of my stitches. Not all my leather sewing has been beautiful, but I hope that this piece shows the patience and tenacity which my God has helped me develop. I don’t like having patience, nor do I enjoy having to be tenacious, but some things are very worth it. The degree which I expect to be conferred on me in May has required oh so much patience and tenacity already. I am certain that being a physician will demand no less.