From Edinburgh with Inspiration: A Pilgrimage, New Friendships, and Scottish Fabrics

Sometimes the best souvenirs aren't the ones you buy-they're the memories you make and the friendships you bring home.

My recent trip to Edinburgh, Scotland was one I'll never forget. I was blessed to be part of a pilgrimage with a group of 40 people from all around the country. Some were familiar faces I had met on a pilgrimage to Italy two years ago, while others became wonderful new friends during this journey. Sharing this experience with such an incredible group made every stop along the way even more meaningful.

Of course, everyone who knows me also knows that no matter where I travel, I have one mission that I simply can't resist-I have to find a local fabric store!

While exploring the beautiful streets of Edinburgh, with its historic stone buildings, charming shops, and rich Scottish heritage, I was thrilled when I discovered a fabric store tucked away among the city streets.

When word spread that I had found a fabric store in Edinburgh-my number one "must-do" on the trip-my traveling buddy and two wonderful new friends from our pilgrimage happily came along with me. Soon we were surrounded by beautiful Scottish fabrics, unfolding bolts of fabric, comparing favorites, and dreaming up a bag we could create together.

The shop was filled with gorgeous fabrics inspired by Scotland's rich history and natural beauty. There were classic tartans, elegant thistle prints, Highland-inspired designs, and fabrics that captured everything I love about this beautiful country. I knew immediately that several of these special fabrics would be coming home with me.

As we looked through the fabrics together, the conversation quickly turned into ideas for custom bags.

One friend found a beautiful Scottish-inspired print and immediately said, "I can picture this as a crossbody bag!"

The other discovered a fabric she absolutely loved and began describing the perfect everyday tote she had always wanted.

Listening to them share their ideas reminded me why I love creating custom pieces so much. Every fabric has its own personality, but when someone chooses the fabric themselves and helps imagine the finished design, the final piece becomes even more meaningful. We talked about bag styles, pockets, strap lengths, and all the little details that would make each bag uniquely theirs.

By the time we left the shop, I wasn't just carrying beautiful Scottish fabrics-I was carrying inspiration, excitement, and two special projects that began in the heart of Edinburgh.

Travel has always inspired my creativity, but this experience reminded me that the most memorable moments often happen when we share them with others. A simple visit to a fabric store became one of my favorite memories of the trip because it combined my love of sewing with the friendships that were formed during our pilgrimage.

Now those Scottish fabrics are waiting in my sewing room, ready to become one-of-a-kind bags with stories woven into every stitch. Each one will remind me of Edinburgh, of laughter shared while choosing fabrics, and of the wonderful people who helped make this journey so special.

Who knows? Maybe one day you'll discover a fabric that speaks to you, and together we'll create a custom bag that's uniquely yours.

After all, every handmade bag begins with a piece of fabric-but the very best ones begin with a story.