I am adding two new products to the range. The first is a messenger-style bag which is the perfect size for your daily needs and will keep you organized in style. Well, at least your handbag contents will be organized, even if your life isn’t! The finished size is approximately 9″ across, 10″ high and 3″ wide. The bag features a full flap with a parachute clip closure, multiple pockets under the flap, as well as inside the bag, a rear pocket, a key clip and a sturdy adjustable strap. I use a combination of fleece and interfacing for structure and durability. Prices start at $75 Cdn, and will vary depending on the materials used.

Under flap of messenger style bag

The second bag is similar, but is 11.5″ across, 9.5″ high and 3.5″ deep. The rear pocket is designed to hold a magazine, plus there are pockets galore for cell phone, pens, notepads etc. There is also a key clip to save you scrabbling around and an adjustable strap so it can be worn on one shoulder or across the body. These will start at $85 Cdn and pockets can be customized to suit your needs.

Under flap of bag, multiple pockets

This particular bag is made in designer fabric by Amy Butler, along with three coordinating cotton prints.

I made a bag for my wonderful neighbour, Elaine. She is a lovely woman and is very tolerant of the girls talking to her endlessly and making her dog run up and down along the fence line. If we go out in the garden and he’s not there, they call for him! They also pick daisies and dandelions and pass them to Elaine over the fence.

Deluxe big bag with lots of pockets

Interior of bag

The exterior of the bag is made with home decor weight fabric with beautiful bold flowers on a warm brown background. The front features a divided, lined pocket. The lining is the same fabric as the upper facing inside the bag. The lining of the bag itself is a medium weight cream cotton and the base and pockets are made with a quilting cotton with a print of butterflies on a cream background. I wanted the interior to be light, so that it is easy to find things – I learned my lesson from making my own bag with a black interior – not so good! The interior of this very spacious bag features a key clip, as always, and pockets for cellphone, pen and notebook, as well as several other pockets. Even with the pockets filled, the centre of the bag is still available for carrying a sweater, shopping, snacks and drinks or whatever you need. The closure is a reinforced magnetic snap.

I am supposed to be making bags to sell, but, truth be told, I am having a hard time letting go of this one! I am so pleased with this little beauty. The exterior is decor weight fabric, lined with a coordinating quilting cotton and interlined with fleece for a softly structured feel. I haven’t quite got the hang of working with iron in interfacing and I like the feel the fleece gives the bags. The interior of this has a key clip and a divided pocket for a cellphone, pen and notepad. Guess who is a list-writer!

I just finished this bag, a first attempt at sewing vinyl. As much as I love the bag, it was not the easiest thing to sew, so it may be a little while before I try again!

I used a soft black vinyl for the exterior and a gloriously blue and green floral print cotton for the lining, as well as a plain blue cotton for the zippered pocket. The zippered pocket “Eureka” moment came when I found this tutorial, for which I am forever grateful!  http://creativelittledaisy.typepad.com/creative_little_daisy/2007/02/dont_fear_the_z.html As usual in my bags, I included a key clip, which I forgot to take a picture of tonight. I made it quite long in this bag so that you can open the door without having to unclip your keys. Very handy when carrying baby on one hip and trying to stop the stroller/shopping trolley from rolling away across the car park with one foot…. I know I am not the only one this happens to!

Bye for now!