full of inspiration

I had a fabulous trip to Key West. Not only was I able to relax (and get a lot of knitting, crochet, and sewing done) I got to visit with my family, who I miss very much, and get lots of new bag inspirations! I also picked up some really great tropical fabrics at the local craft store. Here is some pictures of the dress I made while there. My Mom and I were watching a marathon of Project Runway the whole time, so I felt unusually stressed while sewing it :) I am sooooo happy with the results!! I am going to do another version with the skirt longer and patchworked batik fabric. I am going to make a few more petite messenger bags and a new style of smaller bags and some backpacks to bring to new hope. I also want to start getting a stock for my etsy store and craft shows. So much to do, so little time.

Tie Dying is still in the working stages. I haven't found a thread that really works for making sewn on designs. I am also thinking I bought to many dark colors (who me?). I need to bite the bullet and get the 3 set DVD on how to do all the different styles of tie dye, since it seems I want to do some more advanced methods.

Well that is all for now. I am happy to be back, but my trip is just what I needed! I feel so recharged and I only have to wait a month to see my Mom and Aunt again!

I have done it!!!

As of yesterday I have 4 of my bags in a shop in New Hope. I worked like a fiend all week (still didn't finish one of them) but finally managed to get them over there. They loved them and set up a display in the front of the store with them. I took the pictures quickly so they are a little fuzzy, but I still can't believe they are out there! I really wanted to get the cherry bag done, but after talking with the owners of the store, I need to add a zipper closure to the bag. They also really want more mini messenger bags. I need to also design a smaller bag.

I need to use today to get ready for the trip to the keys. I need to bring projects to work on and I want to get some ideas for tropical inspired bags. I really want to incorperate cocktail umbrellas into a bag, but I am still working on just how to do it. I mod podged a few, but they are still pretty fragile. Maybe I need that stuff you dip flowers into. I will need to experiment (my favorite part !)

Edit: I just got a call, my petite messenger bag sold this morning as soon as the store opened!!! It was going to sell for around $85. Yipee!!!

Happy 4th!!!

The new me

Ok Life has changed yet again in a big way. I am still trying to get used to being home in the daytime. It is also weird having the son home a couple days a week (but fun). I have a new laptop ( got a good price on a refurbished one, and a little help from my fairy godmother). I am going to key west next week (again thank jessie!).

You may notice in my picture to the left some changes in my appearance. Yes those are real glasses. It occured to me when I couldn't read my son his bedtime story and I couldn't read the hymn numbers posted on the wall in church that I may need some help. I now have to wear glasses full time and the Dr. said I could put off bifocals for a year or two. Wow that just makes me feel so old all at once!!! I always expected to need reading glasses, but distance glasses? Wow. Did I mention I also got my nose pierced?

The most exciting news is there is a cute little boutique in New Hope that is going to take my bags on consignment. I am so excited and so tired from all the work I have been doing to get them done and over there this week. They all just need finishing touches and putting together. Pictures to come when all are completed.

Here are some pics from our first tie dye experience in New Hope.