Which Bag is YOUR Perfect Size?

A common request from folks, is that we somehow include a model in one of our cover pictures to lend a bit of perspective to the size of the finished bag. I understand what they're after, because even though we include the purse dimensions on the cover, it's sometimes tough to be able to visualize the actual size of the finished handbag.

But here's the deal, we can only cram so much information onto a cover, and even onto a webpage for that matter, so we generally have opted instead, to give you close shots so you can see the details better.

But recently a friend of mine (thanks Mary), gave me a good suggestion! Her thought? Why not showcase a groupings of our finished bags in a video. This would give you some good perspective as well as a chance to see how they look on a real body... albeit mine!

So, check out this video, then come back and tell me which of our bags is YOUR perfect size!  (but if any of these bags make me look fat, PLEASE don't tell me that! )

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PPC5- Changing it UP!

 (This post is part of a continuing series focusing on the development of a new handbag pattern from its initial conception to it's release.)

 So... in our last post, we finally nailed down the design for our new pattern, the PortaPocketsPLUS.


And the best part about that, is knowing that now we can just have fun combining various insert module size combinations and experimenting with interior components on the next couple of samples.

For this particular sample I decided to go with a combination of 2 Basic & 1 Thin Insert (leaving out the Tall module).

I also changed up the interiors just a bit, substituting an additional elastic pocket for the Slot Pocket/Credit Card Caddy in the Thin Insert and placing a Flat zippered pocket on the exterior of the 2nd Basic Insert module

And for the very first time we installed one of our brand new Whistle Buckles for our optional key clasp. The thing I love the most about these buckles is that when you detach your keys (along with the grey section of the buckle), you are carrying a safety whistle with you. 

And here's the Thin Module zipped together with one of the Basic Inserts. It's just another of the many different ways to combine the modules so that they suit your needs.

Now virtually EVERY bag you own can be your favorite bag!

And what do you think about this fabric? I gotta tell ya, I wasn't sure I liked this particular color combination when the good folks at Clothworks sent it to me, but the more I worked with it, the more it grew on me. (Sometimes it's just refreshing to work with colors that are completely different that my comfort pallet and that sure was the case here.)

Three of these four fabrics (all but the red dot, which is a Laurel Burch tonal) are from the Suzette & Suzette Tonals collection from Clothworks, which is a relatively recent release. It's not particularly easy to find right now, so if  you can't find it at your local independent fabric store, (which I always recommend checking into first), then I suggest you check it out at Craft Town Fabric.

So there you have it. Stay tuned for our next post in the series. We're going to continue experimenting with interior options AND here's the next big thing...we going to see if we can design a Velcro alternative to the connecting zippers (because I am well aware of the fact that some of you are "zipper-phobic"!).

Does that describe anyone you know?

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Pimped-Up Inspiration

So I was minding my own business,
messing around on Pinterest on a Saturday morning when I saw 

THIS!

and it TOTALLY blew me away!
I gotta admit that the thought of embellishing my sewing machine
had NEVER, EVER occurred to me, (especially with buttons),
but once I saw Sandi Wiseheart's pimped-up machine, I was thoroughly inspired.
I don't know why I was so surprised. You know years ago,
all sewing machines were embellished at the factory....

like this beauty. 

Now I know that this is probably just a refurbished antique, but I can remember my grandmother having a machine that looked a lot like this one, and I bet you have too, so now I felt compelled to see how many other embellished sewing machines I could find online, and I must say, 

it was WELL-worth my time!

Check out this incredible modern take on a vintage classic!

I bet Gramma never had a machine that looked like THIS!

It kinda made me wonder when and why it was
that they started making sewing machines in plain, boring white and beige!

I did find some wild stuff out there, like this "blingified" version which included buttons, sequins and various trims. But here's the deal, although I love the look of the buttons, I'm afraid it would be grabbing threads, tugging at fabric and otherwise getting on my nerves, so I kept looking!

This outstanding machine for example was done entirely with Sharpie markers! 

And I found this Patched-Up Bernina on a Dee-Construction Blog.

And remember Mod Podge? 

The most elaborate makeovers involved the use of this blast-from-the-past decoupage material for an intensely personal touch. Interested in duplicating this look? Here's a tutorial!

And here's a similar take using Mod Podge and the pages of a book, 

PLUS another tutorial to check out. 

And last, but certainly not least, this machine was embellished with fabric by quilt artist Pamela Mostek as part of a Bernina Challenge. You can follow her step-by-step process by clicking HERE.

SO........what about it?

Am I the only one who has a bottle of Mod Podge ordered?

But seriously, I might just try this out on my machine. 

If it comes out OK, I'll share the results in a future post, 

and if any of you have a pimped-out machine of your own, 
PLEASE send me a picture, I would LOVE to see it!

So... what cha think? 

I'd love for you to share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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PPC5- A Garden to Go Please!

 (This post is part of a continuing series focusing on the development of a new handbag pattern from its initial conception to it's release.)

So... in our last post, our goal was to clean up the little details and nail down the design, once and for all for this new pattern and I'm very pleased to say, "MISSION ACCOMPLISHED"! Here are the features we corrected this time out. 

• we pretty much redesigned the zippered connectors between the inserts. The new design is MUCH easier to install and is a little less bulky in the seamage.
• The Peltex we added between the layers of fabric on both Credit Card Caddys added just the right amount of desired stiffness to hold up to the elastic safety band. 
• A design modification to the bottom edge of the small Credit Card Caddy allows it to "sit" in the Slot Pocket lower and more securely.
• We changed the design on the envelope-style pocket yet again, but this time we're very pleased with the final look. The fact that it's also easy to construct now is an added bonus.

So with the preliminaries out of the way, let's look at our sample. 

And before we go any further, I've just gotta say...

"This just may be the best fabric I've ever used"!

It's yummy, and bold, and whimsical and the colors are just delicious!  
And doesn't it look completely fabulous on our new purse insert? These fabrics are part of Jane Sassaman's "Early Birds" line. (We'll give you more info about this magical fabric in a later post.)

From the moment I saw this fabric at Quilt Market in Houston last Fall, I totally fell in love with it! You might remember that in one of our post-market reports we displayed this picture of Jane's booth all dressed up in this fabric and we mentioned that we wanted to find a way of incorporating it into a future design. It was a pleasure to work with. 

But back to our design.  :)
Here's our three inserts operating as separate & beautifully individual entities.You can make just one if you want, or all three.  :)

Here's an overhead shot that shows off the interior features very well. And now that we're done tweeking the design, and since this sample is destined to be our cover bag, we can begin mixing and matching these features in different configurations so that you can appreciate all the versatility this design has to offer.  :)

 Here's a picture of our Basic (mid-sized) Insert with it's Credit Card Caddy. There's room for 6 cards on each side of this Caddy.

The partitioned interior of our Thin Insert are clearly visible in this shot. You can also see the small Credit Card Caddy that is stored in it's very own slot pocket.

And here we have the answer to the question that so many of you have been asking. Is there any room in this new insert to store my iPad, my Nook or my Kindle?

And the answer is a resounding... YES!

As you can see, there's plenty of room to stand an iPad in the space BETWEEN the two linked inserts. My concern about this setup, is that you would have to be very careful to set your bag down gently, so for that reason, I was really happy to see...

that not only did it fit very easily into the elastic pockets, but it did so with room to SPARE! (as long as they aren't separated into two pockets with stitching.


I borrowed this iPad from my neighbor for the afternoon, and she had what looked like a a very safe case to store her iPad in (which is not pictured), so I checked to see if the unit would fit into the pocket while it was in it's case, and you know what? It DID!

And what other zipper could we have chosen that would have looked this good alongside this scrumptious fabric than our "Mondocized" striped zippers, which we will of course be making available as a 4.5" separator when we release this pattern. (Don't worry, I know they aren't everyone's cup of tea, so we'll also be having it manufactured in a solid black as well.)

There are nine different ways you can zip together your Inserts. Here, we have the Basic Insert paired with a Tall Insert.

And in this picture, we have zipped our Thin Insert to the Basic Insert. (This combination boasts FOURTEEN credit card slots.)

We did make a significant design change on the Small Card Caddy. The right-angled corner at the bottom caused the Small Caddy to "ride a little high" in it's Slot Pocket...

So I rounded the corner off. Not only does it fit into the Slot Pocket much better now, but it also has a much more pleasing look now as well.

So there you have it..... 


In our next post I'll have more info about this yummy fabric line by Jane Sassaman.  :) 
But in the mean time....

I'd LOVE to know if you have any thoughts or suggestions?

Please feel free to share them below!

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My Four Biggest Time Wasters

Just ask someone... Do you have time?

And almost to a person, you'll get the same response, and that would be....

NO!

It seems to be the bane of our generation. But do you think it's because our time-management skills are so much worse that those of our parents? Or are there just SO many more ways to be distracted now, than there was even 10 years ago!

This really got to be a problem for me when I first started working from home. All of a sudden I lacked the structure and accountability of working a "9-5" job, and for the first time in my life, I struggled with time management issues.

And then I realized...The problem was NOT that I wasn't working hard. The problem was that I was working exactly the same way I'd been working for 29+ years! Think about it...When I worked for the City I may have officially been called a Laboratory Supervisor, but what I REALLY was, was just a glorified traffic cop. Directing resources, answering calls, questions, complaints, emails, changing schedules, priorities, working at my desk, in the lab, in the stock room, you name it. I constantly jumped from one crises to another, 5 minutes here, 20 minutes there. It was extremely unusual for me to get even 30 minutes of uninterrupted time to work on a specific task in a month, never mind in a week! It may have worked for me then, but it sure wasn't the best way to run a home business! As it turned out....

I was constantly wasting my time without realizing it!

So what was the answer? For me, the answer was in identifying and addressing the areas in which I was wasting my time. And here are MY big 4, (one of which may surprise you).

1) Interruptions- This particular time-waster was such a problem for me, that I actually could have listed it as number 1, 2, 3, AND 4. Probably due to years of conditioning with the City, I found that it was almost  physically impossible for me to ignore an interruption. If the phone rang, I felt compelled to answer it. If I heard an email come in, I might as well go read it, because I lost all of my concentration until I did. So I had to get really tough with myself. Since I am seemingly unable to ignore interruptions, I force myself to actually silence the phones (both the landline AND the mobile line), and exit my web mail for a couple of hours every day. At first, it almost threw me into a panic attack, but now I find myself looking forward to my "un-connected" time. And because I can now allow myself to get thoroughly engrossed in a project, it's amazing how often those 2 hours turns into 3 or 3 1/2 hours instead!

2) Lack of Focus- Me? Lack of Focus? Maybe not in the classic sense, but here's what my version of lack of focus looks like.... I'll be sewing diligently on a project, (during my "unconnected time, of course), and suddenly I'll think of a detail I could add that would be absolutely fabulous, BUT it would require a special piece of hardware to work properly. But where could I find such an item? So I put down my project and RUN over to the computer to begin a search for it. And I don't find exactly what I need, but what I DO find is some incredibly cool looking zipper pulls which would have looked super on the design I was working on last year at this time, and before you know it, it's 4:45pm, I've just wasted 2 hours of my most productive time and it's time to start shutting down for the day. So now, when an idea like this comes to my mind, (and it happens all the time), I add it to one of my lists...of stuff I can research while watching TV later... or stuff I can work on this weekend when this project is done.

3) A Disorganized Workspace- When I retired and started pursuing this business full time, my workspace was located on the landing upstairs, but then as the business grew, we got a new computer and had to locate it downstairs on the main floor. Then, as our inventory started to takeover BOTH upstairs bedrooms, we had to move a great deal of it to the basement. So before I knew it, my business was spread out over 3 different floors and I was spending WAY too much time going back and forth between the three. It was GREAT exercise, but that was all that was great about it! The studio we built in 2009 solved most of these issues and being organized has saved me a LOT of time.... of course I gained SEVEN pounds the first year I was in it, but that's a whole 'nuther' thing!

4) Not Enough Time Off or Time for Myself- Does this surprise you? Well here's what I found out about working from home.... It's ALL TOO EASY to work all the time. And since I genuinely LIKE the work I'm doing, it's way too common for me to work far too long without a change in routine. I have found out since, that I actually get MORE done by keeping regular hours, and by taking regular breaks, ie; doing something completely different. When I step back from my work in this way, it re-energizes me and actually makes me more effective!

So there you have it folks, those are the four big time-wasters that I struggle with. Do any of these surprise or resonate with you? Or maybe you've identified other time-wasters that you are more susceptible to? If so...

Please share them in the space provided for comments below.  :)

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 And as usual, if you've enjoyed this post, we invite you to pass it on to others in any way you see fit.

PPC5- Whistlin' Dixie

(This post is part of a continuing series focusing on the development of a new handbag pattern from its initial conception to it's release.)

It's during the research and development of a new pattern that I sometimes find some of the most interesting purse hardware. For example, the development of the Baggalista pattern not only spawned those wonderful invisible sew-in magnetic snaps, but also our beautiful rectangular buckle & link sets.

So at this point you might we wondering what in the world kind of purse hardware I could have added to the PortaPocketsPlus? Well it just so happens I found an EXTREMELY cool notion that could also be classified as a piece of safety equipment! Isn't that exciting? But let me explain...



I was looking for a cool attachment device to add as a key clasp in the new design and I came across something called a "whistle buckle". Looks like a regular, run-of-the-mill side release buckle, right?  But look closer, at the little protrusion on the side edge of the grey section.

It's actually a functioning "whistle"! And the cool part about that, is that the black section can be sewn into the PortaPocketsPLUS, but the grey section can be added to a key ring and therefore carried with you, so that everywhere you go you have the whistle section, and believe me, it emits a high-pitched sound that will DEFINITELY get some attention! (I didn't see my cats for over 2 hours after I tested it in the house.)  heh heh heh

We'll be offering the whistle buckle as one of two key clasp type choices in our PortaPocketsPLUS Kit. The other alternative will be a more traditional metal key clasp which we'll be showing you in an upcoming post.
In the meantime, I would LOVE to know YOUR thoughts about this product. Please feel free to share your frank and honest opinions in the comments section below.     

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Four Ways to Stay on Top of the Yucky Stuff

As much as I love being in business for myself, and even though I get a kick out of wearing almost ALL of the hats around here, it can sometimes be REALLY tricky wearing all of those hats!

To run my business, I need to obviously be a sewer, a bag designer, and a pattern drafter. But in addition, I also need to be a book keeper, an accountant, a web designer, a writer, a graphic designer, a secretary, a mail clerk and a research analyst, and those are just the hats I wear on a regular basis.

To say some of the hats fit better than others is an understatement. And I can tell you for sure, that I would always choose to be sewing, rather than paying bills, but if I don't put that accounts payable hat on pretty regularly, then it won't be long before my business won't be about sewing anymore.

All this to say... since I can't pass off the jobs I dislike to someone else, it's necessary that I stay on top of EVERYTHING, even the yucky stuff! So without further ado, here's four techniques I use on a regular basis to avoid the pitfalls of procrastination.

1. Make Lists- It's no secret that I'm a huge proponent of a good list. As a matter of fact, the more mundane and unlikeable the task, the MORE it should be on the list. Because after all, I'm not likely to forget to do the things I LIKE to do!

2. Do it First-  I can procrastinate with the best of them, so if I force myself to do the unenjoyable task FIRST, chances are good that I'll knuckle down, focus, and get it done so I can move along to the thing I'd really rather do!

3. Give Yourself an Incentive-  I don't just dislike wearing the house-cleaning hat, I DESPISE it! That's why Thursdays are the ONE day of the week that I allow myself to have a soda with my lunch. And by soda, I mean of course an ice-cold, full strength, fully caffeinated Coca-Cola. Heck, if it's a particularly rough house-cleaning day (like after a house full of company), I may just allow myself the whole enchilada and make a lunchtime run to McDonald's)!

4.  Do it to Music!-  Let's face it, music makes almost everything more enjoyable... even filing, which I can't stand. It's distracting enough to keep my mind off how incredibly boring it is to do filing, but not so distracting that it causes me to stop or slow down, in the way TV would.

So... what about you?

Do you use any of these techniques to keep yourself on task?
Or maybe you utilize a different technique? Either way I'd love for you to share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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PPC5- Build it YOUR way!

(This post is part of a continuing series focusing on the development of a new handbag pattern from its initial conception to it's release.)

So... in our last post in this series, we were relatively happy with our design, but there were still had a few details to tidy up, notably:

• a slightly different placement of the Insert Connector zippers.
• a re-design of the darted area of the Envelope theory.
• adding an elastic stay-strap to the Credit Card Caddy to provide more security for credit cards.
• finding an upgraded, easy to use spring clasp for keys.

So here's our new sample all dressed up in some of Laurel Burch's "Basics" line for Spring (from Clothworks).

As we've already shown you, each of these insert sizes can actually be used very effectively as a separate, stand-alone insert, but what we haven't shown you as of yet....

is that you can combine any two of these inserts and utilize them as a duo if you prefer.

In this picture, we paired a tall insert with our main unit. (This particular combination is what I have been using for weeks now in my Boho Baguette.)

But depending on the bag we're carrying on another day, we may prefer to combine a thin insert with our tall unit like we have in this example.

This overhead view of the tall/thin duo gives us a chance to show off the partitioned interior of the thin insert, a feature I have REALLY enjoyed!

And here's our main insert zipped up with the thin unit, but in a side-by-side configuration, which is perfect for use in totebag.

We also resolved a few troublesome design issues with this sample.

There's more daylight under the zipped connector between these two units now, which facilitated the stitching process some, but there's still some work to be done on the connectors themselves for next time to make the installation process quicker and easier.

This picture also provides a good look at the redesign of the gusseted pockets (on BOTH units), which is an improvement over the last sample, BUT... and this is a big but... the construction process was a NIGHTMARE, so some modifications are in order for next time.

And as promised, I changed the installation of the elastic so that it's no longer extending out into the side seam and I'm now locating the fabulous little spring-loaded clamp for keys in between the pen holders, and which I like a LOT.

And finally, we added fusible interfacing to both Credit Card Caddy's which will improve the durability & functionality of the slots, AND more importantly, we added a wraparound piece of elastic to provide additional credit card security. I LOVE the elastic and it was easy to install.



I still need to improve the inner structure of the Caddy. It feels a little flimsy on each end. 

Here's the smaller Caddy in the Thin Insert. (Same design as it's larger cousin shown above.)

SO..... in conclusion,

let me give you the details about this wonderful fabric, which was provided courtesy of Clothworks.

Except for the pale yellow fabric, which was something I already had, these fabrics are ALL from Laurel Burch's Basics line. I would recommend you first check availability at your local quilt/fabric store.

Basics #90331-1M Stripe
Basics #Y0841-27M Lavender Triangles
Basics #Y0841-40M Coral Triangles

And here's the REALLY BIG news! I decided on a name for this new design at last! Were calling it, the

PortaPocketsPLUS

So there you have it. There's still got a few little modifications to make, but overall I'm pretty happy with the design. So stay tuned my friends, because next up is some simply spectacular fabric from Jane Sassaman.  I know you'll flip when you see it!

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Feel free to share them below!

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February 2012 Handbag of the Month Contest

Our January Handbag of the Month contest was a "Battle of the 2nd's" from 2011 and it was a REAL barnburner! There was an unprecedented number of votes and it was an extremely close race to the end, but our winner was Pat Leask of Munster, Ontario, Canada. She wins a $20 virtual gift certificate and her incredible Baggalista will have a permanent place of honor on our website.

But now, it's time to start a new year of contests, and the lineup we have for you this month is a terrific way to kick it off! And don't forget, if you'd like more info about any particular entry, check out our newsletter (available in our archive on 2/7/12) So...without further delay, here the February entries. When you're ready to vote, click this link, or use the link at the bottom of this post, to be taken to our official voting page!

a graphic Quattro by Laurie Dewey

A Mardi Gras Quattro by Linda Arsement

Gadabout with matching accessories by Delores Kaeser

an Aussie-print Bellagio Bag by Veronica Johnson

a stunning Quattro by Peg Rice of Westport Island, Maine

a tapestry DittyRoo by Mary Jane Hendrickson

a soft, lush DittyRoo by Mary Jane Hendrickson

And last but certainly not least!

a Dr. Seuss inspired Quattro by Christine O'Donnel

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So there you have it...It's gonna be tough, but you can only vote for ONE bag!

Are you ready to cast a vote for YOUR favorite?

Click here to vote.

Do you enjoy our monthly handbag contests?
Please feel free to pass this post on to others at Facebook, Twitter or StumbleUpon,
and if you want to leave a little applause for these ladies in the comments section,
I'm sure it would really make their day!