To zip or not to zip

It's just so lovely today--high 70s. I am 10 minutes away from the beach --maybe one of these days I can swing by there! Not today though I have some sewing to do.
Ever since I started making purses I had a lot of requests for zipper closure but I couldn't quite figure out how to do it. I mean a recessed zipper closure where the zipper is a couple of inches down not at the very top like my wristlets. The reason I like the recessed is it retains the purse's shape and it doesn't look funny at the top.
A year or so I go I had a request from a friend for a zippered closure tote. It took me forever to figure it out  but unfortunately I didn't make any notes! Fast forward a few months back I was back to square one. There are a lot of tutorials online but it is not what I wanted. To cut the story short I finally figured out and confident enough to add it as a closure option on the site. Yeah baby!Here are some custom ones that I made:

For my niece Kristen who loves animals and hearts.

For my sister-law's mom. I was surprised she likes zebra prints. I do.

 

 

These are custom orders.

 

The stripes one is for my mom and the other one is for me.

 

Close up view.

Have a nice weekend everyone.

Got my Groove Back

Don't forget you have one more day for the giveaway.

I haven't really added a lot of new bags last year but I am on a roll this month. I especially neglected Cheinna which is very popular since it is very versatile. An all around bag that can be used as a diaper bag, shopper tote, knitting bag and a school bag.

These are the ones that I have been working on. I have a couple more in the works.

Here's another view.

Also the Mikha bag needs some more added. This is actually oen of my favorites. I like these size for an evening out.

I finally finished two and will add some more.

Ignore the generic ironing board cover. That's my next project!

Till next time. Have a great weekend.

Wristlets and more wristlets

It always gives me a kick when I see finished orders like these. The Deanna wristlet is very popular as bridesmaids' gifts.

Cute purse print for the lining.

The ever popular Curlz font in lime thread. Fabric is Merry Go Round.

Ta da! Six pretty wristlets all in a row.

Pink Poppies patchwork wristlet.

Lined with one of my favorite fabrics, Fantasia Sherbert.

Aren't they lovely?

Design Your Own Monogrammed Cosmetic Bag Giveaway!!!

Hi everyone. I don't even know what to say--I haven't realized how long it's been since I posted anything. I think this is the longest. I have finished a lot of redecorating though and will share pics with you soon. Anyway, since I have sadly neglected my blog and people really visit it as statistics show (thank you), I am going to redeem myself and do a design your own monogrammed cosmetic bag giveaway or if there's already one made that takes your fancy it's okay too and of course I will monogram it. Check out the cosmetic bags here and the monogram fonts here. You pick any fabric you see on the site or my fabric collection here.

Just go visit my site and tell me which of my designs is your favorite and why. I will run this for a week and I will announce the winner on the 16th in the morning.

Last December I was trying to monogram some gifts and my fairly new embroidery machine kept giving me an error message. It kept telling me to rethread and kept beeping. I did everything--change the bobbin, the needle, another thread to no avail. The beeping noise went on and on. Since I won't get the free one year service till June (which is about now) my hands were tied. I didn't use the embroidery feature until about a few weeks ago out of frustration and necessity and voila! It worked. I don't know what happened but I have been monogramming some stuff for my daughter and I nonstop. I was told it might that particular brand of thread or it was just one of those things! In retrospect I think it might have been the bobbin thread. I was using a not so good brand. So I switched and it might cost more money but worth it. There's so much to learn with embroidery--I guess I will learn as I go along and I have a really helpful forum that I can run to.

I will be back --promise!!

HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY!!!

Hello everybody. Just a quick hello as I am swamped. I am almost done with my Christmas tree (yes I am very very late this year!) and my Christmas shopping is finally over.

If you need a last minute gift the deadline for orders for guaranteed Christmas delivery is on Wednesday the 18th. I am also offering a 10%discount on all purchases just use code babycakes upon checkout.

Okay the fun part. I am giving away this cell phone/gadget pouch called petits fours. Just check out my site here and tell me which one is your favorite or any comment on my stuff (yes just humor me!). I will announce the winner on December 19.

Please claim your prize within 5 days or another drawing will be done. Good luck!

Finally--an embroidery machine!

Hello there. It's been awhile! Well I have finally bought an embroidery machine a, Janome 9500 ( about 2 months ago). I have always wanted one way before I started making purses. Since the closest Janome dealer is 2 hours away I decided to buy it online. I paid it off right away and I am so happy with that. I have been very good with not using my credit cards. My new motto--if you can't afford it, don't buy it!

I was sitting by the kitchen waiting for the UPS guy. I was so excited.

I finally found time to make a purse for me for a change. I haven't had a chance to put this on the site yet.

A gift for one of daughter's friend.

My first online order.

Another gift for a friend of my daughter's.

This one is for one of my retailers.

Another purse for me

These are the fonts available. It took me forever to do this. I have to test drive all of them make sure they stitch out really well. Then I took pictures of most of them and took the backgrounds off. I am quite proud of myself it does look really nice, don't you think so? I am slowly updating my site for monogramming but it such a hassle.

It is so much fun and when I can find time I will embroider some pillows for my daughter and I. Holiday shopping has started on the site so I have to be prepared. I am somewhat nervous and excited at the same time. Have a fabulous day!

Mother and Daughter Handbag Set Featured in Mag!

It is finally here! Our Imelda and Reaganne Handbag Set was featured in Woman's World May 12 issue. I was contacted last March about either the Mother and Daughter Sets or the Michelle Fabric Headbands being featured on their magazine. I didn't know it would be on their Mother's Day Issue.

Since I am on Cloud 9 right now and Mother's Day is coming up I am giving away a matching Michelle headbands, a Deanna wristlet,Yvette Phone/gadget keeper , Maddy cosmetic bag or a Beth fabric belt of your choice. Just leave a comment here and I will draw a winner on Sunday, May 11. I will announce the winner here. Please claim your prize within 3 days.

Have a fabulous Mother's Day everyone! Debbie.

Price not Claimed--Another Itsy Bitsy Pouch Winner Announced!

Well Colleen it's your lucky day, you won an itsy bitsy pouch as our winner hasn't responded within the time allotted. Please claim your price within four days. I can't stay long ladies I just wanted to say hello. Have a productive week.

Meet Yvette--Cell Phone/Gadget Case

My 12-year old daughter had been asking for a pouch to put in her most precious possessions--camera,cell phone and iPod. Even during my craft shows last year people were asking. After numerous drafts and 5-6 sample pouches it is finally ready (well almost as I still have to put them on the site). I love pockets and this is a great add on as well as a decorative element. It can be hooked to a purse strap or through a belt loop.

One of the sample pouches. It was too small for the other gadgets. This one is sized for a Razr.

It was such a beautiful day I had time to catch up on my reading and took pictures.
Presenting----Yvette, named after my sister-in-laws's sister. I am still preparing the images and hopefully be ready on the site by this weekend.

Our Spring freebie is still on. You have till the 15th to leave a comment before the drawing. Check it out here.

Spring Freebie!! Design your own Itsy Bitsy Pouch

I might have signed off a few times last week. I thought the start of Spring is this week and I planned to give one cute as a button itsy bitsy pouch. Anyway we have a cold front today, in the low 50s and in South Florida that is COLD. Most often than not when there's a considerable drop in temperature I get the sniffles. I can't complain, it is beautiful outside and it makes me feel happy to be alive-- until Summer when only the brave would go out in the sun and get fried.

Okay ladies leave a comment until April 15th and I will draw one lucky winner to get one Design Your Own itsy bitsy pouch (Rachel).

You can choose from my fabric collection (I will be adding more) or any fabric you see in my website.

I am off to do more sewing. Have a fabulous day.

Amy Butler Sew Inspiring Contest Entry

This is my entry to the Amy Butler inspired bag. The winner will be chosen the week of March 10. Grand price is a 2,000.00 sewing machine! I was able to finish it (took be about 1 1/2-2 hours) just in time for the February 29th deadline.

For the little princess who likes all the frills the Riyanna Cutie Pie Handbag is a perfect fit! This is one of my favorite prints--perfect for a flower girl! I used sunburst roses for the main print paired with coordinating stripes. Accented with the sweetest double ruffle in pink dotty beans and scalloped edged Swiss embroidery that echo the main print.

Preppy white ribbon closure.

Twirly girly girl ruffles. The double ruffles remind of the fancy smocked/heirloom dresses I used to make for my darling daughter.

I used pink dotty beans for the lining and blue exotic birds fabric for the pocket. This Cutie Pie Handbag has two pockets for her treasures and a pencil slot.

Quilted Handbags

I added some quilted handbags to the site one is a patchwork. I have been meaning to do some quilted items but never got around to it. It can be time consuming but worth it and fun especially patchwork as I get to play with a lot of fabric combination. It is such a pleasure sewing with Magnolia--I hope you don't mind me gushing about her again! I am working on a large wholesale order right now so I can't really add more stuff but I will be adding more as I have new fabrics that came in. Okay I have to get back to work--have a fabulous day.

New convertible wristlet

I have finally finished a couple of my new convertible wristlet, Lisa named after my 2 year old niece. My daughter had been asking for a "hip" wristlet that she can use when she's out shopping. This would be great for moms too especially with a baby and a toddler in tow when doing errands. I will hopefully have them on the site this weekend. I am preparing for a craft show this Friday and Saturday and trying to make more belts and mother and daughter handbags which are very popular.

After drafting a couple of patterns I finally decided on this--even if matching the top seams can be tricky. Knowing myself, if they don't match I will undo and resew it! I have seen some high end bags where seams are so off and it bugs me. I hope you like it.

Wear it three ways--as a wristlet, belt bag and a mini purse! Pretty cool, huh? Okay off to my sewing room. Have a fabulous week!

Christmas in July

I have been checking out my product inventory these past few days. Well I have a lot of Erika wristlets made especially this print Mod Island. I should take another picture as this one doesn't really do the print justice. I decided to give one to the first one who claims it here. Good luck!

Joan-Convertible Messenger Bag

I hope everybody had a wonderful 4th of July. It was such a beautiful day until about 4:30 when it rained cats and dogs. I was so looking forward to grilling some fish and chicken that I have marinated the night before but it wasn't meant to be. We needed the rain though--well I guess I will be grilling for lunch today!

I have a some Joan (a feminine version of my eldest brother's name, Jonathan) messenger bags made a couple of months ago and had put a preview on my site. I did some test drive and had to make some minor changes. There were a couple of inquiries about when they are available for sale and I actually sold two to a very good but impatient customer. I am happy to say I am ready to unveil them this week, pictures are ready and will be adding them before the end of the week. It can be converted into a backpack or a stroller bag and it comes with 3 straps and a matching storage pouch--isn't that great?

I can't stay long I have to make a Genny and Raina set that came in yesterday morning.

All in a Day's Work

I have been one busy bee yesterday. During weekends I don't have a set schedule to sew--it is sporadic to say the least. I have been wanting to add more wristlets since they have been selling really well.

I will work on these later. I need to put the zippers in, do the straps and pockets.

Patiently waiting to be assembled. I love the coffee print which I have been holding on for awhile but I wanted to share it with my customers. I have some in blue and cream and two other different prints. I will probably make a messenger bag.

Tory Wristlets. I love these prints and they are both out of print and hard to find..

Erika wristlets. I will take pictures of the wirstlets outside tomorrow, take the background off then hopefully add it on the site..

Bobbie Medium Handbag which had just been given a makeover--I added a ribbon accent band. See the purse feet? I have decided to make it standard without extra cost plus a hard bottom. All of my bags are heavily interfaced (they can stand on their own) but I don't mind putting in the extra time. I am still waiting for my shipment so I can announce it. That's is why I haven't put the ribbon handbags yet.