I have been busy uploading sample bag images into our blog’s “Gallery”. There are about 20 bags on two pages, with more to come! To open the Gallery and view images, please click on the Gallery Link … it is small and hiding on the left side under “Pages”. Above is a sample of one of the many “Wood Bagettes” shown within the Gallery. Since we are on the subject, I should explain that The Wood Bagette is rather new. It starts as a wood blank ready for embellishment. I have painted the interior lime green and the sides turquoise before using spray adhesive to cover in a favorite fabric. I fussy cut a few motifs from the fabric, and used them as decoration for the interior. A cutting pattern for the exterior fabric, instructions, and hardware necessary to attach a ribbon handle are included in the kit as well. I have yet to make a ‘theme’ bagette, but it is rolling around in my mind.. and I am collecting fun little tidbits to give it a collage look!

-ellen

I have a weakness for beautiful old postcards, and have a collection for every holiday-

Here is my favorite today- Happy Easter!

-ellen

http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml?id=3942008n

Wanted to share this link to today’s CBS “Sunday Morning” segment on the 4 Billion dollar strong quilting business! I found the piece fascinating, and thought it really captured the feel of the whole International Quilt Festival in Houston. There is a bio on quilter Ricky Tims as well you will enjoy. If you attended, be sure to look closely for yourself, and please leave your thoughts!

~ellen

Very excited to see my handbag/tote patterns mentioned in a group of favorites in Quilter’s Buzz by Debbie Outlaw, pattern buyer for Moda/United Notions! The article by Gina Halladay is a good insight into Deb’s job, and the trends she sees developing in the world of quilting. You can use the link here to access Gina’s amazing blog. There are so many interesting postings there, it is hard not to spend more than a little time wandering around! Thanks for “the Buzz”, Deb and Gina!

~ellen

The New Preppy Mini-Tote Set with Black Handles!

Just wanted to share the latest… a new Preppy Mini-Tote Set is in the works! This variation will feature BLACK wood handles! I have had more fun playing with fabric around here to find my favorite pairings to show them off on the pattern cover. I hope you like the fabrics by Jane Sassaman that I choose. I have long been in awe of her use of color, and it seemed to really pop! For the bit of coordinating ornament, I combined a few findings from my unorganized but vast collection of “little stuff”! The result is a flower made from the back of a felt scrapbook piece, and two buttons. This was then glued directly to the wood of the handle. The Black Handle Set joins the other 2 set options.. Light Oak, and Walnut. Keep in mind, extra handles are available for all sets.

~ellen

Welcome, and thanks for stopping by for a moment! I am thrilled to be able to now add a “voice” to my website via the Blog! What a fun resource for sharing! I am so happy to have a way to showcase new products from the studio immediately before they are incorporated into the main website. With the addition soon of a Gallery link, I will be able to present my sample bag images too. If it is not present on the left, please check back in a day or two, for a bit of inspiration hopefully. Many of the Gallery bags were on display in my International Quilt Market/Festival Booth in Houston last fall. While there, I had the proverbial light bulb moment and realized the need to share these with sewing friends who could not stop by in person! Soooo… please view my blog as a kind of “Virtual Booth” where we can share ideas, news, and indulge our collective interest in unlimited handbag creativity!

~ ellen