"Blushabye Baby!"

Last week was a busy one. We had our daughter, her husband and our 18 month old grandson here for a visit. They left this morning and immediately things were way too quiet, so I decided to make a little noise with my sewing machine and whip up a Hang Up. I was in a wild and crazy mood (yup, this is as crazy as it gets around here), so I rearranged my tote pattern a bit. Let me explain... I've been inspired lately by blogs that focus on quilting. Take a look at this post. ...So now you understand my adoration. Spectacular, aren't they? I could make a list of at least 100 blogs that feature beautiful quilts because I've been admiring them all. All this creativity has begun to wear off on me. Not enough that I would actually start a quilt. I'm much too much of a 3-hour-project-type girl for that, but today I did decide to redesign my tote pattern a bit to pay homage to those quilting ladies that I so admire. This tote is my version of a pieced patchwork!

I decided to use Sandi Henderson's fabric line called, Ginger Blossom, for this creation. This line, designed for Michael Miller fabrics, is a delightful combination of florals, geometric tiles and dots. Predominate colors are clear hues of blush pink, avocado green and Caribbean blue. I chose the "blush pink" hues for this beauty. It lives up to its name. I'm blushing already -- ergo its name "Blushabye Baby!" (Sometimes the names I give my totes even impress me! Geesh -- that's a cute one!) Anyway, I enjoyed making it...

I was happy the way this Hang Up turned out, but making it didn't take away the fact that I miss my grandbaby. I think you'll agree that this ol' tote doesn't even come close to his cuteness. Talk about an adorable blushing baby...

"Springtime in Paris"

Never having been in Paris in the spring, or any other time, I can only assume Paris lives up to its reputation. Someday I'd like to see for myself if Paris is all it's cracked up to be. My suspicion is that it is a sight to behold, but for the time being I'll just have to dream... Ok, I'm back. I was dreaming. This Hang Up can do that to you. You'll take a gander at those little Eiffel Towers and you will be transported to the recesses of your mind. Not such a bad place to be -- on recess, that is -- especially if it's in Paris. Anyway, I thought the name of this tote "Springtime in Paris" was an apt description.

This line of fabric by Paula Prass, called Flights of Fancy, is one of my favorites -- ever. That's quite a compliment. I just love it. Love the feelings it evokes. Love the colors and design combination. And, of course, I love those little Eiffel Towers. Ooh-la-la.

Bits 'n Pieces...

Occasionally I have potential customers contact me wondering if I take "special" orders. Most often they have seen a tote that they would love to have that has been sold, so they contact me to see if I can make another. I usually can't oblige because my totes are generally one-of-a-kind. I usually buy only enough fabric for one tote. I love the idea of selling unique, one-of-a-kind, items. However, last week a blogging friend contacted me. She had bought a tote last December and had given it away, and she wondered if I could make another just like it. Fortunately, this time I did have enough fabric to make another. Thus "Black Out" was fashioned. If you were caught in a real black out with this Hang Up at least you could be consoled by the fabric of this beautiful bag! I love the black and silvery gray fabric found on this tote. It's from the "Bubbles and Blooms Collection" by Beverlyann Stillwell for Lyndhurst Studio -- a division of Northcott Fabrics. This is a beautiful, classic Hang Up. Thank you and enjoy, Ann!

I received a few photos of our other two granddaughters, Avery and Berkley, with their Easter Cupcake Totes. We are fortunate enough to have three granddaughters and three grandsons (and one grandson on the way due the end of July). Yup, we're blessed! Never mind the Cupcakes -- just take a look at these sweethearts...

"First Love"

I went back to my First Love yesterday. No need to get worried. I'm not talking high school romances here. I'm talking totes. These last few weeks I've been baking lots of cupcakes and whipping up travel bags. It felt so good to get back to my first love -- Hang Ups (totes). I have amassed a roomful of Spring and Summer-like fabric for Hang Ups that I'll be making in the next couple of months. It's downright exhilarating to think of all the tantalizing fashions that will be created!

Speaking of creations... here's "First Love." I adore these vibrant, happy fabrics. So feminine and saucy! The three complimentary fabrics used in this tote were designed by Lila Tueller for Moda and are called "Woodland Bloom." Nothing like a little pink to put you in the mood for warm, sun-washed days and flower gardens...

"Little Flirt!," $50

This flirtatious fusion of fabrics is such a winning combination! I love the bright, bold attitude of this Hang Up. Three different fabric sources make up this fresh tote. M. D. Hordyszynski designed Disco Dot for Michael Miller fabrics -- her creation comprises the bottom part of the tote. The small strip of fabric and the lining are from Holly Holderman's line called "StripZ, StripeZ & DotZ, by Lakehouse Dry Goods. Finally the floral print was designed by Yolanda Fundora for Windham Fabrics. I think these three materials compliment each other beautifully!

This Hang Up is fashioned much like the others. It has a large inside two-compartment pocket and 22" reinforced fabric straps. It is fully lined with multiple interfacing and has a fabric-covered removable base for extra support. It measures approximately 14 1/2" x 12". The price includes postage anywhere within the continental U.S. Just send me an email if you are interested. My email address is found on the side bar of my blog.

Sold - "Yowsa!"

I'm in love with an inanimate object. You'll understand why, and you'll fall under its spell when you meet "Yowsa!". I often fall in love with my Hang Ups. It has little to do with me and everything to do with the fabric designers. A few weeks ago I whipped up a tote from Mark Lipinski's collection, Califon. It sold within minutes. Seriously. Yesterday I got in the mood to create another tote using Mark's fabric, but this time I wanted to throw in a little twist, so I headed off to my favorite fabric store in town to try and find a contrasting fabric that wasn't from the Califon line. Have you ever heard of Kaffe Fassett? He designs wonderous fabrics with bold, bright colors! I found the perfect fit in one of Kaffe's creations to extol the audacious designs from the Califon line. Today this Hang Up was fashioned and I named her "Yowsa!" An apt description if you ask me. I used two fabrics from the Califon collection -- one on the bottom of the tote and the other for the lining. Then I used one of Fassett's creations, called Paperweight Cobalt, on the top of the tote. Isn't she a beauty?

"Yowsa" has all the usual features... large inside pocket, fully lined with double interfacing for extra support, fabric-covered removable reinforced base, 22" reinforced fabric straps. This Hang Up measures approximately 14 1/2" x 12". The price includes postage anywhere within the continental U.S. Send me an email (my address is on my sidebar) if you are interested in purchasing this beautiful Hang Up!

Sold - "Drama Queen"

I was in the mood to create a tote this morning and stumbled upon these three fabrics and envisioned "Drama Queen". Generally, when I create a tote I use fabrics from the same fabric collection, but these three fabrics looked promising together, so I decided to try them out. I'm glad I did. The two floral fabrics are from the "Shangri La" collection by 3 Sisters for Moda. These fresh florals are an inspiration -- just lovely! The "Moorish Tile" is from the "Andalucia" collection by Patty Young for Michael Miller Fabrics. "Andalucia" can be bought at Lanie Jane.This is one of the hottest lines of fabric out there right now. I have two more designs from this same collection that I will whip up into a tote in next few weeks, but for now we'll appreciate the beauty of "Drama Queen." I'm pretty sure that you will be treated like royalty when you walk into a room with this little Hang Up on your shoulder!

The "Queen" has all the usual features... large inside pocket, fully lined with double interfacing for extra support, fabric-covered removable reinforced base, 22" reinforced fabric straps. This Hang Up measures approximately 14 1/2" x 12". The price includes postage anywhere within the continental U.S.

Sold - " Ma Petite Beaute' "

"My Little Beauty" (in French "Ma Petite Beaute' ") is the perfect name for this scrumptious Hang Up. There's nothing like Paris in the Springtime, polka dots, and a little damask to put a smile on one's face! I bought this fabric from The Quilted Castle, which is one of my new favorite fabric shops on the web. All three of these fabrics are from Michael Miller Fabrics. Here again is the ultra-feminine color combination of delicious pink and chocolate brown. This little bag could make me spout French poems, if I only knew the language. These wonderful fabrics come from Michael Millers "Eiffel Tower", "Dandy Damask", and "Dumb Dots" lines. Love the playful fabric combinations of this tote!

This 14.5" x 12" Hang Up has all the usual features. Check out my sidebar to find out more information about the construction of my totes and to find out how to purchase one for yourself! The price of $50 includes shipping to the continental U.S. Feel free to send me an email with any questions you may have.

Sold - "Orangeade with a Twist of Lime"

"Orangeade with a Twist of Lime" is a long name for a tote, but when the shoe fits...

These beautiful Erin McMorris fabrics from her Park Slope collection by Freespirit are like a walk through a citrus grove! Playful abstract florals and fresh organic shapes create pure, clean color palettes with eye-popping colors. It's a modern, fresh garden with a retro kick. Love her designs! I chose three complementary fabrics to make this Hang Up. I bought these fabrics at Lanie Jane -- a new fabric source that I have listed on my sidebar. Love their site and they shot this fabric to me in no time!

This creation has all the usual adornments... roomy inside pocket, fully lined with double interfacing for extra support, fabric-covered, removable, reinforced base, 22" reinforced fabric straps. This Hang Up measures approximately 14 1/2" x 12". The cost is $50 which includes free shipping within the continental U.S. Feel free to email me at my email address on my sidebar with any questions you may have or if you are interested in purchasing.

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Sold - "Tanzanite Night"

This Hang Up is the twin sister (though slightly different) to this month's Give-Away Tote! Just in case you don't win the Give-Away, I wanted to give you the opportunity to purchase one of these beautiful totes for yourself! The jewel tones of tanzanites, amethysts, sapphires and onyx are represented in this gorgeous fabric. It reminds me of the colors of a Caribbean ocean right before those vibrant aqua-blue colors fade into an inky black night.

This inspiring batik is a Hoffman Fabrics creation. As I said above, Hoffman produces original screenprints and hand-dyed batiks. Their fabrics are of exceptional quality and have a silky-smooth texture. Yummy. I repeat. Yum. Me.

This bag has all the usual features ... a large inside pocket, fully lined with double interfacing for extra support, fabric-covered, removable, reinforced base, 22" reinforced fabric straps. This Hang Up measures approximately 14 1/2" x 12". The cost is $50 which includes free shipping within the continental U.S. Feel free to email me at my email address on my sidebar with any questions you may have or if you are interested in purchasing.

"Garden Trellis", $50

I made up with my sewing machine today. I had been downright callous toward her over the holidays -- ignoring her completely. Not exactly like a best friend should behave. Today I woke up eager to apologize and reunite myself with my little buddy. Fortunately she doesn't hold a grudge and she acted as if we had never been apart.

I love this appealing floral by designer Pamela Mostek. It's from Clothworks' "Jasmine" line. It's a garden full of color in the middle of Winter! I paired this delightful floral with a black and white material that reminded me of a garden trellis ... thus "Garden Trellis" was born.

This bag has all the usual adornments... large inside pocket, fully lined with double interfacing for extra support, fabric-covered, removable, reinforced base, 22" reinforced fabric straps. This Hang Up measures approximately 14 1/2" x 12". Please feel free to email me at my email address on my sidebar with any questions you may have or if you are interested in purchasing. This Hang Up sells for $50 -- which includes shipping to the continental U.S.

"Chocolatey Swirl", $50

I pretty much ate my way through the holidays. Because of my over-indulgence you would think that I wouldn't be interested in naming a Hang Up after food. Wrong. No matter what, I always have room for chocolate. I'm hoping you are in the mood for a little "Chocolatey Swirl" too! I teamed this posh chocolatey, metallic swirl fabric with a beautiful, earthy batik to make this Hang Up. Unfortunately, I can't capture the metallic gold found in the swirl fabric in a photograph. Frustrating, but trust me that touch of gold metallic is there and it makes this fabric so beautiful and sassy!

This Hang Up has all the usual features. Feel free to check the sidebar to find out what those "features" are and to know how my totes are constructed. If you are interested in buying one of my products or if you have a question, feel free to email me. My email address is on the sidebar. This tote is approximately 14 1/2" x 12". The purchase price of $50 includes shipping to the continental U.S.

Sold - "Sweet Harmony"

This beautiful brown and pink scrollwork fabric caught my eye the other day as I browsed the supply of fabric at a local store. I immediately fell in love. There is something about the color combination of brown and pink that speaks to my heart. I love pairing traditional prints, like the scrolled fabric on the bottom of this tote, with contemporary fabrics, like this fabulously sophisticated print on the top. This floral print with it's cool urban attitude and palette are from the "City Girl" Line by Kitty Yoshida. Putting the traditional print with this dynamic "City Girl" print makes for a delightful creation! Yup, "Sweet Harmony" is the right name for this one!

This Hang Up has all the usual features. Check out my sidebar to see how my totes are constructed and feel free to send me an email - address on sidebar - if you have questions or would like to purchase. The cost of the totes includes postage within the continental U.S.

Sold - "Cyan Pepper"

This bag is such a hot little number. It was in need of a hot little name! "Cyan Pepper" fit the bill. These beautifully vibrant, complimenting fabrics are from the "Califon" collection by Mark Lipinski for Northcott Fabrics. I've been hoarding this fabric and waiting for just the right moment to bring it forth. If you need a little pizzazz to brighten up your dreary winter, this Hang Up might be just the ticket!

This bag has all the usual adornments... large inside pocket, fully lined with double interfacing for extra support, fabric-covered, removable, reinforced base, 22" reinforced fabric straps. This Hang Up measures approximately 14 1/2" x 12". Please feel free to email me at my email address on my sidebar with any questions you may have or if you are interested in purchasing. This Hang Up sells for $50 -- which includes shipping to the continental U.S.

"Winter Jewel" - $50

Don't you love jewel-toned colors? I do too -- especially in the Winter! I love the rich ruby reds, emerald greens, topaz blues and citrine golds against the onyx background in this opulent fabric. This fabric comes from Kings Road Fabrics and was created for their "Inspired" line. I'd say it comes by its name naturally!

This "Inspired" fabric is the second textile that I bought to compliment the luscious gold material from the "Full Sun" line by Willow Berry Lane and Maywood Studio. (see below) It's fun to see how different two bags can be when one fabric is complimented by two different textiles. I love making comparisons like this!

This tote has all the usual bells and whistles. Check out my sidebar to see how my totes are constructed and feel free to email me with any questions you may have or if you have the desire to purchase one of my Hang Ups!

"Golden Glow" - $50

I had a difficult time naming this tote. I'm not sure there are words admirable enough to describe it. It's a beauty! This luscious gold fabric is from the "Full Sun" line by Willow Berry Lane and Maywood Studio. I fell in love with this fabric when I saw it, and I was able to find two coordinating fabrics that are exceptional with it! The first of these fabrics is this vibrant floral from the "Floral Master" line at Springs Creative Products Group. Absolutely delectable!

This tote has all the usual features, except this one has a fabric strap. Sometimes I can't find matching canvas for the tote straps. When that happens I make the straps out of fabric. Either way, it makes for a beautiful and durable tote! Please check out my sidebar to find out how my totes are constructed. The $50 price tag includes shipping to the continental U.S. Just send me an email (address on sidebar) if you're interested in purchasing this beautiful Hang Up!

Sold - "Winterlude"

Luscious! Simply luscious! Love the rich, dark fabric in this beautiful wintery Hang Up! This 14.5" x 12" Hang Up has all the usual amenities. Check out my sidebar to find out more information about the construction of my totes and to find out how to purchase one for yourself! The price of $45 includes shipping to the continental U.S. Feel free to send me an email with any questions you may have.

"Sizzlin'" - $50

I love this "Sizzlin" hot fabric from the Fresh Air collection by Chez Moi from Moda fabrics. So beautiful, vivacious, and hot! This Hang Up measures approximately 14 1/2" x 12". It has a large inside pocket and, like all my totes, is fully lined with double interfacing for extra support. Please feel free to email me at my email address on my sidebar with any questions you may have. This Hang Up sells for $50 -- which includes shipping to the continental U.S. Check out my sidebar to find out how my totes are constructed and how you can purchase one for yourself.

Sold - "Black Out"

If you were caught in a real black out with this beautiful Hang Up at least you could be consoled that you were "stylin'!" I love the black and silvery gray fabric from the Bubbles and Blooms Collection by Beverly Stillwell. I think this is a beautiful, classic Hang Up. This tote has all the bells and whistles. It measures approximately 14 1/2" x 12". It has a large inside pocket and, like all my totes, is fully lined with double interfacing for extra support. Please feel free to email me at my email address on my sidebar with any questions you may have. This Hang Up sells for $45 -- which includes shipping to the continental U.S. Check out my sidebar to find out how my totes are constructed and how you can purchase one for yourself.

Sold - "Sweet Treat"

"Sweet Treat" features three different complimentary fabrics from the Daisy Chain Collection by Amy Butler for Rowan Fabrics. Love this bright, vivacious print. This Hang Up will brighten up any gloomy winter day!

This 14.5" x 12" Hang Up has all the usual features. Check out my sidebar to find out more information about the construction of my totes and to find out how to purchase one for yourself! The price of $45 includes shipping to the continental U.S. Feel free to send me an email with any questions you may have.