A Bag for Gwyneth

My great niece, Gwyneth, is expected to make her debut in this world anytime now. She is the first girl baby in the family in quite sometime so I wanted to make a special, one-of-a-kind bag for her. She has a big brother who also received a OOAK bag when he was born. It's so special to sew for these sweet babies in our family.

It was fun creating a bag with no particular idea in mind when I started. I knew I wanted to do a pink & brown combination, but wanted it to be fresh and updated. I had several fabrics laying on my work table; just to see what spoke to me. . . another instance of serendipity. It was nice to see how fabrics from Anna Griffin, Patty Young & Amy Butler coordinate perfectly!

The interior has a total of 5 pockets; three on one side and 2 larger ones on the opposite side.

So, the bag is finished and in the mail. Now we are just waiting on Gwyneth's arrival. :)

The New-ness of Bags

The past 6 weeks have been pretty busy around these parts. Between big custom orders {HUGE thank you to those clients!} and when real life happens, I haven't had much time to work on new bags for the shop. I have to say I've enjoyed sewing this week. The house has been quiet and I've been able to spend time in my sewing studio CREATING!

Here are 2 of the new bags; just listed in the shop. Click on each picture to go directly to the listing.

Watercolor hues from the Charisma Collection by Chez Moi for Moda
paired with classic Seed Dots by Amy Butler

Yin & Yang . . . classic black paired with funky retro dots in chic pink & green


More new bags are on the way as well as accessories with new fabrics. I just need to make some time to take pictures of the new goodies. So, in the mean time, enjoy these new bags and keep checking the shop to see what's new. I'm gearing up for the holidays. Christmas is a little more than 2 months away, so it's time to shop now. I know the economy is "interesting" right now, :-) but you can still give beautiful handmade gifts for less than $10. Consider Sew Gracious Wristlet Key Fobs, Mini Wallets, Tissue Cases or Clutch Wallets for the special people on your gift list this holiday season!

Halloween . Halloween . Halloween

Halloween times 3!

More new Halloween bags; just added to the shop today!

Another variation with the classic Retro Kids Trick or Treat fabric by Alexander Henry.
This one is OOAK . one-of-a-kind

The newest addition to the Halloween Trick or Treat Candy Tote series
Perfect for your Miss Mouse or for your vacation to the Magic Kingdom!

Classic Polka Dots in fun Halloween Colors!

All of these and more are available in the Sew Gracious Etsy Shop!

Happy Halloween Shopping!

Ho Ho Ho : Leopard Santa Bag

You know him!
You love him!

LEOPARD SANTA IS BACK!

The first Sew Gracious Christmas Bag for 2008 features the ever-popular Ho Ho Ho Leopard Santa fabric. A customer favorite for a many years ~ Some classics never go out of style! This one-of-a-kind bag features machine embroidery for a custom boutique look. Ho Ho Ho is stitched with Christmas Red thread in the girly Curlz font! There is just enough leopard print fabric to make a statement without being too over the top. See all of the pictures in my Etsy Shop! Click here or click to pic to get this one today.

This cute Wristlet Key Fob is the perfect match for your new Ho Ho Ho bag, but it's not just for Christmas! Carry this one year round! Click here or click to pic to get this one today.

Shades of A U T U M N : New Bag Too

As promised, another addition to the Sew Gracious Shades of Autumn series! A great combination of colors & fabrics make this one-of-a-kind bag special. Amy Butler Dots paired with kitschy, vintage circles & dots finished off with multi-color polka dots on the bottom. Even the pockets inside are pretty!

Click here or click the pic to go to the listing. Be sure to check out those pockets! ;-)

The matching key fob is also available.

If you order it with your bag, just type BLOG READER in your comments when checking out to receive FREE SHIPPING on the key fob.

BOO!!! [Halloween Bag]

Did I scare you! ;-)

It's hard to believe, but fall is just around the corner. This is the last week of July and that means Halloween is just a couple of months away. Why wait? Pick up this fun one-of-a-kind Halloween bag now. It's the latest in the Sew Gracious Shades of Autumn series.

Made with the cutest retro print Halloween fabric by Alexander Henry. Vintage style graphics: cute kids, pumpkins & classic costumes. Amy Butler Full Moon Dots are the perfect accent! Black canvas is the perfect sturdy, yet stylish finish.

Click here or click to pic to scare up a new bag for YOU today!

Blog Reader WEEKEND SPECIAL

I'm still excited about the successful giveaway which ended earlier this week. I know lots of you are reading my blog so I wanted to offer a Second Chance of sorts. This one is not a giveaway, but it's almost as good! ;-)

For this weekend only
any blog reader can purchase any of these bags for 25% off.
That's a HUGE discount!
Each bag is regularly $38.00.
With the discount, you pay only $28.50.

Here's your chance to save. I know you've had your eye on some of these bags for a while now & the price will never be lower. These are all one-of-a-kind bags & will not be duplicated. You can pick up one (or more) for yourself or save them for Christmas gifts. (No wet noodles, please. It will be here before we know it! LOL)

There are no strings attached. You don't have to leave a comment, [but I'd love it if you do]. Just click on the pictures below to go to each listing, or go to my Etsy shop. Purchase the bag and check out as your normally would; making your payment via Paypal. I will refund the 25% to your Paypal account and ship your bag on Monday. Just put BLOG READER in your notes to seller at checkout.

Easy-Peasy, right? :)





The fine print and other stuff you need to know:

• 25% Discount offer applies to the 3 bags shown above only; making the sale price $28.50 each
• Standard Priority Mail Shipping Rate applies : $6.00
• Combined shipping is available on multiple bag purchases or if you purchase a bag & accessories
• Orders must be received by 11:59pm Sunday night, July 14, 2008
• Shipping to US addresses only

Gracious GIVEAWAY : Win a Free Bag!

• Feeling squeezed at the gas pump, grocery store . . . everywhere?
• Has your economic stimulus check already come & gone?
• Do you wish you can treat yourself to something special; just for YOU?

Now you can!
Win this beautiful Sew Gracious Bag!

Want to know how you can win?
It's simple!


To be entered to win this beautiful, one-of-a-kind Sew Gracious Bag:

1. Go to the Sew Gracious Etsy Shop and look around
2. Come back here & leave a comment; telling me your favorite item(s) from the shop
3. Be sure to leave your blog or email addy in your post so that I may contact you if you win
4. * If you post about my giveaway on YOUR blog, that would be greatly appreciated! It could just bring you a little bonus if you are the winner (hint! hint!)

The fine print & important stuff you need to know:

• A winner will be chosen randomly on July 10, 2008
• Comments must be posted by 11:59 pm, CDT on Wednesday July 9 to be entered in the giveaway
• This giveaway is open only to residents of the US
• Please be sure to post your email address or blog address in your comment so that I can contact you if you win! :-)

* * * * * * * * * WINNER ANNOUNCED : JULY 10, 2008 * * * * * * * * * * *
Thanks so much for all of the wonderful comments. The giveaway winner has been announced here and no other entries can be made.

NEW bags : More Linen . Patchwork & Amy Butler

What a busy week!!! There will be lots of Happy Mom's this Mother's Day! Most of the last batch of bags has sold! Thank you so much!!!

More new OOAK {one of a kind} bags debuted today in my Etsy shop . . .


Gothic Rose is one of the most popular fabrics from Amy Butler's Belle Collection. It pairs perfect with Pink Coriander from the same collection. I accented with Full Moon dots. More pics of this beautiful OOAK [one of kind bag] can be found in the Etsy listing or click the pic.


L I N E N! We love linen!!! This is the newest linen patchwork bag. I added some rickrack this time for a charming, shabby chic-flea market touch. Be sure to check out the listing for this bag to see what I did on the back!

Cute : fun : whimsical!

Amy Butler fabric + Linen = Happy Mothers Day

Your Mom called . . .

and said she would L O V E to have one of these beautiful new Sew Gracious Bags for Mother's Day! She said your thoughtfulness would make her so happy. You know what they say : "If Momma ain't happy; ain't nobody happy"

This Mother's Day, have a happy Mom and a happy house! Treat your Mother to something special : a One of A Kind, Original Sew Gracious Bag! :-)

All bags are ready to ship now, via US Priority Mail. There's plenty of time for Mother's Day delivery. Click here to see all the bags in my Etsy shop (there are more than you see here) or click the pics below to go to the individual listing.

Happy Shopping = Happy M O M !

These beautiful new OOAK [one of a kind bags] feature fabrics from some of my favorite designers : Amy Butler, Sandi Henderson (Ginger Blossom for Michael Miller), Heather Bailey and L I N E N !

This Time; It's Personal

Many people may think that because I make bags, I have a closet-full. Not so.

I get a new bag when I decide to keep one that didn't turn out quite right {an "oops" bag} or one, that for some incredibly strange reason, hasn't sold! ;-)

Today was different. We are getting ready to head out on Spring Break {WOO HOOO} and I desperately needed a new bag. My current bag was an old oops bag that I carried last winter and I was tired of it. It wasn't very beach-y . . at all. So, I decided to make a bag just for me; something I would buy if I were looking at websites or Etsy shops.

Here's what I came up with. My new favorite, natural linen, paired with a patchwork of some of my favorite fabrics; topped off with a band of brand new Amy Butler Midwest Modern pink floral. I've shown pics of both sides because they are different.

I'd love to have your comments on this bag. I'm going to set up a poll on the blog too. Please vote and let me know if you want more linen bags. I would love to make more if you like them.

More about spring break soon. ;-)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And a note about Idol Gives Back:

• Biggest Surprise of the Night : HEART! Love ya, Ann & Nancy! I just hated that Ann apparently can't hit those high notes anymore; but Fergie did a great job
• Most Impressive Move of the Night : 2 one-handed front walkovers by Fergie! WOW
• GOING HOME TONIGHT: Syesha although Carly is low in the polls
  
  

More Amy Butler . More Linen .

Lovin' the linen!

Linen . . .what a nice compliment to these pretty pink dahlias from Amy Butler's new Midwest Modern Collection! I LOVE . LOVE . LOVE this new bag! The top band is a coordinating pink & gray dot, also from Midwest Modern.

You can have this brand new OOAK bag all to yourself (or give it to your Mom) by clicking here or clicking the pic.

Linen & Patchwork : Amy Butler, Heather Bailey & more

It's a hard combination to beat . . . linen, patchwork, Amy Butler, Heather Bailey, Anna Griffin Nice! :-)

This is my newest bag, now available in my Etsy shop. I used some of of my favorite fabrics from some of my favorite designers. Damask, Dots, Florals paired up for a fun casual, yet elegant bag. Wouldn't your Mom love this for Mother's Day? She would think you are the cat's meow! ;-)

Click the here or click the pics to go to the listing. Grab this one soon, if you love it or I may decide to keep it myself! ;-)




And, a note about American Idol . . . Farewell, Ramiele.

And the Award Goes To . . .

My bag won the bag category of the Journal Modiste Modie Awards! Thank you to everyone who took time to vote for my bag. What a great way to start the day!

I hate to sound cheesy, but it truly is an honor to win. The other 2 finalists, Mary of Sweet Pea Totes and Kristen of Gock's Frocks, both entered outstanding bags. Talk about some stiff competition . . . each of these ladies are talented, successful, creative designers. :-) To be among them was certainly an honor.

A big thank you to Amy at Journal Modiste for hosting the awards again this year. For many years now, Amy's website has promoted handmade items. JM continues to be a wonderful resource and positive place for buyers & sellers of handmade accessories & clothing. Keep up the great work, Amy!

Thanks for letting me toot that horn one last time. :-)

Etsy Additions : Amy Butler & more

This pretty handbag is made with Amy Butler fabric : Full Moon Dots, Gothic Rose & Pink Coriander! What a beautiful combination! If you simply must have this OOAK (one of a kind) bag, click the pic or click here to get it in my Etsy shop! Perfect for spring, summer and MOTHER'S DAY! :-)



So maybe pink is not your thing. That's OK. How about rich chocolate brown with cool spa blue? NICE! This lovely OOAK bag is made with fabric from Joel Dewberry & Anna Griffin . . . a perfect pair! Click the pic or click here to buy this bag for yourself . . . or your mom!

And a word about American Idol . . . farewell to Chikeze! :-)

Sneaky Peaky : Amy Butler fabric

Don't you love to know about something before anyone else does? I know you love a bargain! ;-) How great do you feel when you find the ultimate bargain? Makes you feel special, doesn't it? :-) Everyone loves to be the first to know!

Well, here's the scoop . . .

I will be listing these 2 bags on Etsy soon (in separate listings). I can't tell you when...that's part of the fun. You can buy either of these bags now, before I list and SAVE!!! One (or two) lucky blog readers have the chance to buy either of these bags for $40. That price includes Priority Mail shipping with delivery confirmation. Both bags are ready to ship, too.

• Don't know what to get your Mom for Mother's Day?
• Need a gift for your best friend's birthday?
• Is your child's teacher THE BEST?
• Are you tired of cold weather and need a pick-me-up for YOURSELF?

I have the perfect solution...actually 2 of them! This offer is good until the bags are listed on Etsy. Once they are listed this ultimate bargain offer is over. So, don't wait. EMAIL ME NOW and I will send you a Paypal invoice. :-) Just let me know which bag you like.

You know what they say about the early bird . . . . .

Playing Catch

Playing Catch-UP, that is! :-)

I always try to share pics of my latest bags here on my blog. Today is the day for some SERIOUS catching up. If you haven't visited my Etsy shop lately, you may not have seen this pretty new bags yet.

ELEGANT is the new Black!

I love this combination of fabrics from Anna Griffin. What's more classic than damask & toile done in black & white? A bonus matching tissue cover comes along with this bag. Click the pic or click here to get it in my Etsy shop!

Pink & Green Chic

This one has a shabby chic flavor with the combination of colors & patterns. I LOVE this new pink damask from Anna Griffin. It pairs beautiful with dots from Amy Butler & Heather Bailey. Matching accessories (tissue cover & mini wallet) are also available in my Etsy shop! ;-) Click the pic or click here to treat yourself to this awesome OOAK bag!

Cocoa Blue

Another OOAK bag, feature fabrics from Amy Butler & Anna Griffin. The combination of the watery, spa blues with cocoa brown, makes this a great bag for year round. The damask and the scroll fabric create a cool elegance with a chic touch. Click the pic or click here for more.

More Amy-ness
It's hard to beat pink & green together; especially when it's all from the Nigella Collection by Amy Butler. If you're not familar with Nigella, this fabric is a little bit heavier weight than standard quilting cotton. It has a twill texture and makes the perfect bag. This one is also OOAK (one of a kind).


All of these beautiful bags are OOAK, one of a kind, and are ready to ship.
You could have one in time for Easter
if you're in a shopping mood today.

It's an Honor . . . . Toot Toot

Truly...it is an honor just to be nominated.
I'm gonna toot my own horn for a moment! ;-)

I am a finalist in the Favorite Tote/Purse division of the
2nd Annual Modie Awards at Journal Modiste!

WOW! I'm so flattered! :-) I submitted this bag made from a collection of Amy Butler fabrics for the contest. Journal Modiste members voted to narrow down the choices to the top 3. I am one of those 3! :-)

Now you can vote too by clicking here! If you would like to vote for my bag, simply follow the instructions at JM. You will enter your email address in the appropriate box. Then you will receive an email from JM in order to complete & confirm you vote. The voting ends March 21, so there are just a few more days to vote. :-)

Horn tooting officially finished. ;-)

Perfectly Pink & Green Preppy

Pink & Green! If you love pink & green, Lilly P, all things posh & preppy . . . I've got a bag for you! :-)

My newest Etsy listing is a combination of pink & green floral piques with some polka dots thrown in for fun! A matching tissue case is also included! If you're preppy, you love to match!

Click the pic or click here to get this OOAK (one of a kind) bag all for yourself!

More NEW goodies are on the way in my Etsy shop. Stop by, heart me and keeping checking in. :-)

And a note on American Idol . . . 3 out of 4 of my picks did go home last night. I was surprised that Chikeze stayed and Diva Daniel went home!

Palm Beach, Baby . . . & Idol Thoughts

Even if you're not going to Palm Beach, you can still be stylish with this uber chic bag!

Inspired by Lilly Putlizer colors & patterns, this pretty patchwork print pique makes this bag unique. I paired the pique with sea blue deco weight fabric. Sweet! Just for the disclaimer...this is not Lilly P fabric; just a more affordable alternative. ;-)

Get it now and be ready for your spring break vacation, beach trip in summer or just to get out of that "is it spring yet" funk.

Click the pic or click here to grab this OOAK bag!

If you like matchy-matchy, pick up the tissue cover here.

Now...on to American Idol. I have to say that last night the girls were "forgettable" to use one of Simon's favorite terms. Carly was the ONLY one who picked the right song for her voice and did a great job on it. If you can sing Heart well, you can sing, girl! I was shocked that the judges didn't give her more. Maybe because she was the first one to sing....I don't know.

Amanda's version of Carry On My Wayward Son bordered on frightening. She missed the boat by NOT doing a Grace Slick song. She had the look and she has the voice. Why do a Kansas song?

Although only 2 girls will go home tonight Kady, Kristy Lee and Alaina all NEED to head on back to the house. ;-) Hopefully next week's genre will be better. I'm hoping for some 80s music! ;-)