Category: Sewing: Finished Bags &amp; Pouches

August 12 is Sewing Machine Day

Time to celebrate – it is Sewing Machine Day!

Where would we be without sewing machines?! Hand sewing clothing, draperies, tents….Yikes!!

The first functioning sewing machine created an uproar as many new automated machines tend to do. It ” …was invented by the French tailor, Barthelemy Thimonnier, in 1830. Thimonnier’s machine used only one thread and a hooked needle that made the same chain stitch used with embroidery. The inventor was almost killed by an enraged group of French tailors who burnt down his garment factory because they feared unemployment as a result of his new invention.” (Inventors.about.com)

The uproar continued on with patent disputes between Walter Hunt, Elias Howe, and Isaac Singer.

Helen Augusta Blanchard of Portland, Maine (1840-1922) brought us the 1st zig-zag stitch machine in 1873. The zig-zag stitch better seals the edges of a seam, making a garment sturdier. Helen Blanchard also patented 28 other inventions including a hat-sewing machine, surgical needles, and other improvements to sewing machines. (Inventors.about.com)

The invention of the sewing machine triggered the emergence of a new industry

(Photo credit: sciencewriters.ca )

And finally – the electric sewing machine! The first mechanical sewing machines were used in garment factory production lines. It was not until 1889 that a sewing machine for use in the home was designed and marketed. By 1905, the electrically-powered sewing machine was in wide use. (Inventors.about.com)

So there you have it – the abbreviated history of how the sewing machine came to be and make our lives so much easier! Now go give your sewing machine a hug!

August 9, 2014

Diaper Bags

I’ve been busy designing some new items for the sewing shop. Today I am going to show you the newest item – diaper bags.

Airplane Diaper Bag is my newest diaper bag

They are based on my tote bags with a redesign to add a zipper closure, side panels as well as elastic pockets on the outside and the inside. They have the sturdy straps sewn into the bottom and all the way up the sides to make these bags sturdy.

The Airplane bag has faux leather on the bottom and about 2 inches up the sides for easy cleaning for those times that you have to place it on a public floor. A baby wipe cleans it in an instant.

Construction trucks and machine diaper bag. A great bag father and son

Here is a diaper bag that Dad will be happy to carry. This extra large bag features a faux leather bottom, 4 outside pockets and 7 inside elastic pockets.

This bag features the ever popular camouflage. The interior is lime green with lime green and white polka dots pockets. These bags will grow with baby from infancy through toddlerhood.

I also have customers who are using these bags as work and travel bags. The zipper closure, pockets and sturdy design make them a great bag for so many uses.

I have more in production – bags cut out and fabric ready for cutting. So look for more to come 🙂

March 5, 2014

Perfect for Weddings and Proms

I am listing several beautiful satin wristlets on my shop. They are perfect formal accessory for weddings, prom and formal dances, and other formal events. They make carrying your cellphone, keys, money and make up easy. Two difference styles – my smartphone wristlets and a zipper closure clutch style.

Peacock blue satin with silver sparkle trim smartphone wristlet

Peacock blue satin clutch style wristlet with silver sparkle trim

These two wristlets are made from a gorgeous peacock blue satin. The silver sparkly trim is sewn in to the wristlet. The smartphone wristlet is lined with yellow satin to make sliding your cellphone in and out easy. There is a pocket in front for money, id, credit cards and secured with a heavy duty velcro tab. The clutch style wristlet has a zipper opening and a small pocket inside for credit cards. It is fully lined with white and blue stars cotton. Both fit iPhone 5 and other cellphones up to 5.25 inches in length.

Blue lace over satin cellphone clutch style wristlet

These two feature sky blue lace over a sapphire blue satin. The smartphone wristlet has coral satin interior. The clutch style has a white cotton with blue stars lining and a zipper pocket inside. I like doing custom orders if you would like a different color. I am listing the smartphone wristlet this afternoon.

February 26, 2014

Cheetah Tote