Man Bag

Mike carries a lot back and forth to work each day. Cables, computer parts, a laptop, gym clothes and the always accumulated garbage. His backpacks get a lot of use and it was obvious he needed a new one when his current backpack was looking quite sorry with rips and coffee stains.

I have for some time been dreaming of making a backpack and this summer was the perfect time to do that. Of course I have a few admires in the business, one being a local artist named Garrett Kautz of Strawfoot. Garrett makes awesome bags and backpacks and I often joke that I wish he was hiring. He is a huge inspiration of mine and was while making Mike's backpack.

The backpack came together well with little complications. It's been in use for two months and holding up! Soon I would like to make another using different colored fabric and leather.  

Zip it

I have finally come up with a zipper design that I am happy with! This zipper has taken some time, but I was put to the challenge after an Etsy customer asked if he could get a specific bag with a zipper, so he kindly gave me a month to do it. I am super happy with the way this bag came together that I now look forward to incorporating more zippers into my bags! Here are a few pictures of the process.

A New Season!

Wow! It's been months.... a full and fun summer sucked the life away from the sewing machine. Having the kids home day after day, and short trips away from home left little time to sew. One thing I did continue to do during summer was visit fabric shops during my travels! One happen to be in Chicago and was huge, oh how I wish it was just down the street, this way I could visit it everyday! So here I am, It's October, I have a pile of fabric, some new ideas, Halloween costumes to make and I am excited to get busy again. 

While visiting family I often walk Contra Loma Regional Park