Thank You!

Well we are one week away from our anniversary party (9 days away from our actual anniversary). I am so humbled and honoured by support I've received and I can't wait to show you my new dress. You are going to have to wait until after the party. I do like to keep secrets. In the meantime, here's a couple of pictures of bags purchased from my blog sale in action. Thanks Charis and Donna!

"It fits a Mac Book Pro"

 Charis wrote me this note: "I love my teardrop bag! It's just the perfect size to stash stuff for the kids when we are at the park or splash pad.  Todays contents: snacks, water, sunscreen and bug repellant, diapers, wipes, nursing wrap... Plus more! Since I don't currently use a cell phone, the little cell-pouch holds my roll of diaper-disposal bags! Love it"

Many of you shared the link to my sale on Facebook etc, and that meant just as much to me as a purchase, so thank you. I have lots of details to wrap up in a week and we have family coming from out of town, so I probably won't be posting until after the party. I can't wait to show you what I've been so busy doing! 

Slashed Prices!

Have you visited the blog sale? Well, today I've slashed the prices. Go check it out!

I Made Something NEW!

I've finally finished a project that's been on my cutting table for months. David bought me the fabric for it for Mother's Day and I've had the pattern even longer. Thankfully, summer has meant that I get to have sewing time and I've been thoroughly enjoying it!

The pattern is The Iris Convertible Shoulder Bag by Canadian Designer, Celine of Blue Calla. I saw the pattern featured in the I Think Sew newsletter and knew I wanted to give it a try as soon as I did. I admit that it helped that it came from a Canadian designer, I love to support my countrymen.

I began making this bag in a different fabric that David had helped me choose, but the slippery nature of it and the straight stripes that refused to stay straight caused me to change my mind. Believe it or not, I found this fabric at Walmart in their pre-cut fabrics. It's a canvas weight and I'm really happy with the result.

The front pocket has a pretty little surprise under the pocket flap. The lace and vinyl trim is something only I will see, but it's a feature that I really like. It closes with a magnetic clasp and keeps my small items secure.

The vinyl was a challenging and fun new experience for me. Every needle hole shows and so you can't pin it or stitch rip and re-do. It's get it right the first time or you really notice! I'm really pleased with it. I took it really slow and payed very close attention to lining things up. It's recommended that you use a walking foot and I don't have one, so I had to trouble shoot certain steps. 

I lined the bag with a bold pink broadcloth. I like light coloured lining so that I can see into every corner with a glance and I like a pop and surprise of colour in every bag. The bag has a divided slip pocket and a zipper pocket in the lining. It's a very functional bag.

David found me this great rainbow zipper and I knew that I wanted to use it in the purse. It makes me smile every time I see it.

There are tabs on the side where I can attach a shoulder strap later, should I choose to do so. I'm not usually a fan of cross shoulder straps, so I may not do it, but you can't add those tabs later and I now have the option. 

PS I ordered my party dress and it's on its way! Thank you for all your support in my blog sale. I've left the blog sale post below and will keep it there for the time being. You're welcome to peruse and shop. I won't be showing you my dress until after the party, but I am pretty excited to have something pretty to wear.

Welcome to the Mama~Needs~a~New~Party~Dress Blog Sale!

Hi everyone. Welcome. I am nervous. I am putting myself out there and it feels vulnerable. As you know, my David and I are celebrating our 10th anniversary this summer and I "need" a new dress. Read:I wanna look hot for my man in a new dress! I thought I would give a blog sale a go in efforts to raise some money for the dress.

I have bags. I have lots of bags. My favourite thing to sew is bags and how many bags does one person need? I have 17 bags below for sale. They are all handmade by me, they are all used (some more than others) and they all favourites for one reason or another.

Pricing was difficult. David feels like I've underpriced them and I had a difficult time coming up with these prices. Things to consider were time, supplies, quality and the fact they are used (again, some more than others). Having said all that, if you are shopping and think "man, she's outta her mind!", please don't leave nasty comments, just don't buy anything. Deal?

How the sale works: Each item is first come first serve. Leave a comment or send me an email (mrsgingras at gmail dot com) with what item/items you'd like to purchase and I will either send you a paypal invoice or, if you are local, you can pay me cash in person. If you are not local shipping will be added on and I can give you an estimate for which items you are interested in. All items are made in a smoke/pet free home and, if washed, in scent free detergents. Feel free to ask any questions you might have and I will answer as soon as possible. BONUS: the first 7 customers will receive a free key fob!

Click on any picture for it to enlarge.

Coming THIS WEEK!

I just wanted to give you a quick "heads-up" that I will be having a blog sale this Thursday. I will be posting handmade items for sale as a mini fundraiser ~ Mama needs a new party dress sale! I hope you'll drop in and shop. See you Thursday 8:00 AM CST. First come, first serve.