This bag is inspired by ice heaves I saw on a hike I took over last weekend. I was fascinated with how the ice moved so much with the constant cycle of freezing and thawing we have had this winter.

The ice heaves reminded me of my fashion school days and learning about darts. I wanted to add more volume to my bags and thought “I should try darts”. It took me a while to remember how to do them correctly (I had to look back at my class notes-I’m glad I saved those!) If you look closely you can see some mistakes on my pattern, but I figured it out before I went to leather (phew)!

I really don’t know what inspired this bag. I was sketching a bunch and came up with this idea for making a bag with wool and leather. I patterned the bag and realized it would be too difficult to add the wool, so I changed it a bit and came up with this bag.

This bag is inspired by a picture I took over the summer when I was walking to lunch (see picture below). I’m not sure why it caught my eye, but it did and I knew at some point I would use it as inspiration for a bag.

This bag can hold your credit card, cash, ID, and lip gloss. It’s small and is worn around your arm for on the go.

This bag is inspired by my new Pres-N-Snap tool…I wanted to add snaps to my bag in a different way and came up with this design.

This bag took a bit longer to make than I expected, but I like how it turned out. I would do a couple things differently if I decide to produce this bag. I’m excited to test it out the next time I do errands.

I’m getting better at installing snaps, but still need a bit more finesse to get it just right.

 

This week my bag is inspired by two things. A bull (part of my brand stamp) and…to be honest…my new Pres-N-Snap tool (made in the U.S.A.) I just received in the mail! I am so excited to be able to add snaps to my bags, with the confidence that they will be strong closures! Thanks Pres-N-Snap!

The snap is a bit off center and although it is a mistake, I have to admit…I think I like it! (I will be practicing my snap installation for sure!)

 

Week four=bag four, a bit delayed. This bag is my updated version of the last bag I made- 3/fifty2. I curved the bottom and made it bigger so a cellphone would fit.

It’s really warm and sunny in upstate NY right now, so I was able to get outside for an impromptu photo shoot for the new bag. I’m sad that the leaves aren’t covered in snow!!

This week my bag is inspired by…my sleep. (Truth).

I woke up early one morning with the idea to create this bag. I made some quick notes and sketches…And then I went back to sleep.

Later that day I designed and patterned the bag. I designed a bigger version which I will try out soon, as this version is just a bit too small…it only holds my wallet. I will make it a bit bigger so my cellphone can fit as well.

This bag got to visit a beach in Massachusetts in the winter…notice the ice propping up the bag? It was my bro’s idea! Sand + ice + new bag = photo shoot.

 

 

I made a lot of patterns over this week and finished one bag. Again, it is inspired by the west. And…you guessed it…it has fringe.

I love clutches! This is probably my favorite type of bag to make right now because I think it can have more unique details than the everyday bag. I like adding bigger details to these bags, and this one was no different.

This clutch is all about the fringe, ’bout the fringe. It’s fully lined with my new logo lining fabric…which I love! (Thank you Spoonflower!). It’s the perfect size to hold your cellphone, lip gloss, wallet, and keys. What else do you need on a night out? It has a zip closure on top and LOTS of fringe on the bottom (it’s the clutch version of a mullet…business up top, party on the bottom).

The first bag I made in this challenge is inspired by two things…the wild west and my grandpa.

I am loving fringe right now and I enjoy adding it to my bags in unique ways. This bag is no exception. I added fringe to the straps and also to cover a zipper pocket located on the outside.

I incorporated some old hardware I inherited from my grandpa…I’m always trying to find ways to add this hardware to my bags, and I think this one worked out well!

This bag took about a week to make from start to finish (start being sketching it out and finish being cleaning it up after sewing was complete).

I tried this bag out in Montreal over the weekend and I love the size! It’s perfect for your passport, wallet, winter hat, scarf, gloves, snacks, etc.

There are a few minor things I would change if I decide to produce this bag for sale…mainly adding a zipper closure.